This quick and easy Instant Pot Broccoli recipe delivers perfectly steamed broccoli in just 15 minutes. Here's a foolproof recipe to make tender-crisp broccoli every single time. It's a hassle-free way to enjoy this low-carb and nutritious vegetable!
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Broccoli may be high on the list of "nay" vegetables for kids, but fresh, steamed broccoli (especially with a light dressing) takes this veggie to the "yay" list. Even better, steaming broccoli in the Instant Pot is so quick, easy, and nearly effortless!
Broccoli is loaded with nutrients and is low in calories and fat, so it's a perfect addition to recipes and, as a side. It's delicious on its own, with simple seasonings, or a light dressing.
Fun Fact: Did you know that broccoli was bred from wild cabbage in the sixth century BCE in the Mediterranean and Asia? It was then cultivated in ancient Rome and made its way to England and the Americas in the 1700s.
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Steamed Broccoli Nutrition Facts
Your nutrition facts may vary slightly from those listed, but this chart is a good reference point for calories and carbs:
| Amount | Calories | Carbs / Net Carbs |
| 1 cup | 30 | 6 grams / 4 grams |
| 3 cups | 90 | 17.5 grams / 11 grams |
| 1 pound | 154 | 30 grams / 17 grams |
Why Steam Broccoli in the Instant Pot
After I started using the Instant Pot to cook broccoli, it quickly became my favorite method. I love it because:
- Quick & Easy: This easy method takes less than 15 minutes, most of which is hands-off cooking time.
- Consistent results: With an Instant Pot, you get the perfect texture for your steamed broccoli every single time. Whether you like your broccoli very soft or with a little crunch, it's easy to make it exactly how you like it.
How to Make Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli
Cut the Broccoli
Using these easy steps, learn how to cut broccoli the right way:
- Rinse the broccoli well under cool water or dip the head upside down in a large water bowl. Shake off the water. Using a sharp chef's knife, slice off the large stem that connects to the broccoli head. Cut the head in half across the middle (pic 1).
- Now cut it in quarters (pic 2).
- Lay the flat side down on the cutting board and slice off the stem that connects all the florets at a 45-degree angle to expose the florets (pic 3).
- Using your hands, separate the florets from each other. If you have large florets, cut them in half or in quarters (Pic 4).
Steaming Broccoli
- Add a cup of water and a steamer basket. Pour cold water into the Instant Pot, then place a pressure-cooker-compatible steamer basket and add the broccoli florets. (pic 2)
- Set cooking time: Close the lid and set the vent to the sealing position. Set the Instant Pot for 0 minutes for soft broccoli, High Pressure. For slightly crunchy broccoli, set it to 0 minutes on Low pressure. Please note that the Instant Pot will take 5-10 minutes to reach pressure, so your cooking time will not actually be 0 minutes. (pic 3)
- Release pressure manually (QR): Follow the quick-release instructions of your cooker. Open the lid once the pin drops and remove the broccoli immediately to prevent overcooking. (pic 4)
Accessories Needed
Steamer baskets work great for this recipe. You will need a silicone steamer basket (or a metal steamer). If you have neither, check out the section below:
How to Store
- Refrigerator: Keep your broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.
- Freezer: Cooked broccoli can be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months. Keep in mind, though, that thawed broccoli loses its crunch. It's probably best for adding to soups, sauces and pasta dishes, such as this Broccoli Cheddar Pasta.
Recipe Tips & Notes
- If the broccoli is not tender enough - Place the broccoli back in the Instant Pot and seal the lid, but don't cook it. The heat from the inside of the Instant Pot will help soften it.
- Salt - Add salt and seasonings after cooking to ensure the broccoli becomes tender.
- Meal Prep: This recipe can easily be doubled with the same cooking time and instructions.
- Quick Pressure Release: To prevent the broccoli from overcooking, manually release the pressure after the cooking time is up by following your cooker's quick-release instructions.
- Alternate Method- Microwave: To steam broccoli in the microwave, add broccoli and ⅛ - ¼ cup water to a heat-safe bowl or container.Heat for 3 minutes. Check the broccoli; if it's not soft enough, heat it for 1 to 2 more minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions for Steamed Broccoli
If you don't have a steamer basket, you can steam your broccoli by using the trivet. Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and pour water. Place the broccoli florets on top of the trivet above the water as much as possible, then follow the rest of the instructions. I do not recommend steaming the broccoli directly in water as it will turn to mush.
For best results, steam broccoli for '0' minutes. That means that the broccoli cooks in the time it takes for the cooker to reach pressure, about 8-10 minutes. When the cooker reaches pressure, the instant pot beeps and switches to the 'keep warm' mode. The pressure setting depends on the end texture. For soft broccoli, cook at High Pressure, for a slight crunch cook at Low Pressure.
Adding salt, pepper, or parmesan cheese to steamed broccoli is a classic way to add flavor. You can also toss it with your favorite salad dressing or saute it with minced garlic and olive oil.
You can use frozen broccoli in this recipe, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you like your broccoli really soft.
More Instant Pot Basics Recipes
These recipes are part of the Instant Pot Basics Recipes collection:
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Broccoli (Steamed)
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- ½-1 cup water
Instructions
- Using a sharp chef's knife, cut the floret stems where they meet the large base stem. Discard the base. If you have large florets, cut them in half or in quarters.
- Pour the water into the Instant Pot, then add the plastic steamer basket filled with broccoli on top.
- Close the lid on sealing position. For soft broccoli, set the Instant Pot for 0 minutes High Pressure. For slightly crunchy broccoli, set it to 0 minutes on Low pressure. (Be aware that the Instant Pot will take 5-10 minutes to reach pressure, so your cook time will not actually be 0 minutes.)
- Follow the quick release instructions of your cooker. Open the lid once the pin drops and remove broccoli immediately to prevent overcooking.
Notes
- Broccoli is not soft enough - Place the broccoli back in the Instant Pot and seal the lid, but don't cook it. The heat from the inside of the Instant Pot will help soften it.
- Salt - Add salt and seasonings after cooking to ensure the broccoli becomes tender.
- Meal Prep: This recipe can easily be doubled with the same cooking time and instructions.
- Quick Pressure Release: To prevent the broccoli from overcooking, after the cook time is up, manually release the pressure by following your cooker's quick release instructions.
- Microwave: To steam broccoli in microwave, add broccoli and ⅛ - ¼ cup water to a heat-safe bowl or container. Heat for 3 minutes. Check broccoli, and if it's not soft enough, heat for 1 to 2 more minute.
Janani Chalaka says
My instant pot does not allow me to set 0 mins. The min is 1 min and max is 8 hours. Not sure if I am missing something. I just purchased mine a couple months ago, I wonder if it is a new change. Given this, any suggestions on how I can avoid over cooking the broccoli?
Aneesha says
Hi Janani, You can set it for 1 minute, and just as it reaches pressure, hit cancel (before it counts down). That will be about the same time as '0' minutes. Hope this helps.