Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli
Ok Y’all. I eat a lot of veggies. I’m trying to go down a size or two… but I really like to eat. So, I get pretty creative with veggies like broccoli. I love it boiled, I love it steamed, I love it baked, I love it in a casserole, I love it raw, dipped in blue cheese, I all around love it. And… I also love how the instant pot makes cooking it sooo quick!
Honestly, steaming broccoli has never been easier! With your instant pot or any pressure cooker, you can cook steamed broccoli perfectly in just a couple of minutes. Using your instant pot with this method is simple and quick, and it results in a delicious, healthy side dish. In just a few minutes, you can have perfectly steamed broccoli that is perfectly tender and flavorful. Plus, using your instant pot is much healthier than boiling or frying your broccoli. It preserves the nutrients that are lost in boiling and requires no butter or oil to cook. So, give this easy instant pot steamed broccoli method a try today!
There are two ways to make the best pressure cooker steamed broccoli. You can place the broccoli directly on your instant pot trivet or you can use a steamer basket.
Not sure what an Instant Pot Trivet is? Our article will explain what an Instant Pot Trivet is and how to use it!
Here’s how to steam broccoli in the Instant Pot using both methods:
Ways to make Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli :
Method 1: Steamed Broccoli Directly on the Trivet
1. Place your trivet in the bottom of the inner pot (instant pot liner) and add 1 cup of water.
2. Place the broccoli florets directly on top of the trivet and add salt, pepper and garlic or your favorite spices.
3. Secure the lid and steam broccoli low pressure for 0 minutes. (1 minute if you like your broccoli softer)
4. Once finished, use the quick release method to release and steam and then open the lid once the pin falls down on your lid.
5. Carefully remove the bright green broccoli from the instant pot immediately with tongs or a slotted spoon and serve as desired! Just a pat of butter and some Parmesan cheese is great for a busy weeknight side!
Method 2: Steamed Broccoli Using a Steamer Basket
1. Place your trivet in the bottom of the inner pot (instant pot liner) and add 1 cup of water.
2. Place your steamer basket in the pot on top of the trivet.
3. Place the broccoli florets in the basket and add salt, pepper and garlic or your favorite spices.
4. Secure the lid and steam broccoli on low pressure for 0 minutes. (1 minute if you like your broccoli softer)
5. Once finished, use the quick release method to release the pressure from the pot.
6. Carefully remove the bright green broccoli from steamer basket with tongs or a slotted spoon and serve as desired!
For both methods you can increase the cooking time if you like your broccoli less crisp.
No matter which method you choose, steaming broccoli florets in the Instant Pot is a great way to enjoy this delicious green vegetable.
If your kids are picky and don't like instant pot steamed broccoli try melting some cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese on top before serving. My kids love instant pot broccoli served this way, even my pickiest middle child.
How long do you steam broccoli in an instant pot?
When steaming broccoli set your instant pot at low pressure for 1 minute for crisp steamed broccoli. If you like your broccoli softer then add a minute or two to the time depending on your liking.
How do I use my instant pot as a steamer?
Your instant pot can be used as a steamer in two ways, either with the trivet or with the trivet and a steamer basket. With either approach, just add some cooking liquid to the bottom of the pot and place your trivet in the pot.
If you are using the trivet alone for larger vegetables, place the vegetables directly on top of the trivet.
If you have smaller veggies or rice, then you should place your steamer basket top of the trivet.
If using a basket, then you can season your veggies before cooking. If using the trivet alone, then season after with a drizzle of olive oil or butter, or marinate your veggies before placing on the trivet in the instant pot for extra flavor.
How do you steam vegetables in an instant pot without a steamer basket?
You can steam veggies without a steamer basket if they are in larger pieces directly on the instant pot trivet. If they are smaller pieces you may worry about them falling through the trivet rack into the cooling liquid. Follow the steps above in the "Directly on the trivet" section for specific instructions on how to make steamed broccoli pressure cooker.
How much water do you need to steam broccoli in instant pot?
Add 1 cup of water to your instant pot for instapot steamed broccoli. You just need enough cooking liquid to cover the bottom of the pot so you don't get the burn error or scorching during cooking. You don’t want the water so high that it touches the veggies if you are cooking directly on the trivet.
Can you Steam Frozen Broccoli in the instant pot?
Yes, you can absolutely steam frozen broccoli in the instant pot right from the freezer! You do not need to thaw the broccoli. Just place it in the instant pot in the steamer basket (if its cut up) and cook for 0 minutes on the steam setting or low pressure setting for a crisp texture. If you like your broccoli a little softer you can set your pot to 1 minute. Do a quick release when done or your broccoli will continue getting softer by the minute.
** Note: If your pressure cooker does not have a low pressure or a steam setting you can use the high pressure setting. Just start with 0 minutes to ensure you get the texture you desire. You can always leave it in the instant pot to continue steaming with the lid off if you want it to be softer, but you can't make it crisp again if the broccoli has been steamed too long.
What is the difference in Steaming Fresh broccoli and Frozen Broccoli in the instant pot?
