Easy Steamed Broccoli in the Instant Pot

A bowl of instant pot broccoli on the table with a plate of more in the background.

Easy Steamed Broccoli in the Instant Pot

Learn how to cook broccoli perfectly each and every time in this Steamed Broccoli Instant Pot recipe. It's easy to make to enjoy as a side dish or to use for weekly meal prep.

Prep Time 4

Cook Time 1

Pressurize Instant Pot 15

Total Time 20

Servings people

Calories 31kcal

Ingredients

▢ 4 cups broccoli florets
▢ 1 cup water or broth
▢ Salt and pepper to taste or other seasonings you like. See notes for three different flavoring options.

Instructions

Cook Broccoli

Trim down the broccoli florets if needed into even sized pieces.
4 cups broccoli florets
Place 1 cup of water in the IP liner pan. Then insert the trivet.
1 cup water
Place the steamer basket inside the IP pan and add the broccoli.
Secure the lid and make sure the pressure valve is closed.
Set the IP for 1 minute high pressure cooking.
As soon as it’s done cooking, carefully move the pressure valve to the open position to release the steam.
Open the lid and serve up your broccoli plain or seasoned to your preferences.
Salt and pepper to taste

Notes

Flavor Variations

Spicy: Combine 1 teaspoon olive oil, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1 clove minced garlic, 1 tablespoon orange juice, 1 teaspoon orange zest, salt and pepper to taste. Mix together and toss the steamed broccoli with it just before serving. This combination will work just about any chili and other citrus fruits including lemons and limes.
Sesame: Mix together 3 teaspoons sesame oil, 2 teaspoons rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon miso, and 1 teaspoon sesame seeds. Toss with cooked broccoli for a burst of umami flavor. Like my Asian broccoli recipe, this easy version makes a flavor-packed side dish that goes with just about anything.
Ginger Lime: Stir 1 clove minced garlic, 1 teaspoon grated resh ginger, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 teaspoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, 2-4 drops agave syrup or honey. Pour over fresh broccoli and toss to coat.

Expert Tips

Use a Basket: Don't place the broccoli directly in water inside the Instant Pot. A steamer basket is ideal but you can get away with a bowl if you that's all that's available.
Do Not Use Natural Release: As soon as it’s done cooking, release the pressure and remove the steamed broccoli from the Instant Pot. While the lid is still on, the broccoli will continue to cook and turn into a pile of mush if you leave it sitting.

Nutrition