Instant Pot Broccoli
Instant Pot Broccoli is the quick and easy way to get perfectly steamed veggies every time.
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!
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!
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
- Baked Potatoes in the Instant Pot
- Mashed Instant Pot Potatoes with Cauliflower
- 15-Minute Instant Pot Artichokes Recipe
- Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
- Instant Pot Corn On The Cob
Loving these broccoli how-to and now you’re hungry for more?
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Instant Pot Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 large head broccoli , about 4 cups of florets
- 1 cup water
- seasonings of choices, see list below
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Instant Pot stainless steel trivet
Instructions
- Cut broccoli into florets and wash.
- Place stainless steel trivet into the pot of the Instant Pot and pour in water.
- Arrange broccoli florets on top of the trivet as best you can, trying to keep florets out of water as much as possible. Its okay if a few fall in, I just find that the florets that are in the water tend to be softer than I like.
- Lock the lid of the Instant Pot into place. Be sure that pressure release valve at the top is turned to the “sealing” position. Cook on HIGH pressure for 0 (zero) minutes. It will take your Instant Pot about 5 minutes to come up to pressure.
- Once cooking time is up, quick release the pressure right away by turning the pressure release valve to "venting". Unlock the Instant Pot lid.
- Using tongs or a long spoon to prevent you from burning yourself, carefully remove the broccoli florets from your pressure cooker and place them in a large serving bowl.
- Top with whatever you desire or enjoy as is immediately.
Notes
- 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
Worked beautifully
So glad to hear that!