Perfectly Steamed Instant Pot Broccoli: Your Quick & Healthy Side Dish Solution

Discover the ultimate method for preparing delicious, healthy vegetables with our guide to making Instant Pot broccoli. This quick and effortless approach ensures tender-crisp florets every single time, making it the ideal addition to any meal. Steaming broccoli in the Instant Pot is superior to other cooking methods as it expertly locks in vital nutrients, prevents overcooking, and yields a vibrant green color and perfect texture – never mushy, never undercooked. With our fail-proof tips and straightforward recipe, you’ll master how to steam vegetables in your Instant Pot with consistent, delectable results.

Finding a quick and healthy side dish that is both easy to make and bursting with flavor can be a culinary challenge for many. However, with this Instant Pot steamed broccoli recipe, you’ll have a nutritious and incredibly satisfying option ready in as little as 10 minutes. This revolutionary method preserves the broccoli’s natural goodness, keeping it exceptionally fresh, vibrant, and perfectly tender-crisp. It truly transforms a simple vegetable into a standout accompaniment, elevating any main course with its delightful texture and rich nutritional profile.

Learning how to make steamed broccoli in the Instant Pot will become your secret weapon in the kitchen. Not only does it significantly cut down on cooking time, but it also guarantees your vegetables are cooked to perfection without the common pitfall of becoming soggy or bland. Steaming in the Instant Pot is widely recognized for its ability to preserve more nutrients compared to traditional boiling, which often leaches vitamins and minerals into the water. This minimal-effort technique means you can enjoy the maximum health benefits of broccoli without compromise. Whether you’re a busy professional engaged in meal prepping, looking to enhance your favorite dishes with a nutritious boost, or simply serving it as a hassle-free side, this Instant Pot method makes healthy eating remarkably effortless and incredibly delicious!

Why the Instant Pot is Perfect for Steaming Broccoli

The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, and it’s particularly stellar when it comes to steaming vegetables like broccoli. Here’s why this method stands out:

• The Healthiest Cooking Method: When it comes to preserving nutrients, steaming reigns supreme. Unlike baking and sautéing, which can damage the exterior and diminish nutrient content, or boiling, which allows valuable vitamins and minerals to leach into the water, steaming keeps those essential vitamins and minerals largely intact. It cooks the broccoli gently with steam, ensuring that all the healthy goodness stays right where it belongs – in your florets – without adding any unnecessary fats or oils.
• Unbeatably Quick and Efficient: Beyond being the healthiest way to steam broccoli, it’s also the fastest. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking capability drastically reduces cooking time. Most of the “cooking” duration in this recipe is actually the Instant Pot building and naturally releasing pressure, while the active cooking time for the broccoli itself is minimal. This means you can have a fresh, hot, and healthy side dish on the table in minutes, even on the busiest weeknights.
• Incredibly Adaptable and Versatile: Whether you have fresh broccoli heads from the farmer’s market or a bag of frozen florets from your freezer, the Instant Pot steamed broccoli will turn out wonderfully. This recipe serves as an excellent foundational guide for steaming various vegetables of all shapes, sizes, and colors in your Instant Pot. The method is truly universally applicable, allowing you to confidently steam an array of produce with consistent, perfect results every single time.

Essential Ingredients and Smart Substitutions

Making delicious Instant Pot steamed broccoli requires only a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and how to customize it:

• Broccoli: You have the flexibility to use either fresh or frozen broccoli. If using fresh, trim the broccoli heads into uniform florets, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking. For frozen broccoli, it’s often best to let it thaw slightly under running water before pressure cooking, or you may need to add an extra minute to the pressure cooking time to achieve the desired tender-crisp texture.
• Water: This is essential for generating the steam needed to cook your broccoli. Using hot water rather than cold will help your Instant Pot come to pressure faster, saving you valuable time.
• Salt: A crucial seasoning element. Salting the water is a simple yet effective way to infuse flavor into any steamed vegetables as they cook. Feel free to adjust the amount of salt to your personal taste.

