Steaming broccoli in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to cook this healthy vegetable while retaining nutrients. With the pressurized environment of the Instant Pot, broccoli can be perfectly steamed in just a few minutes.
How Long to Steam Broccoli in an Instant Pot
The exact steaming time for broccoli in an Instant Pot can vary slightly depending on the amount and size of florets. Here are some general guidelines for how long to steam broccoli in an Instant Pot:
- 2-3 minutes – For 1-2 cups of broccoli florets cut into small pieces
- 3-5 minutes – For 3-4 cups of broccoli florets cut into small pieces
- 5-7 minutes – For 4-6 cups of broccoli florets cut into small pieces
- 7-10 minutes – For a head of broccoli cut into florets
As a general rule of thumb, cut the broccoli into smaller uniform pieces and use less steaming time. Larger florets or broccoli heads may need additional time to become fork-tender in the center.
Tips for Steaming Broccoli in Instant Pot
Follow these tips for perfectly steamed broccoli using an Instant Pot:
- Cut broccoli into equal sized florets so they cook evenly.
- Add 1 cup water to the Instant Pot pressure cooker before placing steamer basket inside.
- Put broccoli florets in a steamer basket and lower into pot.
- Lock lid and close pressure release valve.
- Select the Steam function and adjust cook time as needed.
- Allow pressure to natural release when done cooking.
- Check broccoli for tenderness before serving.
Benefits of Steaming Broccoli
Compared to boiling or microwaving, steaming is one of the best cooking methods for preserving nutrients in broccoli. Here are some of the key benefits of steaming this vegetable:
- Retains vitamin C – Steaming broccoli for a short time minimizes loss of vitamin C compared to other cooking methods.
- Preserves folate – The natural folate levels can decrease when broccoli is overcooked, but remain high with steaming.
- Maintains fiber – The natural fibers found in broccoli can help reduce cholesterol and promote digestion.
- Retains antioxidants – Steaming broccoli for 3-4 minutes maximizes the preservation of antioxidants like kaempferol.
- Enhances bioavailability – Light steaming can make some nutrients in broccoli more bioavailable for absorption.
Tender Yet Still Crisp Texture
Steaming broccoli in the Instant Pot results in the perfect texture – tender yet still crisp. The pressurized environment gently cooks the broccoli just until fork-tender without becoming overly soft or mushy.
The crisp-tender texture also allows the broccoli to hold up well when adding sauces or eating as leftovers. Steaming avoids overcooking the broccoli florets into a mushy mess.
Quick & Easy Prep and Cook Time
From start to finish, steaming broccoli in the Instant Pot takes less than 10 minutes for fresh, home-cooked broccoli your family will love.
Simply rinse and chop the broccoli, add water to the pot, and set the timer. In just 3-5 minutes, perfectly steamed broccoli is ready to enjoy.
Using the Instant Pot cuts the cook time drastically compared to steaming on the stove or microwaving. It also requires minimal prep and clean up.
Maintains Bright Green Color
The bright green color of broccoli florets stays vibrant when steamed in the Instant Pot. The pressurized environment gently cooks the broccoli without compromising the appearance.
Steaming avoids the drab, olive-colored broccoli that can result from overcooking. Your broccoli will maintain that appetizing, fresh-from-the-garden look.
How to Know When Broccoli is Done Steaming
Checking for doneness is important to avoid undercooked or mushy broccoli. Here are some ways to know broccoli is done steaming in the Instant Pot:
- Insert a fork or toothpick into the thickest part of a floret – it should slide in easily with just a little resistance in the center.
- Press gently on a thick piece of broccoli with tongs or a spoon – it should be fork-tender but not completely soft.
- Cut into a large floret after steaming – it should be bright green throughout and not crunchy or raw tasting.
- Taste a small piece of broccoli – it should be tender but still have some crispness, not mushy.
Remove broccoli promptly once it reaches the tender-crisp stage and avoid overcooking. Broccoli steamed 3-5 minutes retains the perfect texture.
