The ultimate vegetable cooking chart - microwave, steam or boil

A handy chart to help you cook your vegetables to perfection

March 06 2019

Vegetable cooking times - an easy chart!

Here's a handy chart for preparing and cooking vegetables. These cooking times for different vegetables should save you a lot of time trying to work out how long to cook vegetables for!

Store vegetables in a plastic bag in the refrigerator or at room temperature if indicated in the chart. Wash all vegetables well before using and stick to the cooking methods listed. 

Use fresh vegetables within a few days for the best results.

To Boil: In a large pot or saucepan, bring an inch of water  to boiling (use cold water), unless otherwise stated . Add vegetables to the boiling water. Trim them to 1-inch pieces if necessary. Once boiled, reduce heat to low. Cook for amount of time in chart then drain.

To Steam: In saucepan, place steamer basket in 1- inch of water (water should not touch bottom of basket). Trim veggies and place vegetables in steamer basket. Cover tightly and heat to boiling; reduce heat to low. Steam for amount of time in chart.

To Sauté of Fry: In frying pan, cook in butter or oil over medium-high heat for amount of time in chart.

To Bake: Heat oven to 350˚F. Place vegetables in a baking dish in the oven as directed. Bake for amount of time in chart.

To Roast: Heat oven to 425˚F. Toss cut (unless stated otherwise) vegetables with about 1 tablespoon olive oil and season as desired. Place vegetables in baking pan or baking pan. Roast for amount of time in chart.

To Microwave: Use microwavable dish with cover or use a plastic wrap to cover. When using paper towels or plastic wrap in the microwave, make sure they are microwave safe. Add water - usually 2 tablespoons unless stated otherwise, to dish with vegetables. Microwave on High, unless stated.