This instant pot broccoli is quick, easy, and a hassle-free method of steaming your broccoli. Serve it with some chicken for a nutritious low carb lunch or dinner!
There are many ways to cook broccoli. You can steam, saute, roast, air fry, or microwave them. Sometimes I want my broccoli crispy and I air fry it but sometimes I want tender broccoli and the instant pot is an easy way to make this.
I love that the broccoli comes out bright green, crunchy, and tender every time. It takes just a few minutes to get it from the fridge to your dinner table and I'm guaranteed perfect broccoli every time. Such an easy and quick side dish!
There's basically zero cooking time because the broccoli cooks while the instant pot comes to pressure. This is sort of like 'pre-heating' the instant pot. So the broccoli cooks while the pot preheats.
Equipment Used
I use my instant pot pressure cooker for this recipe because it's one of the quickest ways to steam broccoli perfectly. This wonderful electric pressure cooker helps me save time and energy. I don't have to monitor it or fuss about it.
You will also need an instant pot steamer basket for this recipe. You can use a mesh steamer basket or a silicone steamer basket.
Since the instant pot cooks sealed under pressure, the ingredients don't lose any flavor. Food always turns out extra tasty, tender, and moist because of this. Using the instant pot is a great way to steam vegetables and cook food quickly.
Ingredients Used
You only need a few ingredients to prepare this cruciferous vegetable.
- Fresh Broccoli: I use one head of broccoli for this recipe. I get it from the veggie section in my local grocery store.
- Olive oil spray: This is optional. You can skip it if you want but I like to include it to help the spices stick to the broccoli.
- Spices: Garlic powder and salt are all you need for flavor.
- Water: I use about a half cup of water.
How to Make This Instant Pot Broccoli
- Rinse the broccoli under running water, then pat dry with paper towels. Chop the broccoli into medium-sized florets.
- Arrange the broccoli in the instant pot basket. You can stack them if you need to. Spray with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder and salt all over them.
- Shake the basket to make sure the spices are mixed in.
- Pour some water into the instant pot and place the basket in the instant pot.
- Turn the instant pot to manual high pressure and set the timer to zero. It will take about 10 minutes to come to full pressure.
- When the instant pot beeps, do a quick pressure release by turning the knob at the top.
Make it in the Microwave
If you don't have an instant pot, you can also make this easy recipe in the microwave.
- Put the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl and add the spices.
- Add about two to three tablespoons of water.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate and then microwave it on high for three to four minutes.
- Carefully remove the hot plate, and then check if it's done to your preference.
- Microwave in 1-minute bursts if not tender enough.
Cook it on the Stovetop
- Pour two cups of water into a pot and put a steamer basket in it. Make sure the bottom of the basket isn't touching the water.
- Cover the pot, then bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Put the broccoli florets in the basket, cover the pot, and let them cook for four to five minutes till tender.
I don't recommend boiling broccoli, or any vegetables, because they lose nutrients that way.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftover broccoli in the refrigerator for up to three days. Put it in an airtight container first and it should remain fresh within this time.
To store for longer, put the broccoli in an airtight container or a freezer bag, then pop it in the freezer. Be aware that frozen broccoli might turn out a bit mushy than when you defrost broccoli from the fridge.
To reheat frozen leftover broccoli, transfer it to the fridge overnight to defrost. Reheat it either in the microwave, the stovetop, or even the air fryer till hot.
What can I eat this recipe with?
This instant pot broccoli recipe is versatile, so it'll go wonderfully with almost anything you pair it with. Serve it with meat or chicken dishes for a full meal.
I love to pair this instant pot recipe with:
- Peri Peri Chicken Wings
- Ninja Foodi Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Duck Breast
- Air Fryer Pork Belly
- Keto Roast Turkey
- Instant Pot Shredded Beef
- Cajun Turkey
Tips and variations
- You can use cut broccoli florets for this recipe to save time.
- Remove the broccoli from the instant pot immediately it beeps to prevent mushy broccoli.
- You can make more or less broccoli but it would be the same zero minutes of cook time.
- Feel free to stack the broccoli in the instant pot basket. It won't affect it because the hot steam will circulate regardless. The broccoli will still turn out perfectly and evenly cooked.
- You can add chopped red onions, fresh garlic, and red pepper flakes for even more flavor. You can also add some fresh lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
Frequently asked questions
It's super easy to steam with an instant pot. All you need are your ingredients and the steamer basket. The time needed would depend on what you're steaming. Some ingredients need zero cook time like this pressure cooker broccoli recipe, while others (like carrots) need a bit longer.
You only need about half a cup to a cup of water depending on how much vegetables are being steamed in the instant pot.
Need more instant pot recipes? Next time, try these!
Instant Pot Steamed Vegetables
Instant Pot Chicken Leg Quarters
Keto Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Broccoli
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb broccoli
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- olive oil spray optional
Instructions
Make it in the instant pot
- Rinse the broccoli under running water, then pat dry with paper towels.1 lb broccoli
- Chop the broccoli into medium-sized florets.
- Arrange the broccoli in the instant pot basket. You can stack them if you need to.
- Spray with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder and salt all over them.1 teaspoon garlic powder, olive oil spray, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Shake the basket to make sure the spices are mixed in.
- Pour some water into the instant pot and place the basket in the instant pot.
- Turn the instant pot to manual high pressure and set the timer to zero.
- It will take about 10 minutes to come to full pressure.
- When the instant pot beeps, quick release it by turning the knob at the top.
- Your instant pot steamed broccoli is ready!
Make it in the Microwave
- Put the broccoli florets and spices in a microwave-safe bowl, then add two to three tablespoons of water in.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate and then microwave it on high for three to four minutes.
- Carefully remove the hot plate, and then check if it's done to your preference.
- Microwave in 1-minute bursts if not tender enough.
Cook it on the Stovetop
- Pour two cups of water into a pot and put a steamer basket in it.
- Cover the pot, then bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Put the broccoli florets and spices in the basket, cover the pot, and let them cook for 4-5 minutes till tender.
Notes
- You can use cut broccoli florets for this recipe to save time.
- Remove the broccoli from the instant pot immediately it beeps to prevent mushy broccoli.
- You can make more or less broccoli but it would be the same zero minutes of cook time.
- Feel free to stack the broccoli in the instant pot basket. It won't affect it because the hot steam will circulate regardless. The broccoli will still turn out perfectly and evenly cooked.
- You can add chopped red onions, fresh garlic, and red pepper flakes for even more flavor. You can also add some fresh lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
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