To boil broccoli, the cooking time depends on the size of the florets and the texture you prefer:

• For small florets, boil for about 2 to 4 minutes.
• For medium florets, boil for 4 to 5 minutes.
• For large florets, boil for 6 to 8 minutes.

If you want broccoli that is tender but still has a bit of bite, aim for the shorter end of these ranges

. Other sources recommend boiling broccoli florets for 2 to 3 minutes for a crisp-tender texture and vibrant green color, which is ideal for flavor and nutrition. The stems, being denser, can be boiled for 2 minutes first, then add florets for another 2 minutes

. To avoid overcooking and mushiness, drain the broccoli immediately after boiling and optionally steam dry it in the pan for 1 minute before seasoning

. In summary, boiling broccoli florets for 2 to 3 minutes is generally best for a crisp and bright result, with slight adjustments based on floret size and personal texture preference.