This recipe for Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli Florets is so easy! This is the perfect healthy side dish to make on busy weeknights. Pressure cook the broccoli quickly and efficiently for tender florets.

instant pot steamed broccoli served in a white dish

You aren’t going to believe how easy and fast it is to make steamed broccoli in the Instant Pot. This recipe is tried and true and is one of the best simple side dishes. In fact, I gave away my stovetop steamer after I realized how to make broccoli florets in the pressure cooker.

Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, and is incredibly healthy. There are several different types of broccoli including Broccoli Rabe and Broccolini. I like to use just regular broccoli for this recipe.

Recipe Steps

Step One

The only real work you need to do for Instant Pot Broccoli is to cut up the broccoli head into florets. You can either peel and slice up the main broccoli stem, or discard it.

Then, rinse your broccoli florets from your head of broccoli under cold water and place them on the trivet or in a steamer basket inside your Instant Pot. You’ll also need a cup of water (or use chicken broth or beef broth for added flavor).

A steamer basket is one of my favorite Instant Pot Accessories, especially if you do a lot of meal prep. The steamer basket prevent the smaller florets from falling to the bottom of the pot. But, you can also place the pressure cooker broccoli on top of the trivet if you don’t have a basket.

broccoli florets on the trivet in an instant pot

Step Two

Lock on the lid and set the time to zero minutes on high pressure. Be sure the steam valve is set to sealed on your electric pressure cooker.

You need to allow about 10 minutes for the pressure cooker to come up to pressure.

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Step Three

Once the cooking time is up on the Instant Pot timer, then carefully use the quick release to get rid of the pressure in the Instant Pot. The quick pressure release will help prevent mushy broccoli.

Use an oven mitt to carefully remove the lid to avoid getting splashed with any hot water or steam.

steamed broccoli in the instant pot

Step Four

Use tongs to transfer the tender, steamed broccoli to a serving bowl. You can sprinkle some salt and black pepper or fresh lemon juice on top. Melted butter, ghee, or vegan butter also goes really well on top of steamed broccoli florets.

cooked broccoli on a table with salt and pepper shakers

How Much to Cook?

One whole head of fresh broccoli yields about about 3 1/2 cups of florets. A serving size is usually about 1/2 cup of soft broccoli.

What About Frozen Broccoli?

If you are using frozen broccoli florets, you can still use this method. The only change is that instead of setting the time on the pressure cooker for zero minutes, you just have to set the time to one minute at high pressure. All of the other recipe steps are the same in this foolproof method that results in perfect broccoli.

How to Serve

Obviously, you can serve the cooked broccoli just straight out of the pot. A lot of people like to serve cooked broccoli with salt and pepper, and maybe a pat of butter. If you are dairy-free like me, then you can always add vegan butter. I usually just eat steamed broccoli plain.

You can also transfer any leftover cooked broccoli to an airtight container to store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Re-heat your steamed broccoli in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving. Some people also like to use the tender broccoli in recipes like broccoli soup.

You may also be interested in this post on how to freeze broccoli for smoothies!

FAQs

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double or even triple this steamed broccoli recipe in a 6-quart or 8-quart pot.

Can I cook frozen broccoli florets in the Instant Pot?

Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time to 1 minute.

What does it mean to cook something for zero minutes in the Instant Pot?

Cooking something for zero minutes is a great way to steam delicate vegetables and make sure they don’t get mushy and overcooked.

The pot will still take about 10 minutes to come to pressure, but will stop heating as soon as it reaches maximum pressure.

Then, you can carefully use the quick-release to get rid of the pressure and remove the lid. Always be cautious when using the quick-release to make sure you don’t get burned from the steam.

How do I set my Instant Pot to zero minutes cooking time?

It’s easy! Just go to the panel where you normally push the up or down arrows to set the time. Push the down arrow button until it counts down all the way from one to zero.

bowl of cooked broccoli

Other Easy Instant Pot Healthy Recipes You Might Like

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instant pot steamed broccoli in dish

Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli

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5 from 1 review

Print Recipe

This recipe for Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli Florets is so easy! This is the perfect healthy side dish to make on busy weeknights. Pressure cook the broccoli quickly and efficiently for tender florets.

  • Total Time: 16 minutes
  • Yield: 4

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 head broccoli, broken into florets (about 3 1/2 cups)
  • salt and pepper (optional, to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon butter, ghee, or vegan butter (optional, for tossing just before serving)

Instructions

  1. Place a trivet or steamer basket inside the base of an Instant Pot pressure cooker.
  2. Pour the water into the pot and then place the broccoli florets on the trivet. It’s okay if some pieces fall through the bottom of the trivet. 
  3. Lock on the lid and set the time to zero minutes. 
  4. After the pot comes to pressure and beeps that it is finished, use the quick release to carefully release the pressure.
  5. Remove the lid and use tongs to transfer the steamed broccoli to a serving bowl.
  6. Toss the steamed broccoli with salt, pepper, and butter of choice (optional, to taste). Enjoy warm. 

Notes

  1. One whole head of broccoli yields about about 3 1/2 cups of florets. A serving size is usually about 1/2 cup.
  2. You can easily double or triple this recipe as long as the broccoli florets do not fill your Instant Pot higher than the “max” line.
  3. To cook frozen broccoli florets, just set the cooking time to one minute instead of zero minutes.
  4. Store any leftover steamed broccoli in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Re-heat before serving.
  5. The nutrition info for this recipe does not include any seasonings.
  6. The total cooking time includes the 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to reach high pressure.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 17
  • Sugar: 0.9 g
  • Sodium: 16.8 mg
  • Fat: 0.2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3.1 g
  • Fiber: 1.4 g
  • Protein: 1.9 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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