Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli

My Instant Pot steamed broccoli is super easy and ready in just 10 minutes. Use this zero-minute cooking technique to achieve the perfect broccoli texture every time. The best part? You only need one essential ingredient to make it.

I make steamed broccoli often as it is one of my favorite simple sides to pair with marry me chickpeas or creamy pesto gnocchi. Simply add the broccoli florets to the instant pot, set timer and you have freshly steamed broccoli in 10 minutes. I use this technique for making instant pot palak paneer too.

It’s not just reserved for special dinners—I make it regularly because my kids can’t get enough of it! I love mine with a touch of olive oil, while my kids enjoy theirs with butter, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.

If you’re more into roasted veggies, try my 8-minute air fryer roasted broccoli—it’s just as quick and tasty!

Jump to:

• Why steam broccoli in instant pot?
• Pro Tips
• How to make Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli?
• Frozen Broccoli in Instant Pot
• Serving Suggestions
• Storing leftovers
• Recipe FAQ's
• Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli

Why steam broccoli in instant pot?

• You only need one key ingredient: broccoli.
• It’s ready in just about 10 minutes.
• Hands-off cooking with no constant monitoring required.
• Results in tender-crisp broccoli that retains its vibrant green color.
• Perfect for meal prep or as a versatile side dish.

Pro Tips

• Adjust Cooking Time Based on Texture: For a crunchy texture, set the Instant Pot to 0 minutes on high pressure, with a quick release. This is how we love it at home! If you prefer softer broccoli, cook for 1 minute on high pressure, quick release.
• No 0-Minute Option? If your Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker doesn’t have a 0-minute setting, simply steam for 1 minute on low pressure. Works just as well!
• Use a Steamer Basket: This prevents water from logging and keeps your broccoli perfectly steamed.
• Quick Release is Key: Be sure to remove the broccoli immediately to avoid overcooking. This tip works great for instant pot steamed cauliflower too!
• Easily Scalable: Whether you’re halving, doubling, or tripling the amount of broccoli, the cooking time remains the same.

How to make Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli?

1. Cut the Broccoli into florets. Wash the broccoli florets and set them aside.
2. Add 1 cup water to the Stainless steel inner pot of the Instant Pot.

3. Place a trivet ( that comes with the Instant Pot ) on top.
4. Place a steamer basket on top of it. A steamer basket makes it easier to remove the steamed vegetables from the IP.

5. If you don't have a steamer basket like the one below, it is alright. Just place the broccoli florets on the trivet that comes along with Instant Pot.

6. Place the broccoli florets in the steamer basket.

7.Secure the lid, turn the venting knob to a sealing position. Cook high pressure for 0 minutes.

8.Quick Release the pressure and transfer the broccoli to a serving dish.

9.Drizzle with olive oil if you fancy. Season with salt & pepper to taste and serve. Enjoy!

Frozen Broccoli in Instant Pot

You can definitely steam frozen broccoli in the Instant Pot! Just set the cooking time to "0" minutes, just like you would for fresh broccoli in the recipe, and it’ll come out perfectly steamed.

Serving Suggestions

I usually toss it with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper for a quick, healthy side. If I want to boost the flavor, I drizzle some lemon juice, and sprinkle chilli flakes and Parmesan on top.

When I’m serving pasta, I like to mix the steamed broccoli into the dish for extra texture, or stir it into a creamy Alfredo sauce for a hearty side. I love it with Marry me chickpeas too.

Storing leftovers

Although we rarely have leftovers, if you do, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

I don’t recommend freezing steamed broccoli, as it tends to lose its texture.

Recipe FAQ's