By Wendy Stoltz / Last Modified On September 6, 2023

This Instant Pot Broccoli recipe is so simple you'll wonder why you haven't tried it before. You only need an Instant Pot, water, broccoli, and a steamer basket. Not only is it ridiculously easy to make, but it's also incredibly healthy and versatile. And let me tell you, this recipe for steamed broccoli is a game-changer!

In search of a perfect pairing for this scrumptious Instant Pot Broccoli? Look no further! Why not try out my mouth-watering Instant Pot Fried Rice or my Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken recipes for a delightful and fulfilling meal?

And if you're craving another side dish, you can't go wrong with these Instant Pot Carrots seasoned with butter and dill.

Looking to explore more gluten-free pressure cooker recipes? Check out this creamy and delicious Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup, the savory Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli, and the irresistible Instant Pot Chicken Stir Fry.

Are you tired of feeling restricted by your gluten intolerance? Are you looking for new and exciting ways to cook gluten-free meals? Look no further than these Udemy courses on gluten-free cooking!

Table of Contents

Instant Pot Broccoli Recipe

If you're like me, you're always looking for quick and easy ways to add more veggies to your meals. And let me tell you, this Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli recipe is a game-changer! Instant pot steamed broccoli is one of the easiest side dishes you’ll ever make!

Whether you're following a low-carb, paleo, keto, vegan, or dairy-free diet, this Instant Pot Broccoli recipe has got you covered! Plus, it's nut-free, egg-free, and gluten-free, making it a fantastic option if you have food allergies or sensitivities.

This Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli recipe is so simple you'll wonder why you haven't tried it before. All you need is an instant pot, water, broccoli, and a steamer basket - it's that easy!

Steaming broccoli in an instant pot takes less than ten minutes between the warm-up cycle, cooking time, and steam release.

Why You’re Going to Love This Instant Pot Broccoli

Simple to make - With just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this Instant Pot Broccoli recipe is a breeze to make as it is hands-off and very fast. Even if you're new to cooking, this steamed vegetables recipe is a great introduction to using an Instant Pot.

Great source of nutrients - If you're short on time but still want to enjoy healthy vegetable side dishes, this Instant Pot Broccoli recipe is perfect for you. With the Instant Pot's pressure cooking function, the broccoli cooks quickly and evenly, retaining its nutrients and flavor.

Done in under 10 minutes - When you're busy with meal prep or want to get dinner on the table quickly, this Instant Pot Broccoli recipe is a fantastic option. With a cook time of just 2 minutes and a quick release of pressure, the broccoli is ready in under 10 minutes from start to finish. The broccoli is crispy and retains its bright green color. You'll love the perfectly cooked broccoli too!

Ingredients in Instant Pot Broccoli

Broccoli florets - This is the main ingredient of the recipe. Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that is low in calories and high in nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. It is also a good source of folate, potassium, and vitamin K. Broccoli florets are used in this recipe, which are the small, tree-like clusters at the top of the broccoli stalk. Consuming fruit and vegetables as part of a balanced diet is so important.

Water - This liquid creates the steam that cooks the broccoli. It is added to the Instant Pot along with the broccoli florets.

Salt and pepper (Optional) - Salt enhances the flavor and can bring out the natural sweetness of broccoli. Pepper adds mild heat and can help balance out the dish's flavor. Adding these seasonings is optional, as you may prefer to enjoy the natural flavor of the broccoli without any additional seasoning.

Equipment Needed for This Instant Pot Broccoli

Instant Pot/ Pressure Cooker - This is the primary equipment needed to cook Instant Pot Broccoli.

Silicone Steamer Basket - Using a silicone steamer basket helps prevent the broccoli from sticking to the bottom of the pot. It makes it easy to remove the broccoli once it's cooked.

Vegetable Steamer Basket - If you don't have a silicone steamer basket, a vegetable steamer basket can also be used to cook broccoli in the Instant Pot.

Microwave-safe bowls - These are needed if you plan to make the broccoli in a microwave.

Steam basket trivet - This accessory comes with some Instant Pot models. It can be used to elevate the steamer basket above the water level, making it easier to remove the broccoli once it's cooked.

If you have any questions about making Instant Pot Broccoli, please leave a comment, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

How to Make Instant Pot Broccoli

Steaming broccoli in an instant pot is super simple. You only need an instant pot, water, broccoli, and a steamer basket.

You can use a steamer basket made for the instant pot to make this instant pot broccoli, or you can use any metal steamer basket that fits.

