Name: Instant Pot Broccoli
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 large head broccoli (about 4 cups of florets); 1 cup water; seasonings of choices (see list below)

Servings servings

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time5 mins

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5 from 1 vote

Instant Pot Broccoli is the quick and easy way to get perfectly steamed veggies every time.

A bowl of steamed broccoli with a metal spoon.

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

The Instant Pot is a magical kitchen tool that makes cooking just about everything in a flash easier (and better)! And, oh boy, do I love me some easy Instant pot recipes

Take this Instant Pot broccoli, for example.

I never in a million years expected myself to steam veggies in my pressure cooker, since cooking them on the stove top is not that time consuming. However, a few years ago when I found myself without a stove a few years ago, I started using my Instant Pot to cook all the things. Including steaming my broccoli!

And what I discovered was that I go perfectly steamed broccoli every time. Without having to watch for boiling water. Or heating up the kitchen with the stove (so helpful on these hot summer days!). And the broccoli is done in in literally no time once the Instant Pot gets up to pressure…literally. You set the IP to cook for ZERO minutes.

Getting a healthy, steamed veggie side on the dinner has never been easier or more foolproof than this!

Broccoli florets on a cutting board with a chef's knife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I cut the broccoli into florets or cook it whole when cooking it in the Instant Pot?

Cut it into florets! Or buy the precut broccoli so you can literally jumps dump the broccoli into the Instant Pot with water and you are good to go.

Doesn’t it broccoli become mushy in the Instant Pot?

That was a worry I had too, but I have found that if I cook it on HIGH pressure for ZERO minutes and naturally release the pressure right away, this Instant Pot broccoli is perfect. If you are giving the broccoli to a weening infant or toddler or some who needs really soft food, I suggest cooking it for 1 minute on HIGH pressure (also quick releasing right away). Any more than 1 minute will not end well.

Do I need anything special to cook broccoli in the Instant Pot?

I just use my Instant Pot + the stainless steel trivet that came with it (I believe all models of the Instant Pot comes with it). You could also buy a steamer basket for your Instant Pot.

What size Instant Pot did you use?

I have an 8-quart Instant Pot that I used to develop this recipe but have tried it in a 6-quart pressure cooker as well. Both have worked!

Broccoli florets in an Instant Pot on a metal trivet before cooking.

Flavors that go well with broccoli

Okay, so you have made this Instant Pot broccoli and now you want to jazz it up before it hits the table. Here are some flavors to consider adding to your broccoli florets after cooking to make veggies a little extra exciting!

butter
lemon
cheese (feta, cheddar, goat, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Swiss all go really well with broccoli)
garlic salt
sea salt
diced shallots or scallions
a drizzle of olive oil
red pepper flakes
balsamic vinegar

Other Instant Pot veggie recipes to make meals easier

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A bowl of Instant Pot broccoli topped with shredded cheese. There is a spoon in the bowl, a bowl of cheese next to the broccoli and plates with the word "eat" next to the bowl.

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5 from 1 vote