By Wendy Stoltz / Last Modified On January 22, 2023

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to make broccoli, you'll want to make instant pot steamed broccoli!

This Instant Pot Broccoli is perfectly served with Instant Pot Fried Rice. It's also a great side to Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken.

If you're looking for another side dish, try these Instant Pot Carrots next. A little butter and dill goes a long way.

Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli

Instant pot steamed broccoli is one of the easiest side dishes you’ll ever make!

It's super easy to steam broccoli in an instant pot and it takes less than ten minutes between the warm up cycle, cooking time, and steam release.

This instant pot broccoli recipe is naturally:

Nut-Free
Egg-Free
Gluten-free
Low-carb
Paleo
Keto
Vegan
Dairy-free

So it works with just about any diet or food restriction, plus, this Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli is easy to make and nutritious.

Why Steam Broccoli in an Instant Pot

• Steaming broccoli in an instant pot is incredibly easy and takes a few steps!
• It's hands-off and very fast
• Broccoli is perfectly crispy and retains its bright green color

How to Steam Broccoli in an Instant Pot/ Pressure Cooker

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: 

1. Wash broccoli thoroughly (if you are using fresh broccoli)
2. Place the entire head of broccoli into the Instant Pot silicone steamer basket 
3. Add the seasoning of choice
4. Put the lid on and lock
5. Set "0" minutes
6. Once the Instant Pot reaches pressure, do a quick release of the pressure, watch out for the steam coming out, and enjoy your perfectly steamed Instant Pot broccoli!

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, hence why some call it Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli.

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

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

Can I use frozen broccoli in an instant pot?

You might be wondering 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 think about adding olive oil or minced garlic, or even salad dressing if you prefer. 

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?

In case you don't have a steamer basket, you can just steam your broccoli by using the trivet. 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 to quick 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.

Make sure the steam has stopped flowing and the floating valve has dropped before opening the lid.

Depending on your instant pot model, you can also turn the venting know 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, such as dumplings.  Steaming is especially good because it eliminates the use of oil or fat, you just need hot vapor. 

Pressure cookers, on the other hand, 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 compared to other cooking methods, including steamers. 

Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli Additional Tips

• You can cook an entire head of broccoli or frozen broccoli the same way using the instant pot
• To avoid overcooking, it's important to quick release the pressure and take the broccoli out of the instant pot
• In case your instant pot doesn't have a 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)

Instant Pot Burn Notice

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.

Other Ways to Cook Steamed Broccoli

Microwave

If you don't have an Instant Pot, you can always steam broccoli in the microwave. All you need to do is to cut the broccoli florets into smaller pieces and put them in a microwave-safe bowl with just a little bit of water in the bottom of the bow. Then place a lid or a plate upside down on top of the bowl and make sure that 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

Similar to steaming broccoli in the microwave, you can use the same steamer basket instead of a pot with a lid. 

What to serve with Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli

We love serving this instant pot broccoli with a 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.

How to Season Instant Pot Broccoli

If you want to add a little bit of seasoning to this pressure cooker broccoli, a pinch of salt and pepper will do. Sometimes we like to switch it up and add lemon pepper or Greek seasoning.

How to 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, keep in mind that thawed broccoli loses its crunch. 

Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli Recommended Products

Instant Pot/ Pressure Cooker

Silicone Steamer Basket

Vegetable Steamer Basket

Microwave-safe bowls

Steam basket trivet

Recipes that Use Instant Pot Broccoli

You can use instant pot steamed broccoli in many tasty recipes, including:

• Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli
• Instant Pot Lo Mein
• Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup
• Instant Por Chicken Stir Fry

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, as well as gluten-free banana cake!

Want to become a pro in the kitchen? We recommend taking this MasterClass by Gordon Ramsay.

Did you make this Instant Pot Broccoli? Please leave us a note below and let us know what you served it with.

Continue to Content

Yield: 2-4 cups

Instant Pot Broccoli

Print

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to make broccoli, you'll want to make instant pot broccoli.

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

1. Pour 1 cup (8oz.) cold water into the instant pot insert.
2. Place the steamer basket inside the Instant Pot insert.
3. Layer in the broccoli florets.
4. Place the lid on and turn it to lock.
5. 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.
6. Once it's done, press cancel and quick release the pressure.
7. Immediately remove the broccoli to prevent overcooking. If desired, season with salt and pepper.
8. 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.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. They never cost you extra.

• 
  Vegetable Steamer Basket Set - Steamer Inserts for Instant Pot + Safety Tool - 100% Stainless Steel - Pressure Cooker & Instant Pot Accessories, Pot in Pot - Egg Rack
• 
  Instant Pot Ultra 6 Qt 10-in-1 Multi- Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Yogurt Maker, Cake Maker, Egg Cooker, Sauté, Steamer, Warmer, and Sterilizer

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

½ cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 27Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 108mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 3gSugar: 1gProtein: 2g

This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands that I used a the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.