We use one that also works in a pot on the stove.

Here's how to steam broccoli in an instant pot:

Wash broccoli thoroughly (if you are using fresh broccoli)
Place the entire head of broccoli into the Instant Pot silicone steamer basket.
Add the seasoning of choice
Put the lid on and lock
Set "0" minutes
Once the Instant Pot reaches pressure (Instant Pot beeps - depends on your make and model), quickly release the pressure, watch out for the steam coming out, and enjoy your perfectly steamed Instant Pot broccoli!

Tips for Making the Best Instant Pot Broccoli

Fresh is best - Use fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture.

Add flavor - If you want to add some extra flavor, try seasoning the broccoli with herbs or spices like garlic, thyme, or red pepper flakes.

Avoid overcooking - To avoid overcooking, it's important to quickly release the pressure and take the broccoli out of the instant pot.

Serve immediately - Serve the Instant Pot broccoli immediately after cooking for the best taste and texture.

Choose the right option - If your instant pot has no zero-minute option, you can steam for 1 minute on low pressure. The cooking time remains the same, regardless of the amount of broccoli (you can double or even triple the quantity of broccoli)

You can cook an entire head of broccoli or frozen broccoli the same way using the Instant Pot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much water do you need for Instant Pot Broccoli?

The amount you need depends on the size of the instant pot. I have a 6QT Ultra, which needs 1 cup of water for most vegetables, including this instant pot broccoli.

The water is just enough to steam it, so some call it Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli.

Can I use broth to steam broccoli in an instant pot?

Yes, you can use broth. Beef, veggie, and chicken broth all work and add a little flavor as it steams into the broccoli.

Can I use frozen broccoli in an instant pot?

You might wonder how to cook frozen broccoli in the instant pot or if you need to add time. You don't need to add time if you're using frozen broccoli. I tend to stick to fresh broccoli when making Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli. I find that even at 0 minutes, the frozen broccoli is on the mushy side.

How do you make steamed broccoli taste better?

You can add salt, pepper, or even parmesan to steamed broccoli to add some additional flavor! You can also add olive oil, minced garlic, or salad dressing.

Did you know that cooking steamed broccoli in Instant Pot helps preserve nutrients? Yes! We love making this quick and easy instant-pot broccoli; it makes the best-steamed broccoli in an instant pot.

How much broccoli can I steam in an instant pot?

We tend to stick to about 2 cups of broccoli florets when we're making instant pot broccoli, but you can add up to 4 cups (or whatever fits in your instant pot).

If you do double this pressure cooker steamed broccoli recipe; you'll want to adjust the time from 0 to 1 minute.

How long does it take to steam broccoli in Instant Pot?

Steam broccoli for "0" minutes for the best results. This way, broccoli cooks in the time it takes for the cooker to reach pressure, which is about 10 minutes. Once the cooker reaches pressure, the instant pot switches to the "keep warm" mode.

Can you cook broccoli in an Instant Pot without a steamer basket?

Yes, you can make instant pot steamed broccoli with no steamer basket. Use the trivet that the instant pot came with instead.

What if I don’t have a steamer basket?

You can steam your broccoli using the trivet if you don't have a steamer basket. Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and pour some water. Then, place the broccoli florets on top of the trivet while keeping it above the water as much as possible. The rest of the instructions remain the same!

How Do You quickly release Instant Pots?

To quick-release instant pots, you'll first need to wait for the cooking cycle to end. Once it's ended, turn the venting knob from the sealing to the venting position. This will quickly release steam.

Ensure the steam stops flowing and the floating valve drops before opening the lid.

Depending on your instant pot model, you can also turn the venting now to vent and press down to quick-release instant pots.

Is it better to steam or Pressure Cook vegetables?

Both techniques cook by steaming and are perfect for making healthy dishes. The main difference is how long the process takes.

Steamers are fantastic for cooking green beans, vegetables, and small stuffed food like dumplings. Steaming is especially good because it eliminates the use of oil or fat. You need hot vapor.

On the other hand, pressure cookers contain a tightly sealed lid that creates a high-pressure environment that allows food to cook. The special combination of high pressure and steam makes cooking faster than other cooking methods, including steamers.

Is It Better To Boil Or Steam?

Steaming broccoli is considered to be a healthier option as it helps retain more of the vegetable's nutrients. Boiling broccoli can cause the nutrients to leach out into the water.

How Much Broccoli Can I Cook In An Instant Pot At Once?

