How to Make the Perfect Steamed Broccoli Fingers
American · Easy · 13 min · 4 servings
Steamed broccoli florets with long stems are a classic kid friendly recipe for baby led weaning that introduces vegetables early in a baby friendly way. The stem acts as a natural handle making it easy for babies to hold while they explore the soft floret tops.
Why this recipe works
This Steamed Broccoli Fingers recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 13 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 35 calories with 3g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 4 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 large head fresh broccoli
- 2 cups water for steaming
- 1 teaspoon olive oil optional drizzle
- 1 squeeze fresh lemon juice optional
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Florets
Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut it into large florets keeping about 2 to 3 inches of stem attached. The stem is essential as it gives baby a safe easy to grip handle during self feeding.
Step 2: Set Up Steamer
Add water to a pot with a steamer basket and bring to a boil over medium high heat. The water level should be just below the bottom of the steamer basket so it does not touch the broccoli.
Step 3: Steam Until Tender
Place the broccoli florets in the steamer basket, cover with a lid, and steam for 6 to 8 minutes until very tender. Test by pressing a floret between your fingers, it should squish easily with minimal pressure.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Remove the broccoli from the steamer and spread on a clean plate to cool completely. Optionally drizzle with a tiny bit of olive oil and lemon juice before offering to baby.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fresh broccoli → frozen broccoli florets thawed and steamed the same way
- lemon juice → a tiny drizzle of olive oil with no acid for extra calories
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Cutting the stems too short leaving baby with no handle and making self feeding very difficult
- Understeaming the broccoli leaving hard florets that pose a choking hazard for young babies
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 35 calories, 3g protein, 7g carbs, 0g fat, 3g fiber.
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