How to steam Broccoli - Instant Pot

Instant Pot Broccoli - Quick, healthy, and a delicious way to steam broccoli in the Instant Pot (pressure cooker) by preserving most of its nutrients value and its vibrant color!!

Enjoy this low-carb steamed broccoli in just a few minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Try this foolproof recipe to get the perfect texture for broccoli every time.

Broccoli, botanically known as Brassica oleracea var. italica, belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family. It is a cool season vegetable like cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, collard greens, and turnips.

Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Some of the key nutrients found in broccoli include vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, potassium, and antioxidants.

Why eat Broccoli?

Eating broccoli on a regular basis has been linked to a variety of health benefits, including improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and lower risk of certain types of cancer.

Broccoli is considered a nutritional powerhouse, rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, minerals and natural fiber. Broccoli is known for its natural detoxification, anti-inflammatory, and powerful antioxidant properties.

A cup of broccoli, contains 31 calories, 6 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of protein, and zero fat.

Why Steamed Broccoli?

Steaming broccoli is a healthy cooking method. It helps preserve the vegetable's nutrient content and making it easier to digest.

Steaming broccoli helps to break down some of the tough fibers found in the vegetable, making it more tender and easier to chew.

The bright green color and fresh flavor of the broccoli is retained by steaming. Steaming broccoli in an Instant Pot is a quick and convenient way to prepare this nutritious vegetable, and it can be served as a side dish or used as a base for a variety of recipes.

Which Broccoli is more nutritious - Raw, Steamed or Boiled?

The nutritional value of broccoli depends a lot upon how you prepare the broccoli. One of the key factors in preserving most of its nutritional values is not to cook broccoli for too long.

Raw broccoli is considered to maintain all its nutrient value. Consuming raw broccoli can irritate or cause discomfort bowls. It is important to cook broccoli to the right temperature, without losing its nutritional value.

Boiling the broccoli, losses most of its nutrients value. Steaming or microwave the broccoli, for few minutes, helps retain most of its nutrients and it prevents from any bowl discomfort.

A quick stir fry helps retain most of its nutrients value. It is important not to cook the broccoli for long. You can steam, microwave or do a quick stir fry, would work just perfect.

Why steam Broccoli in Instant Pot?

• Quick and easy: Steaming broccoli in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to prepare this vegetable. The Instant Pot can steam broccoli in just a few minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
• Preserves nutrients: Steaming is a healthy cooking method that helps to preserve the nutrient content of broccoli. Steaming broccoli in an Instant Pot helps retain its nutrient value, which can be lost by other cooking methods like boiling.
• Consistent results: Broccoli is perfectly steamed every single time. You can set the cooking time and pressure level, and the Instant Pot will take care of the rest.
• Saves space: Steaming broccoli in an Instant Pot saves space on the stovetop.
• Easy cleanup: Steaming broccoli in an Instant Pot is a mess-free cooking method that requires minimal cleanup. You can simply remove the steamer basket and wash it in the sink or dishwasher.

How to steam Broccoli in Instant Pot?

Steaming broccoli is a breeze in Instant Pot, it's quick, and a healthy way of making perfect steamed broccoli every time. 

Instant Pot steamed broccoli is great for salads or even makes a great side dish. Steaming broccoli helps in preserving its nutrient value, and reduces the risk of food bacteria when consumed raw.

Steaming broccoli in Instant Pot can be done easily by using one of the steamer basket. I love this steamer basket, it fits easily in any size Instant Pot.

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli

Wash the broccoli head under cold water. Chop the broccoli head into medium size florets. Here, I have used one large head of broccoli. You can double the quantity, the cooking time remains the same.

Step 2: Add water to the Insert

Add ½ cup of water to the Instant Pot insert.

Step 3: Place the Broccoli florets onto the Steamer Basket

Place the cut broccoli florets on to the steamer basket.

Step 4: Place the steamer basket into the Insert

Carefully lift the steamer basket and place it into the Instant Pot insert. Close the Instant Pot lid with a vent on the sealing position. Pressure cook for "Zero" minutes. Yes, "Zero" minutes is all you need to steam the broccoli in Instant Pot.

The time it takes for Instant Pot to come to the pressure, the broccoli is cooking. The broccoli cooks for more than "Zero" minutes in Instant Pot. To be precise, broccoli cooks for around 8 minutes in Instant Pot.

Step 5: Quick release

When the timer beeps, do a quick release of the pressure. This is important, if the pressure is not released quickly, the broccoli will continue to cook under the remaining pressure, resulting in mushy, soggy broccoli.