Elevate Your Flavor Profile

While salt is a great start, you can easily enhance the flavor of your steamed broccoli with additional seasonings and spices:

• Classic Pairings: A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper is always a welcome addition.
• Herbal Touches: A pinch of garlic powder or a few sprigs of fresh thyme can add an aromatic depth.
• Bright & Zesty: For a refreshing lift, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after cooking brightens the flavors beautifully. If you’re feeling more adventurous, a dash of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat.
• Umami Boost: A drizzle of toasted sesame oil or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add a savory, cheesy flavor without dairy.

Delectable Recipe Variations for Picky Eaters and Beyond

Steamed Instant Pot broccoli is perfectly delicious on its own, offering a clean, fresh taste. However, for those with a veggie aversion, or simply when you’re craving something a little more indulgent, we have several irresistible suggestions to make broccoli truly shine:

• Creamy Velveeta Cheese Sauce: This classic, familiar taste is a surefire winner. Drizzling warm Velveeta cheese sauce over your tender-crisp broccoli creates a comforting dish reminiscent of a rich broccoli and cheddar soup. It’s an instant favorite for all ages.
• Homemade Bechamel Cheese Sauce: For a more gourmet yet equally simple option, whip up a batch of delicious homemade white cheddar bechamel sauce. This creamy, savory sauce adds a sophisticated touch and can be made quickly, even while your broccoli is steaming in the Instant Pot, proving that elegance doesn’t have to be complicated.
• Simple Enhancements: Sometimes, the simplest additions make the biggest difference. A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, a dollop of melted butter, or even a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a dash of red pepper flakes can transform plain steamed broccoli into a delightful culinary experience. These additions add richness and a satisfying mouthfeel that can entice even the most reluctant vegetable eaters.

New to Instant Pot Cooking? 

Don’t fret! We’ve got you covered. For a comprehensive introduction, read our “How to Use the Instant Pot 101” guide first. Then, dive deeper with our Instant Pot cooking guide with 10 easy tips and hacks. These resources are invaluable for both new owners and seasoned Instant Pot enthusiasts looking to refine their skills and discover new tricks!

Essential Equipment for Steaming Success

To achieve perfectly steamed broccoli in your Instant Pot, you’ll need just a couple of key pieces of equipment:

• Instant Pot (or any Electric Pressure Cooker): This is the star of the show. Any model or size of electric pressure cooker will work for this recipe, allowing you to harness the power of pressure steaming for quick and efficient cooking.
• Steamer Basket: A steamer basket is crucial for elevating the broccoli above the water in the Instant Pot. This ensures the broccoli is steamed by the circulating hot vapor and doesn’t sit directly in the water, which would result in boiled, soggy vegetables. Many Instant Pots come with a trivet that can support a steamer basket, or you can purchase one specifically designed for pressure cookers.

Want to cook other delightful veggies in your pressure cooker?

Expand your Instant Pot repertoire! Next, try our Instant Pot green beans recipe for another perfectly cooked side, or venture into a flavorful and hearty vegetable rice pilaf to complement your meal!

How to Make Perfectly Steamed Broccoli in Your Instant Pot

Achieving tender-crisp steamed broccoli in your Instant Pot is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for flawless results every time:

