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Unlock the perfect florets! Our guide for how to cut broccoli florets reveals a simple trick to cutting broccoli for the best shape, even cooking, and minimal waste.
Wondering how to cut broccoli but not sure the best way? Broccoli seems deceptively simple to cut, but we’ve got a trick to making it look its best: leave the stems long!
Yes, long-stemmed broccoli florets have the best looking shape that’s perfect for roasted broccoli and broccoli stir fry. Here’s just what to do once you get a hold of a head of broccoli!
How to cut broccoli florets step by step
Step 1: Slice off the floret stems where they meet the base.
This is the key to the best-looking broccoli florets: keep the stems long! Take a chef’s knife and cut off the broccoli floret right where its stem meets the larger stalk. If you cut off the broccoli florets right where they attach, it results in stubby looking florets.
Tip
The only caveat is if you’re cutting very small broccoli pieces like for broccoli soup, or if you’d like to have less of a stem for a veggie tray. In that case, you can cut the stem shorter.
Step 2: Slice very large broccoli florets in half.
Cut the base of the stem of any large florets in half, then pull the floret apart with your fingers. Try to make the broccoli florets as similar in size as possible, which results in the most even cooking (it doesn’t have to be perfect!).
Step 3: Cut the stalk, if you’d like.
You can eat the stalk too! Slice of the irregular outer skin on all 4 sides to make a large rectangle. Then you can cut that into long matchsticks. You can dip them into ranch dip just like you would the florets, or use them in stir fries.
And that’s it! How to cut broccoli into perfect florets, and how to cut the stalk too!
How long does broccoli last?
Fresh broccoli’s shelf life depends on whether it’s whole or chopped. A whole head, properly stored in the refrigerator, will stay crisp and green for 3-5 days.
Once you cut the florets from the stalk, they’ll start to lose moisture. Plan to use cut broccoli within 3 to 4 days for the best texture and flavor. To maximize freshness, store cut broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge with a damp paper towel.
Tip: use a great chef knife
A good knife can drastically improve your time in the kitchen! We’ve had our chef knives for over 10 years and they still work great. Our favorite knife is this 7″ Chef’s Knife. For safe storage, you can use a drawer knife organizer like this one. Make sure to keep your knives sharpened using a local service or home knife sharpener.
Ways to use broccoli
Broccoli is one of our favorite ingredients to cook with. Here are some broccoli recipes to try it out:
- Basic methods: Try roasted broccoli, simple sauteed broccoli, pan fried broccoli, steamed broccoli, boiled broccoli, or grilled broccoli.
- With cheese: Try broccoli and cheese.
- Soup: Make broccoli potato soup or vegan broccoli soup.
- Stir fries: Try shrimp and broccoli, broccoli stir fry, or tofu broccoli stir fry.
- Pasta or pizza: Make broccoli mac and cheese or broccoli pizza.
- Salad: Try broccoli cauliflower salad.
- Quiche: Mix up broccoli cheddar quiche.
Frequently asked questions
No, it’s actually best to wait! Cutting the florets exposes more surface area, leading to faster drying and spoiling. Keep the broccoli whole until you’re ready to use it.
Aim for long, even florets with a good amount of stem attached. Cut where the floret stalk meets the main stem, not where it connects to the floret head. This preserves the floret shape and allows for even cooking.
How to Cut Broccoli Florets
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 cups broccoli florets 1x
Description
Unlock the perfect florets! Our guide for how to cut broccoli florets reveals a simple trick to cutting broccoli for the best shape, even cooking, and minimal waste.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds broccoli (3 large heads)
Instructions
- Using a large chef’s knife, cut off the broccoli floret right where its stem meets the larger stalk. This leaves the stem long (instead of making stubby florets). See the photos above. Caveat: If you’re cutting very small broccoli pieces like for broccoli soup or if you’d like less of a stem for a veggie tray, you can cut the stem shorter.
- Separate any very large florets: cut the base of the stem of any large florets in half, then pull the floret apart with your fingers. Try to make the florets as similar in size as possible, which results in the most even cooking (it doesn’t have to be perfect!).
- If you’d like, you can eat the stalk too! Slice of the irregular outer skin on all 4 sides to make a large rectangle. Then cut the rectangle into long matchsticks.
- Category: Knife Skills
- Method: Cutting
- Cuisine: N/A
Two words for this recipe: yum me! The flavors were exceptional. The cheese had a rich, smooth taste that was absolutely delicious. I didn’t expect it to be that good!
Am happy to know how to cook