Step 6: (Optional) Run the Broccoli under cold water

To further stop broccoli from cooking, run it under cold water or put it in an ice bath.

Quick cooking Guide for Perfect Broccoli

For one large head of broccoli, cut into florets. Set Instant Pot to Manual | Pressure cook mode (*) "Zero" minute(s). Do a quick pressure release.

• For tender broccoli - use ½ cup of water, "Zero" minute(s) at "High" pressure, QPR.
• For crisp, not-so-tender broccoli - use ½ cup of water, "Zero" minute(s) at "Low" pressure, QPR.
• For firm broccoli - use ½ cup of water, sauté mode (high), and cook for 30-60 seconds or until desired texture.

Tips for perfectly steamed Broccoli in Instant Pot

Don't overcook the broccoli: Instant Pot Steamed broccoli should be tender but still crisp. Cooking it for too long can result in mushy broccoli that has lost its bright green color and fresh flavor.

Cut the broccoli into even-sized pieces: To ensure that the broccoli cooks evenly, cut the florets into similar-sized pieces. This will help to prevent some pieces from being overcooked while others are still undercooked.

Use a steamer basket: Using a steamer basket helps to keep the broccoli out of the water and prevent it from becoming waterlogged. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a heat-proof bowl that fits inside your Instant Pot.

Season the broccoli: Instant Pot Steamed broccoli can be delicious on its own, but adding seasonings can elevate its flavor. Try tossing the steamed broccoli with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, or your favorite herbs and spices.

Quick release the pressure: When the cooking time is up, it's important to quickly release the pressure to prevent the broccoli from overcooking. If the broccoli is left inside for longer, it will continue to cook under the remaining pressure, resulting in mushy, soggy broccoli.

Serve immediately: Steamed broccoli is best served immediately while it's still warm and tender. If you need to prepare it ahead of time, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Seasoning Ideas

Garlic and lemon: Sauté minced garlic in olive oil, then drizzle the mixture over the steamed broccoli. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the steamed broccoli, then broil in the oven for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Asian-inspired: Drizzle steamed broccoli with soy sauce and sesame oil, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Chili-lime: Mix together chili powder, lime juice, and olive oil, then drizzle over the steamed broccoli. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Pesto: Toss steamed broccoli with a spoonful of pesto and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Balsamic glaze: Drizzle steamed broccoli with balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of sea salt for a tangy and savory twist.

Ranch seasoning: Mix together ranch seasoning with some olive oil and toss with steamed broccoli.

Facts about Instant Pot Broccoli

Every time the Instant Pot is cooking something, there is a pressure build up. This pressure is co-related to the amount of liquid (water) and cooking time. Pressure level (high or low) also contributes in this process. Thus, quantity of water, time and pressure level are important factors contributing to the texture, color and taste of the steamed broccoli.

For example, let's consider two scenarios:

Scenario A: Cooking with 1 cup of water for "Zero" minutes.

Scenario B: Cooking with ½ cup of water at "Zero" minutes.

Here, it will take longer for scenario A to come to pressure than scenario B. Which means, A is cooking for longer than B, because of more liquid, it will take more time to come to a pressure.

Conclusion: For tender broccoli, use ½ cup of water, "Zero" minute(s) at "High" pressure.

For crisp broccoli, use ½ cup of water, "Zero" minute(s) at "Low" pressure.

Common Questions

How long does it take to steam broccoli in an Instant Pot?

It takes 0 minutes on high pressure to steam broccoli in an Instant Pot. The pressure cooker will come to pressure and then immediately release the pressure.

Do I need to add water to steam broccoli in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you'll need to add ½ cup of water to the Instant Pot before steaming the broccoli. This will create steam and prevent the broccoli from burning or sticking to the pot.

Can I use frozen broccoli to steam in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli to steam in an Instant Pot. Follow the same instructions for frozen broccoli, but increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.

Can I steam other vegetables in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can steam a variety of vegetables in an Instant Pot, such as carrots, green beans, and cauliflower. Adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the vegetable you're steaming.

Do I need to use a steamer basket to steam broccoli in an Instant Pot?

Using a steamer basket is recommended to keep the broccoli out of the water and prevent it from becoming waterlogged. If you don't have a steamer basket, you can use a heat-proof bowl that fits inside your Instant Pot.

Can I season the broccoli before or after steaming it?

You can season the broccoli before or after steaming it. Tossing it with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, or your favorite herbs and spices before steaming can help the flavors to infuse into the broccoli. Seasoning it after steaming can give you more control over the amount of seasoning you add.

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