1. Prepare and Rinse the Broccoli Florets:
   Before anything else, ensure your broccoli is clean. Place the broccoli florets directly into your steamer basket. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running tap water to remove any dirt, debris, or small insects. There’s no need for extra dishes; the steamer basket itself serves as a convenient colander. Once rinsed, allow any excess water to drain.
2. Add Water and Seasoning to the Instant Pot:
   Pour 1 cup of hot water into the inner pot of your pressure cooker. Using hot water is a clever trick that helps your Instant Pot come to pressure much faster, significantly reducing your overall cooking time. Next, add 1 teaspoon of salt to the water. This step is crucial, as salting the water before you begin steaming will season the broccoli from the inside out, infusing it with flavor during the cooking process. Carefully place the steamer basket containing the rinsed broccoli florets into the inner pot, ensuring it sits above the water level. If your steamer basket doesn’t have feet, you might need to use a trivet to elevate it.
3. Set the Instant Pot for Steaming:
   Securely place the lid on your Instant Pot and turn the sealing valve to the “seal” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time to 0 minutes on high pressure. This might sound counterintuitive, but the broccoli will steam perfectly during the time it takes for the Instant Pot to build pressure and during the natural release phase. For slightly softer broccoli, you can increase the pressure cooking time to 1 minute.
4. Release Pressure and Shock the Broccoli:
   Once the Instant Pot finishes cooking (you’ll hear a long beep), it’s time for a quick release. Carefully turn the venting lever or press the pressure release button to manually release the pressure. Be cautious of the hot steam. Once the float valve drops, indicating all pressure has been released, carefully remove the lid. The vegetables will still be very hot, so use pot holders to lift the steamer basket out of the Instant Pot. Immediately transfer the hot broccoli florets to a colander and rinse them under cold running water. This crucial “shocking” step immediately stops the cooking process, preserving the broccoli’s vibrant green color and ensuring it remains perfectly tender-crisp rather than becoming overcooked and mushy. Drain thoroughly after shocking.
5. Serve and Season to Taste:
   Transfer the perfectly steamed broccoli to a serving dish. At this point, you can season it further with additional salt and pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice. For a simple yet delicious finish, a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice work wonders. If you’re serving picky eaters, or simply want to indulge, smother their steamed broccoli in a rich Velveeta cheese sauce or a homemade white bechamel cheese sauce!

Versatile Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion

This Instant Pot broccoli recipe is more than just an easy side dish; it’s a versatile culinary component that beautifully complements a wide array of meals. Its tender-crisp texture and fresh flavor make it a perfect addition to almost any dinner:

• Classic Dinner Pairing: Serve your perfectly steamed broccoli alongside roasted sweet potatoes and succulent grilled chicken for a well-rounded, balanced, and nutritious plate that’s both satisfying and delicious.
• Mediterranean Twist: Elevate the flavors by drizzling the cooked broccoli with a good quality extra virgin olive oil and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. For an authentic Mediterranean touch, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and a dash of dried oregano.
• Healthy Bowl Addition: Incorporate this healthy green into vibrant and customizable chicken rice bowls, pineapple chicken rice bowls, or other grain bowls. It adds essential nutrients, color, and a delightful texture that complements proteins and grains perfectly.
• Creamy Soup Base: For those who adore warm, comforting dishes, use this as a foundational ingredient for a rich and creamy broccoli cheddar soup. Blend the steamed broccoli with a flavorful cheese sauce for a hearty and incredibly satisfying meal.
• Pasta Enhancer: Toss the steamed florets with your favorite pasta, a light garlic and olive oil sauce, and perhaps some sun-dried tomatoes or toasted pine nuts for a quick, healthy, and flavorful pasta dish.
• Quiche or Frittata Filler: Add chopped steamed broccoli to your morning quiche or frittata for an extra boost of nutrients and a lovely texture.
• Broccoli Salad Component: While often served warm, chilled Instant Pot broccoli can be a fantastic addition to a vibrant broccoli salad, providing freshness and a pleasant crunch when combined with other raw vegetables and a creamy dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Broccoli

How long do you steam broccoli in an Instant Pot?

For perfectly tender-crisp broccoli, the Instant Pot is set to cook for a total of 8 minutes. This includes about 7 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and allow for a natural pressure release. The actual active pressure cooking time is set to 0 minutes. This is because the broccoli continues to steam and cook during the pressurizing process, resulting in ideal tender-crisp florets. If you prefer your broccoli softer, simply add an additional minute to the pressure cooking time, setting it to 1 minute instead of 0.

Do you need a steamer basket to steam in an Instant Pot?

Yes, a steamer basket is an essential piece of equipment for steaming vegetables in your Instant Pot. The fundamental principle of steaming requires the food to be elevated above the water level, allowing it to cook solely from the circulating hot steam, not by boiling in the water. Therefore, you’ll need a steamer basket to hold the broccoli up out of the liquid at the bottom of the pot. Many Instant Pots come with a basic trivet that can often be used to support a generic steamer basket. Some steamer baskets are designed with their own feet, allowing them to sit directly in the inner pot above the water. Regardless of its design, a basket (or a combination of a trivet and basket) is a must for successful Instant Pot steaming.

