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Home » Course » Side Dish

Instant Pot Broccoli

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November 8, 2022

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Perfectly cooked Instant Pot broccoli that is ready to enjoy in an instant. Make this side dish while your main dish is cooking in the oven.
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Bowl of broccoli
collage of steamed broccoli in a bowl.

Our Instant Pot broccoli recipe is easy to make, done in only 1 minute and makes perfectly steamed broccoli each time. This crunchy but tender veggie side dish goes especially well with many main dishes like salmon, chicken, or pot roast.

Instant Pot Broccoli in a bowl with a fork in it

This is the absolute best way to quickly steam broccoli that is full of flavor and packed with nutrients. To add some extra flavor to this quick and easy side dish, you can sprinkle the cooked broccoli with some freshly grated parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, black pepper and lemon pepper. Your family will love this classic and healthy side that is ready in an instant.

Table Of Contents
  1. WHAT IS INSTANT POT BROCCOLI?
  2. Recommended Tools
  3. Instructions
  4. How To Store
  5. How To Reheat
  6. Common Questions
  7. Instant Pot Broccoli Recipe

Table of Contents

  • WHAT IS INSTANT POT BROCCOLI?
  • Ingredients
  • Recommended Tools
  • Instructions
  • Recipe Tips
  • What To Serve With Instant Pot Broccoli
  • More Broccoli Recipes
  • How To Store
  • How To Reheat
  • Common Questions
  • Instant Pot Broccoli Recipe

WHAT IS INSTANT POT BROCCOLI?

Fresh broccoli florets are pressure cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot. This delicious and easy veggie side dish is ready in only 1 minute and compliments most meat, fish and seafood dishes.

Instant Pot Broccoli in a bowl with a fork in it
  • Notable: perfectly steamed broccoli, that is ready in only 1 minute, and the perfect addition to most any meal
  • Main Ingredients: broccoli, water
  • Cooking Method: Instant Pot
  • Nutrients: packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals
  • Cooking Time: 1 minute
  • Pairs well with: most meat, fish and seafood dishes
  • Diets: keto friendly, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, vegan
  • Special Equipment Needed: Instant Pot, silicone steamer basket
close up of broccoli in a bowl
bowl full of broccoli in front of an Instant Pot

Ingredients

You may have all of these ingredients for this easy Instant Pot broccoli recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this tender broccoli you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients.

Instant Pot Broccoli Ingredients

  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 cup water

Variations and Substitutions

Chicken Broth: In case you want to add more flavor to this foolproof method of cooking broccoli, try using chicken broth instead of water next time.

ingredients for Instant Pot broccoli

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love cooking vegetables in the Instant Pot then you’ll love our Instant Pot Black Beans. Great for meal-prep or batch cooking, made from scratch black beans are so delicious and easy, you just might want to kiss canned beans goodbye.

Recommended Tools

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Instant Pot– This recipe requires an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker. This Instant Pot isn’t the fanciest you can buy but we love it and it will work for most people’s needs. If you’re looking for one with all the bells and whistles, this 10-in-1 Instant Pot is amazing. Make sure your sealing ring is in good shape. You can buy replacement silicone sealing rings if you need one. These seal the pot and keep the pressure inside the machine.

Instructions

This section shows how to cook fresh broccoli in the Instant Pot pressure cooker, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

PREPARE: Firstly, add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the Instant Pot, then insert a steamer basket into the pot.

raw broccoli in the Instant Pot
cooked broccoli in the Instant Pot

COOK: After adding the broccoli, close the pressure cooker lid and lock. Next, turn the vent to sealing position, set to high pressure cooking and cook for 1 minute. After the cooking is done, carefully do a quick pressure release by turning the pressure valve to venting position.

SERVE: Finally, once all the steam is vented, open the lid, remove the broccoli and serve.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love everything broccoli then you’ll love Stef’s Beef and Broccoli. This take-out favorite combines tender meat and fresh broccoli with a full-flavored sauce that comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Stef says….

This one minute Instant Pot steamed broccoli recipe is the easiest side dish to make with any meal.

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best Instant Pot broccoli.

  • Tip: Use fresh and green broccoli. In case you are not using your broccoli immediately store it in the crisper of your fridge.
  • Tip: Adjust cooking time according to the amount of broccoli. Different amounts of broccoli will take a different amount of time to cook.
  • Tip: Use the high pressure setting. Not the steam function.
  • Tip: Make sure to do a prompt quick release. This ensures that the broccoli doesn’t overcook. Otherwise you might end up with mushy broccoli.

