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 for zero minutes for perfectly cooked florets.

Contents hide
1 How Much to Cook?
2 Frozen Florets
3 Recipe Steps
4 How to Serve
5 FAQs
6 Other Easy Instant Pot Vegetable Recipes
7 Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli
bowl of steamed broccoli ready to eat

You aren’t going to believe how easy and fast it is to make steamed broccoli in the Instant Pot. 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. You can also sprout broccoli seeds.

How Much to Cook?

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

Frozen Florets

If you are using frozen broccoli florets, you can still use this method. But, 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.

Recipe Steps

Step One

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

Then, rinse your broccoli florets and place them on the trivet or in a steamer basket inside your Instant Pot. A steamed basket is one of my favorite Instant Pot Accessories, especially if you do a lot of meal prepping.

As always, please do see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

broccoli florets in an instant pot pressure cooker

Step Two

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

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

Step Three

Once the cooking time is up, then carefully use the quick-release to get rid of the pressure in the Instant Pot. Use an oven mitt to carefully remove the lid.

steamed broccoli in the instant pot

Step Four

Use tongs to transfer the steamed broccoli to a serving bowl. You can sprinkle some salt and pepper on top, if you wish.

How to Serve

Obviously, you can serve the cooked broccoli 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 a 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.

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.

Other Easy Instant Pot Vegetable Recipes

I hope you make this recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below.

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bowl of steamed instant pot broccoli with two gold forks

Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli

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Description

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 for zero minutes for perfectly cooked florets.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 head broccoli, broken into florets
  • salt and pepper (optional, to taste)

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. Sprinkle the top with salt and pepper (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.
  • Category: Side dish
  • Method: Pressure cooker
  • Cuisine: Healthy

Keywords: instant pot steamed vegetables, how to steam broccoli in the instant pot

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