Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli

Instant pot steamed broccoli is delicious, perfectly crunchy, nutritious, and requires zero-minute cooking. Today I share how to cook broccoli in an instant pot (fresh or frozen). With step-by-step instructions, you can get perfectly cooked broccoli every single time.

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Why you will love this

• Easy to make- As compared to the stovetop, steaming in instant pot is hasslefree, and takes only 10 minutes from start to finish. Just dump, pressure cook, and quick release are all you need to do. I use a steamer basket to steam florets.
• Healthy & nutritious- This instant pot steamed broccoli is low carb, gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free. It is a cruciferous veggie and high in protein as compared to other vegetables. Consuming it with the meals helps you completing daily fiber and full for longer.
• Make ahead & meal planning- It is a beginner-friendly instant pot recipe. it not only helps in weekly meal planning but also makes a great snack anytime. If you have this steamed broccoli handy, add a little salt n pepper, a delicious salad is ready in a minute.

• Broccoli- You need a medium size head of broccoli or 4-6 cups of florets.
• Water- 1 cup
• Optional- garlic, fresh herbs, lemon juice, salt, and oil.

Variations

What other vegetables can go with broccoli while steaming? Broccoli requires 0 minutes of cooking time so vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, green beans, and corn can be steamed together with the broccoli.

How to steam broccoli in instant pot

Prepare broccoli

First of all, clean and wash the broccoli head in clean water. Cut into medium size florets. Small pieces may overcook or turn into a mushy texture.

Preserve the stalks, you can make vegetable stock along with other vegetable scraps.

Prepare instant pot

Now add a cup of water into the inner pot. Place the steamer basket in the inner pot. Transfer the cut florets to the steamer basket.

Pressure cook

Close the lid and set the valve in the SEALING position. Press PRESSURE COOKER and set the timer as '0' minute.

Quick-release the pressure

As the timer beeps, switch off the instant pot and release the pressure manually (QR).

Remove the steamed broccoli

Open the lid and check the doneness of broccoli with the fork.

Instant pot steamed broccoli is ready to serve. To make them taste better just add some garlic salt and lemon juice.

Instant Pot Broccoli Cooking Time

Broccoli texture totally depends on how long you steam it.

You can steam cook both, frozen and fresh broccoli in an instantpot. Check the infographic below to know how long to steam broccoli in the instant pot.

How to steam broccoli on stovetop

• To steam on stovetop you need a pot where a steamer basket can be fit in. Add few inches of water to the pot and heat on medium.
• Place a steamer basket inside the pot and then add all the clean broccoli florets inside the basket.
• Cover and bring it to boil. This will allow steam to build up.
• For perfectly crunchy and crisp broccoli, steam for about 5-7 minutes. Check after five minutes and cook as per desired texture. Steam further in one minute increment.
• Switch off the heat, treansfer the florets on a plater, season it and serve.

How to make steamed broccoli taste better

There are a few ways to make instant pot steam broccoli taste so much better. It nearly becomes like a salad.

• Protein- Adding roasted chicken, grilled anumal protein, tofu, paneer makes a great combination.
• Cheese- Feta, goat cheese, halloumi are few cheese varieties to add with steamed florets. You can also broil florets by adding some mozzerella cheese and enjoy the perfect snack.
• Extras- Red onion, and roasted vegetable like carrots, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, green beas, mushroom, and asparagus are other combination to add with broccoli to enhance the taste.

Tips & FAQ's

What to serve

Instant pot steamed broccoli goes well with animal protein, grilled paneer, grilled tofu, and pasta to make a complete meal. It also makes a perfect snack that you can serve along with peach chutney or green chutney.

It also pairs well with quinoa, teriyaki tofu, and steamed rice. Season it with oil, garlic, salt, lemon, and enjoy.

You can season instant pot steamed broccoli with olive oil, garlic, salt, and peppers. Cheese like mozzarella, feta, and goat cheese also pairs with while serving as a salad.

How to store

• Refrigerate- Once cool down refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for 4-5 days. It works best for meal planning. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving. Sprinkle a few drops of water and microwave them for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Freezer- You can freeze steamed broccoli in freezer as well. Once at room temperature, transfer them in freezer-friendly bags and freeze for upto 3-6 months. Keep in mind to freeze in portions, so that you thaw the quantity you need. Thaw and reheat. Remember, after thawing broccoli may not hold the same crunch.

Related recipes

You can check some more instant pot beginner-friendly recipes from the blog.