This Instant Pot Broccoli recipe yields 2-4 cups of cooked broccoli. If you want to cook more broccoli at once, you can double the recipe, but make sure not to exceed the maximum fill line of your Instant Pot.

How Do I Prevent Overcooking Or Undercooking Broccoli In An Instant Pot?

To prevent overcooking or undercooking broccoli in an Instant Pot, it's important to follow the recipe's instructions and do not leave the broccoli in the Instant Pot after it's done cooking. Quick release the pressure and immediately remove the broccoli from the Instant Pot to prevent it from overcooking.

Should I Use The Manual Or Steam Function When Cooking Broccoli In An Instant Pot?

You can use either the manual or pressure cook function when cooking broccoli in an Instant Pot. In this recipe, I suggest you use the manual function.

What Is An Instant Pot Burn Notice?

The burn notice means that the Instant Pot has detected that the inner pot has gotten too hot or there isn't enough liquid. Press Cancel to turn off the instant pot. Once the steam is released and it's safe to remove the lid, check the contents. You can add more liquid and resume cooking.

How Do You Season Instant Pot Broccoli?

A pinch of salt and pepper will do if you want to add some seasoning to this pressure-cooker broccoli. Sometimes we like to switch it up and add lemon pepper or Greek seasoning.

How Do You Store Cooked Broccoli?

You can keep your broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days or store it in the freezer for up to 12 months. If you decide to store it in the freezer, remember that thawed broccoli loses its crunch.

Other Ways to Cook Steamed Broccoli

Microwave

You can always steam broccoli in the microwave if you don't have an Instant Pot. All you need to do is cut the broccoli florets into smaller pieces and put them in a microwave-safe bowl with just a little water in the bottom of the bow. Then place a lid or a plate upside down on top of the bowl and ensure the steam can vent through a small hole into the microwave. Cook for about 2 minutes and check on broccoli because microwaves can vary in cooking time.

Stove-Top

You can use the same steamer basket instead of a pot with a lid in the microwave, like steaming broccoli.

Creative Ways To Serve Your Instant Pot Broccoli

So why not get creative after you have made your steamed broccoli and try some of these ideas:

Toss the broccoli with some olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes for a simple yet flavorful side dish.
Top the broccoli with some Parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs and broil it in the oven for a crispy texture.
Use steamed broccoli as a healthy and colorful addition to your salad.
Mix the steamed broccoli with pasta, garlic, and olive oil for a quick and easy dinner.
Add the steamed broccoli to your omelet or scrambled eggs for a nutritious breakfast.
Use steamed broccoli as a base for a Buddha bowl or grain bowl.
Make a broccoli and cheese casserole by combining steamed broccoli with a creamy cheese sauce and baking it in the oven.

What to serve with Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli

We love serving this instant pot broccoli with protein and a carb or a salad. For protein, try this Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs recipe. Or Caprese Stuffed Balsamic Chicken. Instant Pot Pepper Steak is also always a hit.

For the other side dishes, our White Bean Salad is super flavorful.

Recipes that Use Instant Pot Broccoli

You can use instant pot steamed broccoli in many tasty recipes, try these Instant Pot recipes:

Sweet, Healthy & Gluten-Free Recipes to Try

If you need some extra energy and protein, here's a really easy chocolate banana bread recipe to try. Also, you might like my coconut pecan banana bread and gluten-free banana cake!

Yield: 2-4 cups

Instant Pot Broccoli

Name: Instant Pot Broccoli
Prep time: 2 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups broccoli florets (or more if you like); 1 cup water; optional: salt and pepper

This Instant Pot Broccoli recipe is so simple you'll wonder why you haven't tried it before.

Prep Time 2 minutes

Additional Time 8 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets (or more if you like)
1 cup water
optional: salt and pepper

Instructions

Pour 1 cup (8oz.) cold water into the instant pot insert.
Place the steamer basket inside the Instant Pot insert.
Layer in the broccoli florets.
Place the lid on and turn it to lock.
Set your instant pot to "manual" or "pressure cook" and set the timer to "0". This will bring it to pressure which is enough to cook the broccoli.
Once it's done, press cancel and quick release the pressure.
Immediately remove the broccoli to prevent overcooking. If desired, season with salt and pepper.
Serve warm.

Notes

You can use frozen broccoli but we don't recommend it. The broccoli gets mushy.
If you double the broccoli you don't need to add more water but you will need to set the timer to 1 minute.