The electric pressure cooker makes cooking broccoli a breeze. It’s similar to steaming broccoli on the stovetop, but you won’t have to watch for the water to boil or worry about over-cooking it. Just press a button and walk away until the machine beeps! You can use this cooking method for any other vegetables you love, and it’s a great way to cook without olive oil or butter. Serve this healthy side dish on its own, or drizzle it with romesco or cilantro sauce for extra flavor. It’s naturally gluten-free and perfect for meal prep if you’re trying to add more veggies to your week.
How to Steam Broccoli in the Instant Pot
Start by cutting the broccoli into florets. The smaller you cut the pieces, the faster they will cook. The amount of broccoli you cook in your Instant Pot will also affect how tender it becomes. When you add a large amount of broccoli to the pot (more than a pound), it will take longer for the pot to pressurize. In this case, the broccoli will be heated for a longer amount of time and will be more tender. If you only add 1 or 2 cups of broccoli to the Instant Pot, the pot will pressurize faster, and as a result, the broccoli may be less soft, with a little more bite to it. Pour a 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of your 6-quart Instant Pot and arrange a steamer basket over that. Add the broccoli florets to the steamer basket, then secure the lid on the pot. Move the steam release valve to “Sealing” and use the Manual or Pressure Cook button to cook at high pressure for zero minutes. (Yes, a zero minute cook time is a real setting!) The pot will take roughly 8 to 10 minutes to pressurize, which is when the majority of the steaming process will take place. The more broccoli you’ve added to the pot, the longer the pressurization will take. When the Instant Pot beeps letting you know the cooking cycle is complete, move the steam release valve to “Venting.” This is called a quick release. When the floating valve in the lid drops, you’ll know the pot is no longer pressurized and it’s safe to open the lid. The steamed broccoli should have a bright green color and perfect texture. It should be easily pierced with a fork, but not mushy. If you don’t perform the quick pressure release or remove the lid right away, it will continue to soften, so keep that in mind. Serve Instant Pot steamed broccoli warm right away, with any toppings you love. Add salt and pepper to taste, or sprinkle it with Parmesan cheese for an easy side dish. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Looking for more broccoli recipes? Try Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Broccoli Pesto, Crustless Quiche, or Broccoli Salad for more delicious ideas. If you try this Instant Pot broccoli recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know how you like it!
