Delicious Steamed Broccoli – Instant Pot
Did you ever think you could cook fresh broccoli into the ultimate side dish by using an instant pot pressure cooker? I follow this steam broccoli instant pot recipe as it is low carb and offers the tender vegetables factor to dishes with starch and protein.
Additionally, steaming broccoli and many fresh vegetables is the best way to retain their nutrients and not overcook them.
Also, the tender broccoli won’t lose its bright green color, which occurs during the cooking process if you’re utilizing an air fryer. Broccoli cooks so beautifully in an electric pressure cooker, you won’t even think about steaming or sauteed broccoli on a stove top again!
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you.
Recommended Read: Southern Style Candied Yams
Is Broccoli Good For You?
So many people are actually surprised at how much of a nutritional powerhouse those little bushes of broccoli really are. Aside from its known anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and natural detoxification properties, broccoli contains other minerals and natural fiber.
Vitamin C and vitamin K are also found in broccoli. Due to the fact that it’s also low in fat, cholesterol, and saturated fat, it’s a great way to incorporate a veggie side into a large list of special diets, as well as being a regular (and loved) part of anyone’s regular diet also.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Broccoli In The Instant Pot?
Delivering healthy broccoli to the table can be accomplished in just 10 minutes. That is due to the fact that 10 minutes is how long it takes for a standard instant pot to come to full pressure.
Pouring one cup of water into the bottom of the instant pot, you will then place a stainless steel or silicone steamer basket into the inner pot, laying your chopped broccoli florets on top.
Making instant pot steamed broccoli, you’ll want to set the machine’s pressure cook mode to zero minutes on high pressure with the vent in a sealed position. Low pressure also works well for crunchier pressure cooker broccoli.
[convertkit form=3345183]
Then, the perfect instant pot broccoli recipe is completed once you quick release the pressure manually as soon as the instant pot beeps.
This is an important thing to do to avoid your healthy side dish from becoming mushy and soggy as it doesn’t take much time for the instant pot to continue building pressure.
Remove the instant pot insert, being careful of the hot water, so that the broccoli doesn’t overcook and always be sure to allow some time to cool.
Recommended Read: The Best Homemade Lasagna Recipe
The cooking time is so fast for this recipe, it is one of the easiest things I know to make as a quick side dish!
How To Cut The Broccoli
Rinse the raw broccoli under cold water and then chop the head of broccoli into medium size florets.
As long as you add the cup water to ensure the steam broccoli instant pot actually steams, you can double the quantity of your chopped heads of broccoli without needing to increase any amount of water or cooking time of this recipe.
Following this minimal meal prep, be sure to not overfill the basket with broccoli head, and then get steaming!
Proper Storage & Cooking From Frozen
Sometimes you may not have the time or need to cook all of the broccoli that you have at your disposal, and that’s okay, because you can freeze the chopped florets in an airtight container like a freezer bag for up to one month for the best results.
Next time you want to use frozen broccoli instead of fresh, know that it is totally possible by following this exact recipe!
Consequently, you may have to sacrifice some of the similarities in the taste and texture found in steaming with fresh broccoli.
Steam Broccoli Instant Pot Recipe
Collecting the right ingredients for such an easy instant pot dish is a breeze as all you really need is the perfect pick of a large head of broccoli from your local grocery store. Not much water is needed either, just a cup!
The real magic happens thanks to the steam and the nutritional value of broccoli stays locked in. This steam broccoli instant pot recipe is an easy way to have a great side for countless plates; I give it a five star rating.
Truthfully, it can even be enjoyed tossed simply with some parmesan cheese or olive oil and lemon juice, with seasonings like black pepper or pink himalayan sea salt!
Up Next: Wine Pairing Options with Fettuccine Alfredo
Directions:
- Wash and dry your produce. Cut off stems and chop into cups of broccoli florets.
- Turn on your instant pot and press the settings for Manual and Pressure Cook modes on the high or low heat setting (depending on your preferred level of crunchiness) for a zero minute cook time.
- Afterwards, you can add the water, the steamer basket, and one cup of broccoli until the basket is full, but not overflowing. Close its lid and be sure to vent the steam valve.
- Cook for roughly 10 minutes, which is about how long your kitchen appliance should take to come to full pressure, and then select a quick pressure release. It becomes a good rule of thumb to get into the practice of removing the basket as soon as it is time to do so to keep your broccoli from becoming mush. Use as a side or serve as the perfect addition to your dish.
Tip: For 5-10 seconds, rinse the steamer basket full of steamed, fresh broccoli under cold water a single time to stop the cooking for soft broccoli that works as many forms of easy side dishes.
Seasoning Ideas:
Keep It Simple: Drizzle with butter and lemon with salt and pepper
Add some cheese: Add parmesan, cheddar cheese or an amazing alfredo sauce to keep it bursting with flavor
Top on your favorite pasta: Add a kick of flavor and crunch as you pair broccoli with your favorite pasta. I love pairing broccoli with penne or spaghetti.
Out of so many wonderful instant pot recipes, the one I know for steam broccoli instant pot is one for the books, and also ended up becoming one of my favorite ways to speed cook broccoli for dinner or lunch.
Side dishes like sweet potatoes, candied yams, instant pot mac and cheese, and green beans are fabulous, but sometimes you need a solid cruciferous vegetable like fresh broccoli to perfectly complete a meal.
Nothing beats an edible green plant like healthy broccoli, which myself as well as many others in their youth believed to be mini trees.
Delicious Steamed Broccoli – In Instant Pot
This delicious steamed broccoli recipe is healthy all by itself or as a side dish. Gluten-free, vegan and naturally healthy, this recipe is perfect for pleasing a crowd or pairing with your favorite dish.
- Instant Pot
- Steamer Basket
- 1 head broccoli
- 1 cup water
- salt and pepper to taste
Wash and cut broccoli into bite-sized florets.
Add water to the instant pot insert.
Place the steamer basket inside of the instant pot.
Add broccoli to the steamer basket.
Set the instant pot to Manual for 0 minutes on high pressure with vent in sealing position.
When instant pot beeps, quick release the pressure manually. Remove steamer basket carefully as it is hot.
Place basket under cold water to stop the cooking of the broccoli, or serve immediately.
Add salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
Note:
For the 0 minutes on high pressure, this will result in a crunchy texture for the broccoli. If you want a softer texture, you can add 1 minute on high pressure and quick release the pressure manually.
Like this recipe? You may also like…
The Best Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
The Best Baby Roasted Potatoes Recipe
Like This Post? Pin It For Later!
