Simple Ingredients for Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli

You only need a few basic ingredients to create this fantastic side dish. Freshness is key for the best flavor and texture!

• Fresh Broccoli: Choose a firm head of broccoli with vibrant green florets. Avoid any with yellowing spots. You’ll cut it into similar-sized florets for even cooking.
• Water: Just one cup is all you need to create the steam in the Instant Pot.
• Butter: Optional, but highly recommended for a rich, savory flavor. A small pat adds incredible depth.
• Salt: To taste, for seasoning. Freshly ground black pepper can also be a nice addition.

That’s it! Simple, straightforward, and incredibly effective.

How to Make Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these easy steps for perfectly cooked broccoli every time. It’s almost too simple to believe!

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli. Wash your fresh broccoli thoroughly under cold running water. Then, carefully cut the head into similar-sized florets. Aim for pieces that are roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in size. This ensures they cook evenly. Discard the thick stalk or save it for another recipe.

Step 2: Set Up the Instant Pot. Pour one cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot’s inner pot. Next, place the metal trivet (the metal rack that usually comes with your Instant Pot) down over the water. This keeps the broccoli elevated above the water, allowing it to steam rather than boil.

Step 3: Add Broccoli and Butter. Arrange the prepared broccoli florets on top of the trivet. Try to spread them out as much as possible, avoiding packing them too tightly, which can lead to uneven steaming. Place the pat of butter (or pats, if you prefer more) directly in the center of the broccoli florets. As the Instant Pot heats, the butter will melt over the broccoli, infusing it with flavor.

Tips for Achieving Perfectly Steamed Broccoli

• Consistent Floret Size: This is key! If your florets are all roughly the same size, they will steam evenly. Larger pieces will be undercooked, and smaller pieces will be mushy.
• Don’t Overfill: While the Instant Pot is spacious, avoid overpacking the pot. This can prevent proper steam circulation and lead to uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended amount for best results.
• The “0 Minute” Trick: The magic of Instant Pot steamed vegetables lies in the 0-minute cook time. The vegetables cook during the time it takes for the pot to come to pressure. Setting it to 0 minutes ensures they are cooked through but remain tender-crisp. Any longer, and they risk becoming overcooked.
• Immediate Quick Release (QR): Don’t let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure! As soon as the timer goes off, manually release the pressure. Every second counts in preventing overcooked, mushy broccoli.
• Use the Trivet: The trivet is essential! It keeps the broccoli out of the water, allowing it to steam effectively. Without it, your broccoli will boil and become waterlogged.
• Seasoning Variations: While salt and butter are a classic combination, feel free to experiment! Try a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of garlic powder or fresh minced garlic, a dash of red pepper flakes for a kick, or some grated Parmesan cheese after steaming. A drizzle of olive oil instead of butter also works beautifully.
• Customize Tenderness: If you prefer slightly softer broccoli, you can try setting the Instant Pot to 1 minute, but be prepared for a slightly less crisp texture. For truly tender-crisp, 0 minutes with a quick release is the golden standard.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Broccoli

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you absolutely can! Frozen broccoli can be steamed in the Instant Pot just like fresh. You’ll still use 1 cup of water and the trivet. The main difference is the cook time. Since frozen florets are already blanched, they need even less time. We recommend a 0-minute cook time followed by an immediate quick release for tender-crisp results. If you prefer them a bit softer, you could try -1 minute (meaning the pot comes to pressure and then immediately releases, without starting a timer).

How long does it take for the Instant Pot to come to pressure?

The time it takes for your Instant Pot to come to pressure varies depending on several factors: the amount of food, the temperature of the food (frozen vs. fresh), and the model of your Instant Pot. For this broccoli recipe, with 1 cup of water and fresh broccoli, it typically takes anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes to reach full pressure.

What if I don’t have a trivet or steamer basket?

While the trivet is highly recommended for optimal steaming, if you don’t have one, you can improvise. You could create a makeshift “sling” with aluminum foil to lift the broccoli off the bottom, or use a heat-proof ceramic bowl inverted in the pot to act as a stand. However, for best results, an Instant Pot trivet or a dedicated steamer basket is ideal.

How do I store leftover steamed broccoli?

Allow any leftover steamed broccoli to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can quickly warm it in the microwave, on the stovetop with a splash of water, or even briefly in the Instant Pot on the “Steam” setting for 0 minutes with a quick release.

Can I cook other vegetables with broccoli?

You can, but it’s crucial that the vegetables have similar cooking times to avoid some being overcooked and others undercooked. Vegetables like cauliflower or green beans have similar steam times to broccoli. Harder vegetables like carrots or potatoes would need to be cut very small or cooked for a longer duration, which would overcook the broccoli.

This recipe truly is the ultimate easy steamed broccoli solution, delivering perfectly tender-crisp results in under 10 minutes total (including pressure build-up time). It’s a game-changer for getting more healthy vegetables into your diet with minimal effort.

Give this Instant Pot broccoli a try next time you need a quick, delicious, and nutritious veggie side dish for dinner. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve professional-level steamed broccoli right in your own kitchen!