To blanch broccoli, the typical recommended time is about 2 to 3 minutes in boiling water. This duration allows the broccoli to turn bright green and become tender-crisp without overcooking
. After boiling, the broccoli should be immediately plunged into an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve its color and texture
. Some sources mention a shorter blanching time of about 30 to 60 seconds, focusing on brightening the color while keeping the texture quite firm
. However, the most common and widely suggested blanching time is 2 to 3 minutes. Summary:
- Boil broccoli florets for 2 to 3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Immediately transfer to an ice water bath to cool and stop cooking.
- Drain and dry before using or storing.
This method preserves broccoli’s vibrant color, mild flavor, and crisp texture suitable for salads, stir-fries, freezing, or other recipes