Versatile and nutritious, it's no surprise that broccoli is such a beloved vegetable. From stir-fries, pasta, and soup to casseroles, it's a perfect addition for bringing in a healthy boost of colors and flavors.
However, before you can enjoy everything this veggie has to offer, you need to know how to properly cut it first. With this article, we'll give you an easy, detailed walk-through on how to cut broccoli. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just getting familiar with the kitchen, you'll no doubt still find these tips and tricks useful.
What You Will Need
Much like any other veggie, broccoli doesn't need many elaborate utensils for cutting. Here are all you'll need:
- A chopping board
- A chef’s knife or any that's relatively sharp and not too dull
- A small knife, preferably a paring knife
- A bowl or other type of small container
How to Clean
Before cutting the broccoli, it's important to clean it first to remove all the dirt, worms, or any other impurities.
- Step 1: Discard the green leaves and run the broccoli under water. Gently rinse the surface with your hand. Make sure to go through all the areas to remove all the dirt and other impurities.
- Step 2: Once done, shake the broccoli head a few times to get rid of the impurities. Quickly run it through the water one more time and it’s ready for cutting.
How to Cut Broccoli
- Step 1: With the broccoli laid horizontally on the chopping board, firmly grip the stalk and make a clean cut to separate it from the head.
- Step 2: Firmly grip the head with one hand and the knife on the other. Then, make downward slices to cut off the florets.
- Step 3: Depending on how small you want the florets to be, you can also continue slicing them in half to create bite-sized pieces.
Once you're done with the florets, set them aside and begin working on the stalk.
- Step 4: Slice the stalk in half.
- Step 5: Hold the stalk upright and with a small knife, make downward slices to remove the exterior. This can also be done with a vegetable peeler.
- Step 6: Lay the stalk flat on the chopping board, then make lengthwise slices with the thickness that you prefer. Repeat the same motions for the other half of the stalk.
Discard the inedibles and you should be left with broccoli florets plus soft slices from the stalk for stir-fries, soups, casseroles, roasts, or whatever else you want.
If you have more than you need at the moment, check out our guide on how to store broccoli and how to freeze them to keep them fresh longer for future use.
Luna Regina
Writer, Author