Amazing Steamed Broccoli – Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

Easy, fresh & tasty Steamed Broccoli made in the Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker). Enjoy this low carb healthy vegetable made in less than 15 minutes. Try this foolproof method to get the perfect texture for broccoli every time. 

I call this amazing as my daughter who did not eat sauteed broccoli, started eating it after I steamed it in the Instant Pot. This is a great side to eat with some rice or protein.

I try to add veggies to our diet where ever possible.  This steamed broccoli is a great and quick way to cook up broccoli. Steaming is also the recommended cooking method for broccoli as it helps with better retention of nutrients and does not overcook the broccoli.  You want to steam broccoli such that it does not lose it’s color or flavor, and does not get too soft and mushy!

Check out other Instant Pot Basics recipes – Steamed Carrots, Cooking Chickpeas, Cooking Beets, Boiling Potatoes and Homemade Yogurt.

Why Broccoli and Why Steamed Broccoli?

Firstly, it is tasty.  I love broccoli as a side along with my meal.  Other than that, broccoli has great nutritional benefits.

Broccoli, part of the Brassica family, is considered a cruciferous vegetable. Broccoli is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-detoxification capabilities, which have disease fighting capabilities.  

Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Broccoli is also low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol.

A 1/2-cup portion of steamed broccoli contains 31 calories, 6 g of carbohydrates, 3 g of protein and no fat.  

Because it has such little fat, carbohydrates and calories, broccoli is often considered a free food, which means you can consume an unlimited amount of it and not feel guilty. Isn’t that great?

Broccoli is most nutritious when eaten raw, however I am not a big fan of eating raw broccoli.  

If you cook it, the cooking method will determine how much of the broccoli’s nutrient content is maintained.  The next best is quick-steaming broccoli, so that is what we are going to do here.

Why steam broccoli in instant pot?

• It cooks in just 10 minutes
• Steaming broccoli in the instant pot is hands off and does not require any active monitoring
• It is perfectly – tender crisp and retains it’s bright green color

How to cook Steamed Broccoli in Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker?

Steaming broccoli is one of the easiest things you can make in your instant pot.

Step 1: Prep the broccoli

Wash the broccoli under running water. Then using a chefs knife, cut the broccoli head into medium size florets (about 1.5 inches). Try to cut the florets into equal size, so they cook properly in about the same time.

Step 2: Pressure Cook in a steamer basket

Add a cup of water to the instant pot insert. This is required to steam any vegetables in the instant pot, and helps the instant pot to come to pressure.

The best way to steam broccoli in the Pressure Cooker is by using a Steamer Basket. The advantage of using a steamer basket is that the broccoli does not immerse in water, and cooks evenly.

Place the steamer basket in the instant pot steel insert.

Transfer the broccoli florets to the basket.

Pressure cook for 0 minutes.  Yes, 0 minutes is a thing with the instant pot 🙂  The broccoli is cooking in the time the pressure cooker takes to come to pressure and then we will release the pressure manually (Quick Release), so it does not get overcooked.  

Basically the time to cook broccoli is the time it takes to come to pressure, which is less than 10 minutes.

Step 3: Season and Serve

Broccoli cooked with this method in the instant pot is perfectly steamed, is tender crisp and retains its bright green color.

Season the broccoli, and serve as a side with rice or protein.  

We love to serve this steamed broccoli with instant pot penne in tomato cream sauce. I also send this as a side in my daughter’s lunch box and she loves it.

Seasoning Ideas:

• Just the basic: Drizzle some olive oil, and sprinkle salt and pepper
• Add some cheese: My daughters love to grate parmesan on veggies. Or add some feta or goat cheese to the broccoli.
• Add a sprinkle of lemon juice on the broccoli, along with the parmesan.
• Drizzle my lemon tahini sauce on top.
• Add this broccoli to your salad.

Pro-Tips

Broccoli: You can also cook an entire head of broccoli or frozen broccoli the same way in the instant pot.

Remember to Quick Release: It is important to quick release the pressure and take the broccoli out of the instant pot, so it does not overcook. 

Double the quantity: Even if you double or triple the quantity of broccoli, the cooking time will remain the same. 

No “0” minute option: If your electric pressure cooker does not have a zero minute option, steam for 1 minute on low pressure.

Frozen Broccoli in Instant Pot

Yes, you can steam frozen broccoli in your instant pot. Steam for the same cooking time of “0” minutes as in the recipe.

I would love to hear how you like this steamed broccoli. And if you love broccoli, don’t forget to try my Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli, or this Cream of Broccoli Soup and Broccoli Cheddar Soup made in the Instant Pot.

If you are looking for other steamed vegetables recipes, check out this Guide to Instant Pot Steamed Vegetables.