Instant Pot broccoli is a quick way to steam fresh broccoli for an easy side dish. This simple method gives you tender broccoli without boiling it, and you can adjust the texture depending on how soft you like your florets.
Broccoli cooks very quickly under pressure, so for firmer florets, this recipe uses an unusual 0 minute pressure cook setting. Prefer your broccoli softer? You can cook it for 1 minute instead.
Why Does This Instant Pot Broccoli Cook for 0 Minutes?
Setting the Instant Pot to 0 minutes might sound strange, but it’s not a typo. The broccoli is already cooking while the pot comes up to pressure, so by the time full pressure is reached, it has had enough heat. The cooking cycle ends right away, and that’s your cue to quick-release the pressure before the broccoli gets too soft.
To set it, select Manual or Pressure Cook, make sure it is set to High Pressure, then use the + and − buttons to adjust the cooking time down to 0 minutes. Once the pot reaches pressure, it will immediately finish the pressure cooking cycle. Quick release the pressure right away so the broccoli doesn’t continue to soften.
I cooked broccoli following this recipe and it turned out perfect, not mushy at all! This is how I’ll be cooking broccoli from now on!
Anna
Tips for Steaming Broccoli in the Instant Pot
- Cut the broccoli into evenly sized florets, keeping them fairly large. Smaller pieces soften more quickly and can fall through the trivet.
- For firmer broccoli, use the 0 minute pressure cook setting. If you prefer softer, more tender broccoli, cook it for 1 minute instead.
- The most important step is to release the pressure as soon as the cooking cycle ends and remove the broccoli from the pot. Leaving it in the hot Instant Pot will continue cooking it and can make it too soft.
- You can save the broccoli stalks to use when making Instant Pot stock.
Can You Cook Frozen Broccoli in the Instant Pot?
Yes. Cook frozen broccoli directly from frozen using the same ½ cup of water and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 0 minutes. Quick release the pressure as soon as the cooking cycle ends.
More Instant Pot vegetable sides: Instant Pot garlic green beans, Instant Pot glazed carrots and Instant Pot brussels sprouts.
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Instant Pot Broccoli
Equipment
- 6 quart Instant Pot
- Instant Pot trivet
- cutting board
- Measuring cup
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) broccoli
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
- Fine sea salt to taste, optional
- Ground black pepper to taste, optional
- Lemon wedges for serving, optional
Instructions
- Wash the broccoli and cut it into evenly sized florets.
- Pour the water into the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside the pot.
- Arrange the broccoli florets on the trivet. Close and lock the lid.
- Set the steam release valve to Sealing. Select Manual or Pressure Cook on High Pressure and set the cooking time to 0 minutes.
- When the cooking cycle ends, immediately quick release the pressure. Open the lid once the float valve drops.
- Remove the broccoli from the Instant Pot. The florets should be bright green and tender, with the stems easily pierced with a fork but not mushy.
- Season with fine sea salt and ground black pepper if desired. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes:
- 0 minute cooking time: The 0 minute setting is intentional. The broccoli cooks as the Instant Pot heats and comes to pressure.
- Quick release: Release the pressure as soon as the cooking cycle ends. Leaving the broccoli in the sealed pot will continue cooking it and can make it too soft.
- Broccoli size: Cut the florets into similar sizes so they cook evenly. Avoid very small pieces, which can soften too quickly or fall through the trivet.
- For cold broccoli: If using the broccoli in a cold dish, transfer it to a bowl of ice water after cooking. Drain well once cooled.
- Storage: Store cooled broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Nutrition: Nutrition information does not include the optional salt, ground black pepper, or lemon.
Nutrition Information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
© Little Sunny Kitchen
ME says
Absolute mush.
Little Sunny Kitchen says
Many readers have had good (not mushy) success with this method, so I’m sorry that your experience wasn’t the same. Next time, try leaving the broccoli in larger pieces?