I do recommend you use a steamer basket. You don't want the broccoli submerged in the water or it will overcook. Steamer baskets are pretty inexpensive and can be used for so many things.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIf you don't have a steamer basket you may be able to carefully stack the broccoli on the trivet, just make sure the larger pieces are at the bottom and that none fall through.