Instant Pot Broccoli
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
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Additional Time
10 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
39 kcal
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Course
Side Dish
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Cuisine
gluten-free
Instant Pot Broccoli
Description
This recipe requires pouring half a cup of water into a 6-quart Instant Pot and placing a steamer basket inside to hold one pound of broccoli florets. The lid is secured and pressure cooked on high for zero minutes, a setting that allows the pot to build pressure which effectively steams the broccoli during that time. After cooking, a quick pressure release is performed to stop the cooking process immediately. The broccoli turns out tender to the fork but retains firmness without becoming mushy.
The resulting texture keeps the broccoli green and relatively crisp compared to longer steaming methods. This approach is particularly efficient for small batches and adapts to pot size and quantity of broccoli by adjusting water and cook time slightly.
This steamed broccoli makes a straightforward side dish suitable for pairing with a variety of main courses and can be seasoned after cooking as desired. It’s a good base for further recipes requiring cooked broccoli.
Cook times and water amounts can be adjusted depending on the size of the Instant Pot and the quantity of broccoli to avoid overcooking or undercooking. The cook time is zero, so timing when to release pressure is key to achieve the ideal texture.
Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- 1 pound broccoli florets
Instructions
- Pour the water into the bottom of the 6-quart Instant Pot (affiliate link) and arrange a steamer basket inside. There's no need to buy something special; I use the same steamer basket I use for stove-top cooking.
- Place the broccoli on top of the steamer basket, then secure the lid. Move the steam release valve to "Sealing" and use the Pressure Cook or Manual button to cook at high pressure for zero minutes. (Yes, zero is a real setting on the Instant Pot!) It will take roughly 8 to 10 minutes for the pot to come to pressure if you're using a 6-quart Instant Pot, so the machine will read "On" until then.
- As soon as the cooking cycle is complete, the screen will read L0:00. Immediately move the steam release valve to "Sealing" for a quick pressure release. It will take 1-2 minutes for the steam to release. When the floating valve in the lid drops, that means the pressure is gone and it's safe to open the lid.
- The broccoli should be perfectly fork-tender, without being mushy. Serve it warm right away as a healthy side dish, or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, so you can add it to meals throughout the week.
Notes
- Nutritional information is approximate and based on a 4-ounce serving size.
- For an 8-quart Instant Pot, increase water to 3/4 cup; expect slightly softer broccoli due to longer pressure buildup and release.
- Using more broccoli will slow pressure buildup, resulting in softer texture; smaller amounts may require shorter cooking time for firmer results.
- For very small portions (1-2 cups), consider cooking for 1 minute to avoid over-softness.
- This recipe was updated in March 2024 to include added tips and adjustments.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 39 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 39kcal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 0.4g | 1% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.04g | 0% |
| Sodium | 39mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 358mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 706IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 101mg | 112% |
| Calcium | 54mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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