Honestly, there is really no time difference between instant pot frozen broccoli and instant pot fresh broccoli. The pressure cooker thaws ingredients so quickly while it gets up to pressure that there is a negligible time difference between fresh broccoli and frozen broccoli in instant pot.
Once you make insant pot steamed broccoli you will never go back to cooking your steamed broccoli on the stove. Clean up is a breeze too. Just rinse out your pressure cooker inner pot and let it dry on the counter.
Can I steam broccoli and other vegetables or rice at the same time?
Yes! This is a great way to save time in the kitchen. There are several ways to do this, but I prefer to use these stacking steamer baskets when I cook multiple items in the pot at the same time.
Using a Instant Pot Stackable Steamer Basket makes the clean up easier, but you could also place your steamer basket on top of the other food you are cooking in the pot. You want to use the vented lid for foods that you want to steam.
One of my favorite instant pot recipes that cooks more than one dish in the pot at the same time is sesame chicken with steamed broccoli and rice. I pressure cook the sesame chicken and rice in the bottom pot and cook broccoli in the top pot.
Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli Florets and Cheese
The kids will love this steamed broccoli in an instant pot recipe :)
Follow the steps above to make your frozen steamed broccoli in an instant! Cook broccoli in your instant pot for 1 minute. My family likes their instant pot steamed broccoli cooked to a soft texture so I cook frozen broccoli for 1 minute, but feel free to adjust the time to produce the texture your kids like. Once done remove the steamed broccoli from the pot and toss in a bowl with salt, pepper and 2 slices of American cheese. American cheese melts really nicely and most kiddos prefer this cheese over the others, but feel free to use any cheese you have on hand. You can't go wrong with instant pot steamed broccoli covered in any cheese.
Steam broccoli Instant Pot cooks will love!
With these simple instant pot steamed broccoli recipes, you can steam broccoli in the Instant Pot quickly and easily. It's a great way to make a healthy side dish that is full of flavor. So, give it a try today and enjoy perfectly cooked broccoli each time!
Steps to Prepare Instant Pot Broccoli:
Place 1/2 cup of water in your Instant Pot
Place the Trivet in your Instant Pot
Rinse your broccoli
Cut the head of broccoli florets off of the stem. If not using a steamer basket make sure you cut your florets into larger chunks do they don’t fall through the trivet into the cooking liquid (I give the thick stem to my dog. He loves to chew on it, but it can also be cut up and cooked with the florets)
If using a steamer basket, place the broccoli in the steamer basket and then on the trivet
If not using a steamer basket, place the larger chunks of broccoli directly on trivet
Put the lid on the Instant Pot and Seal
Press the Pressure Cook button and set it to cook for one minute.
Once the pressure cook cycle is complete (you will hear the beeping), do a quick release
Remove the broccoli and serve with butter and salt to taste.
Add Parmesan or cheddar to the top of your Instant Pot Broccoli if desired
Steamed Instant Pot Broccoli Nutrition
Steamed broccoli is a popular and nutritious side dish. It has a mild, earthy flavor that pairs well with many flavors and ingredients.
Adding broccoli to your meal can also help you reach your nutrition goals. One cup of broccoli contains only 31 calories, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their caloric intake without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
Making Instant Pot Broccoli is incredibly easy and the best part is that it’s naturally gluten free, low calorie and low carb. Broccoli is also a nutrient powerhouse. It should be part of everyones diet. Broccoli is rich in Vitamin C, vitamin K and many B vitamins. With such a simple and fast cooking process, it’s easy to add to a few meals a week.
What should I serve with Broccoli Florets?
When served as a side dish, broccoli tastes great seasoned with spices and butter and goes great with lighter proteins such as grilled fish or tofu. It also pairs nicely with richer proteins like steak or pork tenderloin.
Heartier main dishes like stews, pastas, and casseroles are all complemented by steamed broccoli's light flavor and crunchy texture. To bring out steamed broccoli's flavor even more, try tossing it with a light oil-based dressing or adding some freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Broccoli is also often served as a main dish as a component of One pot meals, like Broccoli Casseroles and Broccoli and Cheese Quiche or Loaded Baked Potato Soup with Broccoli.
Growing Broccoli in your Back Yard Garden
Growing your own fresh vegetables like broccoli gives you access to fresh produce all season long, and it's easy to grow outdoors! Broccoli and Broccolini prefer to grow in cooler weather so they are great to plant in the spring and late summer for and early summer crop and also a late fall crop.
I have also tried to grow broccoli indoors in my lettuce grow farmstand but I found it would only create leaves in this environment and no heads. The leaves of broccoli are edible and are actually delicious. I add them often to eggs, omlettes and frittatas. The flavor and texture is similar to collard greens.
Broccoli is a fresh vegetable that can be enjoyed both as a side dish and main course. It is popular for its rich flavor and nutritional content, making it an ideal choice for a healthy diet. Broccoli also has the added bonus of being gluten free, so those with gluten sensitivities can safely enjoy this delicious vegetable.
This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Steamed Broccoli Pressure Cooker Recipes
Pressure Cooker Steamed Broccoli with Hollandaise Sauce
Steamed Broccoli in Pressure Cooker with Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Creamy Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli with Rice and Cheese
