Steamed broccoli is the ultimate healthy side dish. And you can change it up to fit any menu. See the full blog post for different seasoning ideas. Follow this easy Instant Pot recipe for perfectly tender broccoli every time.
Servings4
Equipment
- Instant Pot – or similar electric pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli florets*
- 1 cup cold water
Classic Dressing (Optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt, or your favourite seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
To Serve (Optional)
- parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- black pepper, freshly ground
- chilli flakes
Instructions
- Rinse your broccoli florets well.
- Pour one cup of water into the instant pot insert and add a pressure cooker steamer basket or the Instant Pot steamer rack trivet with handles.
- If you have a steamer basket, add the broccoli florets to the basket.
- Or, if you use the trivet, place larger florets on the trivet first, followed by smaller ones. If your florets are too small, top your trivet with a round of parchment paper. You want to keep them out of the water as much as possible.
- Lock the lid and move the steam release valve to the sealing position. Set the instant pot to pressure cook mode (or manual mode) on high pressure for zero minutes.
- If using the optional broccoli dressing, mix the ingredients in a small bowl while the broccoli cooks.
- The Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to reach pressure. As the Instant Pot reaches pressure, the float valve pops up, and the machine gives its characteristic beep.
- Press cancel. Use a wooden spoon to quick release the pressure by moving the steam release valve to the venting position.
- Immediately remove the broccoli to avoid overcooking. Mix with the dressing while still warm. Or season with salt.
- Top with grated parmesan cheese, ground black pepper or chilli flakes. And serve while warm.
Notes
- You will get roughly 1 pound (450 grams) of broccoli florets from one large head of broccoli or two small heads of broccoli. But you don't have to be too precise here. Add the florets you have. It does not influence the cooking time.
- You don't need a steamer basket. You can also use the trivet to raise the broccoli from the bottom of the pot and allow steam to rise through. The blog post has more on how to make Instant Pot broccoli without a steamer basket.
- This method creates tender yet crispy broccoli. Just the way I like it. Set the timer for one minute if you want soft-cooked broccoli.
- You can use frozen broccoli without adjusting the cooking method. The broccoli will defrost and cook through, but it won’t have that same crispy texture. So, I prefer to steam fresh broccoli and roast frozen broccoli.