What To Serve With Instant Pot Broccoli

We love to eat pressure cooked broccoli as it is a great addition to any healthy meal. Try one of these delicious recipes:

Main Dishes: Serve tender broccoli with flaky and flavorful Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Lemon Rub, juicy Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Lemon Butter Sauce, Instant Pot Pork Roast or tender Instant Pot Beef Tips.

Salad: Pair perfect Instant Pot broccoli with a fresh salad. A green salad like our Easy Italian Salad or Strawberry Avocado Salad with Poppyseed Dressing. Or even a Caprese Salad with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil.

Sides: Other delicious sides you can serve alongside perfectly cooked broccoli are Instant Pot Jasmine Rice, Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes, or Easy Instant Pot Pasta.

Other Veggie Sides: Additionally, this pressure cooker broccoli recipe also pairs well with other vegetable sides such as Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables, Air Fryer Cauliflower or Air Fryer Carrots with Balsamic Glaze, for example.

  • air fryer salmon on a plate.

    Air Fryer Salmon with Garlic Lemon Rub

  • Instant Pot beef tips over mashed potatoes.

    Instant Pot Beef Tips

  • Lemon butter chicken thighs on a plate.

    Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Lemon Butter Sauce

  • instant pot pork roast on a platter with vegetables

    Instant Pot Pork Roast

Andrea says….

I like to steam a little broccoli this way to serve with my amazing ribs recipe.

More Broccoli Recipes

Broccoli is not only an easy side dish, but also a healthy side dish. Best of all, broccoli cooks super fast in the Instant Pot, the air fryer or the oven. Try these scrumptious and easy ways of cooking this green vegetable:

  • cooked broccoli.

    Air Fryer Broccoli

  • cast iron pan piled high with roasted broccoli, fork scooping broccoli

    Parmesan Roasted Broccoli Recipe

How To Store

Refrigerate: Instant Pot broccoli tastes best fresh right out of the pot. In case you have any leftovers you can store them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Moreover, you can freeze leftover broccoli in a freezer safe container or ziplock freezer bag for up to a month.

Defrosting: Thaw in the fridge overnight, or put the frozen broccoli on the counter until it reaches room temperature. Then pop it into the microwave until hot, about 1 -1 ½ minutes. The texture of defrosted broccoli might be slightly softer and soggier compared to freshly cooked broccoli.

How To Reheat

Place the broccoli on a microwave safe plate, cover it with a paper towel and put it into the microwave for 1-1 ½ minutes, depending on your machine.

bowl of steamed broccoli with a spoon in it

Common Questions

Can you cook frozen broccoli in the Instant Pot?

We recommend using fresh broccoli, but you can also cook frozen broccoli in the Instant Pot. However, make sure to up the cooking time to 3-4 minutes.

Is steamed broccoli healthy?

Yes. That is because broccoli steamed in the Instant Pot only cooks for only 1 minute and therefore keeps most of its nutrients inside. Moreover, it is a good source of fiber.

Bowl of broccoli
5 from 2 votes

Instant Pot Broccoli Recipe


Course side, Side Dish, Vegetable
Cuisine keto, vegan, vegetarian
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 3 minutes
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4 servings
Perfectly cooked Instant Pot broccoli that is ready to enjoy in an instant. Make this side dish while your main dish is cooking in the oven.
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Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • steamer basket

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  • Pour 1 cup water into the Instant Pot.
  • Insert a steamer basket into the pot. Add broccoli on top of steamer basket.
    raw broccoli in the Instant Pot
  • Close and lock lid. Make sure the vent is closed.
  • Set to cook at high pressure for 1 minute.
  • When it is done cooking do a quick release by turning the valve to open, carefully to avoid steam.
  • Once all steam is released, open lid and remove broccoli.
    cooked broccoli in the Instant Pot
  • Serve.
    fork stabbing Instant Pot broccoli in a bowl

Notes

  • Different amounts of broccoli will take a different amount of time to cook.
  • Use the high pressure setting, not the steam setting.
More Instant Pot Side Dish Recipes:
  • Instant Pot Brown Rice
  • Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
  • Instant Pot Mexican Rice
  • Instant Pot Black Beans
  • Instant Pot Refried Beans
  • Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
Instant Pot Meal Recipes
  • Easy Instant Pot Pasta (3 Ways)
  • Instant Pot Pork Roast
  • Instant Pot Beef Tips
  • Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
  • Instant Pot Country Style Ribs
  • Instant Pot Carnitas
  • Instant Pot Tortilla Soup
 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 23kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 25mg | Potassium: 216mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 425IU | Vitamin C: 61mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 0.5mg

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posted in: Course, Dairy Free, Diet, Gluten Free, Ingredient, Instant Pot, Keto Friendly, Method, Side Dish, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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