How do I store and reheat leftover Instant Pot broccoli?

While this Instant Pot broccoli recipe is so quick that we generally recommend cooking a fresh batch for the best taste and texture, you can certainly store and reheat leftovers if necessary. Reheating vegetables will almost always cause them to cook a little more and soften further, so be mindful of the texture. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For reheating, your best options are the microwave or the stovetop with a splash of water, which will heat them quickly. Ironically, reheating already cooked broccoli in the Instant Pot would take too long to come to pressure again and would likely result in mushy vegetables. That being said, leftover cooked vegetables are wonderfully versatile! Consider using them in new dishes like adding them to a hearty pot of bean and ham soup, tossing them into a flavorful pineapple chicken rice bowl, or boosting the nutrition in a delicious chicken fried rice.

Once you master the art of steaming vegetables in your pressure cooker, the possibilities for quick, healthy, and delicious meals are truly boundless! What other healthy sides will grace your dinner menu this week, made effortlessly with your Instant Pot?

If you tried this steamed broccoli Instant Pot recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback helps others discover and enjoy these recipes too! Thanks for visiting!

Instant Pot Broccoli

By Renae Gerhardstein

Steaming Instant Pot broccoli is quick and effortless! Make steamed broccoli in just 10 minutes for a tender-crisp, healthy side dish every time.

Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 27 votes)

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Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 servings

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 1 minute

Pressurizing and Release Times: 7 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 15 kcal

Equipment

• Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker)
• Steamer basket

Ingredients

• 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup hot water (*hot water helps the IP come to pressure faster)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or more/less, to taste)

Instructions

1. Add broccoli florets to a steamer basket; rinse with tap water and drain.
2. Pour the water and add salt into the pressure cooker pot. Set the steamer basket of broccoli on the bottom of the inner pot of the pressure cooker. NOTE: *If your steamer basket isn’t specifically meant for use in a pressure cooker, you may need to place it onto a trivet to hold it above the water. Some baskets have feet, so they can be placed directly into the water.
3. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to “seal”. Manually set Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 0 minutes for tender but firm broccoli. (The vegetables will steam during pressurizing time). Use 1 minute for softer cooked broccoli. Turn the venting lever to close or seal, if needed.
4. When pressure cooking is done (listen for the long beep), use a quick release by carefully turning the lever or pressing the pressure release button. Use pot holders to remove the steamer basket. Rinse the broccoli under cold water to prevent it from overcooking, and drain before serving.
5. Season with salt, pepper, or other seasoning of choice. If you have picky veggie eaters, serve their steamed broccoli smothered in Velveeta cheese sauce or white bechamel cheese sauce!

Notes

• When selecting broccoli, choose heads that are firm, have tight florets, and are a deep green color, avoiding any with yellowing or wilting.
• To clean broccoli thoroughly, soak it in a bowl of cold water with a splash of vinegar for a few minutes to remove dirt and pests. After soaking, rinse it under cold running water and gently scrub the florets with a vegetable brush.
• Finally, pat the broccoli dry with a clean towel before cooking or storing it.

Recipe Variations:

• Velveeta cheese sauce – It’s a familiar taste we know and love! It almost makes this taste like broccoli and cheddar soup.
• Bechamel cheese sauce – This is a super simple, delicious homemade white cheddar sauce. It’s so quick you can even make it while the broccoli is steaming!
• Finally, a simple topping of parmesan cheese or melted butter could make steamed broccoli easier to eat.

Storing Instructions:

• Reheating veggies will always cook them a little more and also make them softer. Because this steamed broccoli recipe is so quick, we recommend cooking a fresh batch instead!
• But if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can either reheat the vegetables in the microwave or with a little water on the stovetop. Ironically, it will take too long to reheat already cooked broccoli in the Instant Pot… it’ll end up mushy too.
• That being said, there are other simple ways you can use leftover cooked vegetables! Add them to a pot of bean and ham soup, toss them into a pineapple chicken rice bowl, or bulk up the nutrition in chicken fried rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5 cup | Calories: 15 kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 405mg | Potassium: 144mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 283IU | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 0.3mg

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