Serving and Storing Steamed Broccoli
Here are some tips for serving and storing broccoli after steaming in the Instant Pot:
- Seasoning: Toss broccoli with olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice or top with shredded cheese, butter, or Hollandaise sauce.
- Add protein: Serve steamed broccoli florets over chicken, beef, fish, or tofu.
- Mix into pasta: Chop steamed broccoli and combine with pasta, olive oil, Parmesan, and seasonings.
- Store: Place leftover steamed broccoli in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Reheat: Add a splash of water and reheat leftover broccoli in the microwave or Instant Pot on Steam mode.
Steamed Broccoli Recipes
Here are some tasty recipe ideas for enjoying steamed broccoli from your Instant Pot:
Lemon Garlic Broccoli
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
Instructions:
- Add 1 cup water to Instant Pot and insert steamer basket.
- Add broccoli florets to basket.
- Lock lid, select Steam function, and set time for 5 minutes.
- When cooking is complete, heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add steamed broccoli and toss to coat.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Cheesy Broccoli
Ingredients:
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar
- 2 Tbsp shredded Parmesan
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Steam broccoli in Instant Pot 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer broccoli to serving bowl and toss with butter to coat.
- Add cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss gently until cheese is melted and evenly coats broccoli.
Teriyaki Broccoli
Ingredients:
- 5 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp water
Instructions:
- Steam broccoli in Instant Pot for 4 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water.
- Pour sauce mixture into skillet and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Add steamed broccoli and gently toss to coat in sauce. Serve immediately.
Common Questions
Should I prepare broccoli before steaming in Instant Pot?
It is best to prep broccoli before steaming by cutting or breaking into bite-sized florets, rinsing, and trimming any thick stems. Uniformly sized pieces will steam evenly. Leave smaller florets whole and cut larger stalks in half lengthwise for faster cooking.
Can I steam broccoli directly in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can place broccoli florets directly into the Instant Pot without a steamer basket. Add 1 cup water to the pot first. The broccoli may sit partially in the water instead of suspended above. Monitor cooking time as direct contact with water may decrease steaming time slightly.
Is steaming frozen broccoli possible in Instant Pot?
Steaming frozen broccoli in the Instant Pot is possible but will take longer. Add 1-2 extra minutes to the steaming time to account for frozen broccoli. Check for tenderness and avoid overcooking into a mushy texture.
Do you need to preheat Instant Pot to steam broccoli?
No, preheating the Instant Pot is not necessary when using the Steam function. Simply add water, insert steamer basket, select Steam, and set cook time. The pot will automatically begin heating once the program starts.
What happens if you undercook broccoli in Instant Pot?
Slightly undercooked broccoli will have crunchy, raw, or bitter tasting parts in the centers of florets. If needed, place undercooked broccoli back in the steamer for 1-2 more minutes. Avoid significant undercooking, which can lead to poor vegetable texture.
Tips for Steaming Broccoli
Follow these tips for perfectly steamed broccoli every time using your Instant Pot:
- Cut broccoli florets into uniform bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Layer broccoli loosely in steamer basket, not overpacked.
- Use a steamer basket to elevate broccoli above water level.
- Add at least 1 cup water to pot before placing steamer basket inside.
- Start with less steam time and check broccoli tenderness during natural release.
- Steam just until fork-tender; avoid overcooking into mushy broccoli.
- Toss steamed broccoli with seasonings, sauces, or cheese before serving.
Conclusion
Steaming broccoli in the Instant Pot takes just minutes for tender, fresh-tasting broccoli every time. Cut broccoli florets into small, uniform pieces and steam for just 2-5 minutes until crisp-tender.
Steaming broccoli in the Instant Pot retains nutrients and vibrant color better than boiling or microwaving. This quick and healthy cooking method results in tender yet still crisp broccoli with great flavor and texture.
Adjust steaming times based on amount of broccoli florets and test doneness to avoid over or undercooking. Toss steamed broccoli with spices, cheese, or use in favorites like Lemon Garlic Broccoli or Cheesy Broccoli.