How to Cut Broccoli

5 from 14 votes

This tutorial shows a simple method for how to cut a broccoli the correct way so you waste less stem and end up with long broccoli florets!

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Learn how to cut broccoli so you waste less. The florets are not the only edible part! This tutorial illustrates how to knife through that big head of broccoli in a way that produces florets with long stems.

Slicing off broccoli

Broccoli has a lot to offer: one cup provides about 65 percent of a day’s vitamin C, plus it boasts vitamin A, hunger-fighting fiber, some protein, calcium and iron.

How to cut broccoli

  • Start by cutting a few inches off the end of the broccoli stalk.
Showing how to cut the thick stem off broccoli
  1. Then, stand the head of broccoli up on the cut edge of the stem and place your knife in the divet where the floret stem meets the main stalk.
  2. Make a cut downwards at the stem’s intersection.
  3. This will give you a floret with a long stem that includes a slice of the main stem.
  4. Continue this until your reach the top of the head of broccoli. You can slice it in half or quarters depending on the size.
4 image collage to show how to cut broccoli

Recipes with broccoli

Cut broccoli in large bowl

Frequently asked questions

What can you do with the thick broccoli stems?

Stems can be chopped and used as any vegetable would in stir-fries and sheet pan dinners or spiralized into noodles, added in broccoli slaw, and added to soups. Just make sure to avoid using broccoli stems in long-simmered vegetable stocks because they can make broth bitter.

What is the best way to store broccoli?

First, forget the plastic produce bag! Fresh broccoli lasts best when wrapped in slightly damp paper towels. Some advise storing it bouquet style in a glass of water. Regardless, try to consume within five days.

How can I make the broccoli stalks less bitter and tough?

Try peeling the outermost green layer with a vegetable peeler before chopping.

Broccoli florets on cutting board with knife

More broccoli from the stalk equals more nutrition on your plate. Hope this tutorial showed you the best way to cut broccoli so you can easily use it in more recipes.

More cutting tutorials:

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How to Cut Broccoli

This tutorial shows a simple method for how to cut a broccoli the correct way so you waste less stem and end up with long broccoli florets!
5 from 14 votes
Servings 2 servings
Course Ingredient
Calories 103
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Video

Ingredients
  

  • 1 head broccoli

Instructions

  • Holding the head of the broccoli on its side, remove about two inches of the stem
  • Stand the head of broccoli up on its stem. At the base of each floret, where the floret stem meets the main stem, make a cut downwards at the stem’s intersection. This will give you a floret with a long stem that includes a slice of the main stem.
  • Continue this until you reach the top of the head of broccoli and slice it in half or quarters depending on the size.

Notes

Storage: Cut broccoli can be stored in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days before use.
Freezing: Freeze the cut broccoli solid on a baking sheet then transfer to a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 10 months.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 103kcal, Carbohydrates: 20g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 100mg, Potassium: 961mg, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 1894IU, Vitamin C: 271mg, Calcium: 143mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Cuisine American
Course: Ingredient

Photo Credit: Erin Jensen

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