Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli (firm not mushy!) - Little Sunny Kitchen (2024)

Instant Pot broccoli makes a tasty and healthy side dish to accompany any meal. Learn how to quickly and easily steam broccoli in the Instant Pot to get the perfect texture every single time!

Steamed broccoli is one of our all-time favorite side dishes, it goes to well with different foods and it’s very healthy and packed with antioxidants. I love making different tasty sides in my Instant Pot. This Instant Pot buttered potatoes recipe is a reader’s favorite, and if you still haven’t tried it yet then PLEASE make it ASAP! You will LOVE it!

I also love making Instant Pot garlic green beans, they make the perfect summer side! And things like Instant Pot glazed carrots and Instant Pot brussels sprouts.

Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli

If you’re wondering why do I steam my broccoli in the Instant Pot rather than using an ordinary pot over the stove. Here’s why:

• I like to cook everything in the Instant Pot (when possible!).
• Cooking my food in the Instant Pot means that I don’t need to watch it. Once I get the recipe right, I know exactly how many minutes it will take and how to make sure that the food doesn’t get burnt.

When buying broccoli to be served as a side, always go for fresh young broccoli if possible.

HOW TO STEAM BROCCOLI IN THE INSTANT POT

Start by washing the broccoli, and cutting into florets that aren’t too small (just like the ones that you can see in my pictures). Don’t throw away the stalks, use them later to make an Instant Pot stock to use in stews, soups, and sauces!

Place an Instant Pot trivet or a steamer basket into the pot, and put the broccoli florets in there. If you cut the florets too small, and you’re using a trivet, the broccoli will start falling to the bottom so make sure not to cut too small.

Add half a cup of water to the bottom of the pot.

Cover with the lid, and make sure that the vent is in “sealing” position.

Plug in the Instant Pot, click on “manual” or “pressure cook” and set it on high for 0 minutes if you want a firm texture or 1 minute for tender broccoli.

Allow the Instant Pot to come to pressure, and either finish at 0 minutes or pressure cook for 0 minutes (depending on which texture you will go for).

When the cooking is finished, quickly release the steam and carefully open the lid. It is very important to quickly release the steam as soon as the cooking is finished, leaving it for a while will turn the broccoli into mush!

Take the broccoli out of the pot, and it can be either served right away or can be rinsed under cold water to stop the cooking process if you’re worried that the broccoli might become softer.

Season with salt and freshly ground pepper, and a squeeze of lemon!

How to Steam Broccoli in the Instant Pot From Frozen?

If you’re cooking broccoli from frozen, cook for 0 minutes. The amount of water remains the same (half cup).

If you steam the broccoli in the IP for 0 minutes, the broccoli will have a bright green color and have a crunchy texture.

If you steam the broccoli in the IP for 1 minute, the broccoli will still have green color but will be quite tender.