Steamed broccoli is quick and easy when you use the instant pot. Just break it into florets, add it to a steamer basket, turn the pot on and let it do the work. You will have perfect, tender broccoli every time.
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We love using the instant pot for steaming vegetables. It is quick and easy, you don’t have to watch a pot, and it turns out perfectly every time.
The nice thing about using the instant pot is that it frees up space on the stove, which is great when you are cooking a large dinner and have all the burners going.
We have left the directions for this recipe simple, just plain steamed broccoli, so you are free to dress it up any way you like. Simply season with salt and pepper or add some spice with chili flakes, seasoning salt, or your favourite spice blend.
Why We Love This Recipe
It is easy – Steaming broccoli in the instant pot is easy. Just break the broccoli into florets, place them in the steamer basket, add the water and turn it on. No watching for a pot to boil, no boil overs, and no need to keep testing for doneness.
It is quick – The cook time for this recipe is zero minutes. Yes, zero! However, you do have to wait for the instant pot to come to pressure and depending on your pot that could be anywhere from about 8-10 minutes. But it’s still pretty quick.
Only 1 ingredient – The only ingredient in this recipe is broccoli leaving it open to whatever seasonings you want to add. We like lemon wedges and chili flakes, but because the broccoli is left plain you can get as creative or simple as you want.
Instructions
I’ll admit, this isn’t as much a recipe as it is a how-to, but the steps to making steamed broccoli in the instant pot are quick and easy.
Start by breaking or cutting the broccoli into florets, then give it a quick wash.
Place the broccoli in a steamer basket that fits into the liner of your instant pot. Then add 1 cup of water to the pot.
Place a trivet in the bottom of the pot and then place the steamer basket of broccoli on top.
Next, place the lid on the pot, turn the valve to seal and set the pressure on high for zero minutes. When the timer is complete, turn the valve to release the pressure. When the pin drops carefully remove the lid.
Test the broccoli for doneness with a fork. It should be fork tender, but still have a bit of resistance. If you prefer your broccoli a bit softer, just place the lid back on the pot for a minute or two and let the residual steam cook the broccoli a little longer. Just be careful as it can go from tender to super soft very quickly.
When the broccoli is your desired doneness, remove from the pot immediately, season as desired and serve.
Pro Tip – This recipe was made in a 6qt Instant Pot. If you are using an 8 qt pot you will need to increase the water to 1 ½ cups.
Serving Suggestions
We love serving fresh steamed broccoli with lemon wedges and sprinkled with chili flakes. But you can serve it with simple salt and pepper, or drizzle it with cheese sauce, soy sauce, or anything else you like.
Steamed broccoli is an easy side dish and goes perfectly with almost anything. We love serving it with air fried pork chops or chicken drumsticks, but it will really go with anything.
You could also use this steaming method to prepare your broccoli for any other recipe where steamed broccoli is needed.
FAQS
I do recommend you use a steamer basket. You don’t want the broccoli submerged in the water or it will overcook. Steamer baskets are pretty inexpensive and can be used for so many things.
If you don’t have a steamer basket you may be able to carefully stack the broccoli on the trivet, just make sure the larger pieces are at the bottom and that none fall through.
The reason you can set the pot for zero minutes is that the cooking process begins to happen as soon as you turn it on. While the pot is building pressure it is creating heat and steam which is cooking the food.
For some foods, such as broccoli, it doesn’t need any further cooking after the pot comes to pressure, the steam created during pressurization is enough. This is why it can be set for zero minutes.
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Printable Recipe
Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Break the broccoi into florets, give it a quick wash and place it inside a steamer basket.
- Add 1 cup of water to the instant pot, place the trivet on the bottom of the pot and set the steamer basket of broccoli on top.
- Close the lid, turn the valve to seal and set the pot to high pressure for zero minutes.
- When the timer is complete turn the valve to vent the steam. When the pin has dropped carefully remove the lid.
- Test the broccoli to check for doneness. If you would like the broccoli a little more tender simply place the lid back on the pot for a minute or two. No need to set the pressure, the heat from the steam will continue to cook the broccoli.
- When the broccoli is your desired doneness, remove from the pot immediatly, seasong to tastes and serve. It will continue to cook if left in the pot.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
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