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Cooking broccoli in the Instant Pot is one of the quickest and easiest ways to make an easy and healthy side dish. You can have Instant Pot broccoli on the table in less than 10 minutes — faster than roasted broccoli or sauteed broccoli, about the same as air fryer broccoli — and it comes out perfectly steamed every time. This vegetable is an easy staple on its own, but also a great option if you need cooked broccoli to use in another recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Broccoli Recipe
- Garlicky, savory taste
- Perfectly tender broccoli texture
- 2 ingredients plus salt & pepper
- Done in less under 10 minutes
- Naturally low carb, nutrient-dense, gluten-free, and healthy
- Best way to steam broccoli without a steamer!
Ingredients & Substitutions
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for steamed broccoli in the Instant Pot, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Broccoli – I used fresh broccoli, but you could use frozen broccoli as well. (The time will be different; see below.)
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper – A must for seasoning the broccoli.
- Garlic – I used fresh peeled garlic and pressed it onto the broccoli, but minced garlic or garlic powder would also work. I added the garlic after cooking and it basically “cooks” from the residual heat, but you could also add it before cooking.
- Water – Creates steam in the Instant Pot. Don’t forget to add it to the inner pot before pressure cooking.
VARIATION: Add your favorite flavorings!
This is a basic Instant Pot broccoli recipe, but you can customize it with herbs and spices. Try Italian seasoning or lemon pepper seasoning.
How To Steam Broccoli In The Instant Pot
This section shows how to make broccoli in the Instant Pot, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
- Prep. Add water to the Instant Pot. Place the steamer basket inside, then place broccoli florets into the basket. (You can also use a trivet, but I prefer a basket so that the florets don’t fall through.) Seal the lid.
- Pressure cook. Steam broccoli in the Instant Pot on high pressure (using the Manual setting) to desired tenderness.
- Quick release. When the Instant Pot beeps, perform a quick pressure release by switching the valve to the Vent position. Carefully remove the lid.
- Transfer. Remove broccoli and transfer to a bowl. While still hot, use a garlic press to squeeze garlic over the broccoli and mix well.
- Season. Add salt and pepper to taste.
VARIATION: Make it cheesy!
If you like cheesy steamed broccoli, add a bit of parmesan cheese to your dish after removing from the pot.
How Long To Steam Broccoli In The Instant Pot?
Steam broccoli in the Instant Pot for 1 minute if you want crunchy broccoli, or 2 minutes for softer broccoli.
Can You Cook Frozen Broccoli In The Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook frozen broccoli in the Instant Pot. Adjust the cook time to zero minutes. (Florets are already partially cooked before freezing, and will finish cooking as the Instant Pot builds pressure.)
Storage Instructions
- Store: Cool the broccoli, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge. It will last for up to 1 week.
- Meal prep: Make this steamed veggie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer as a quick and easy side. Or, cut broccoli ahead of time and refrigerate before following the rest of the recipe.
- Reheat: When you’re ready to eat leftover Instant Pot broccoli, simply reheat it in the microwave for a few minutes. The oven, stovetop, or air fryer would also work. Or, throw it into a chicken broccoli stir fry.
- Freeze: Let broccoli cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. You can reheat from frozen or thaw it first.
What To Serve With Instant Pot Broccoli
Instant Pot broccoli is the perfect side dish for any meal, but it’s also a useful component in other recipes. Here are some ideas:
- Casseroles – Use Instant Pot steamed broccoli in any casserole that calls for pre-cooked broccoli, such as chicken bacon ranch casserole, chicken broccoli casserole, or egg casserole.
- Chicken – Baked chicken legs, French onion chicken, or pan fried chicken thighs all make great pairings. Find more chicken recipes here.
- Steak – Broccoli makes a classic steakhouse side for London broil, grilled steak, or even filet mignon or ribeye steak. Find more beef recipes here.
- Pork – Try air fryer sausage, pork tenderloin, baked pork chops, or slow cooker pork loin for complete nutritious meal.
- Seafood – Broccoli also goes well with fish recipes, such as halibut, seared salmon, or baked cod. For a fancier meal, try it with other seafood, such as lobster tail, crab legs, or garlic butter shrimp.
More Healthy Instant Pot Recipes
I love pressure cooker recipes for busy weeknights and easy cleanup! If you’re looking for more ways to use your Instant Pot, try some of these delicious dishes.
Recommended Tools
- Instant Pot – You can’t make Instant Pot steamed broccoli without a pressure cooker. This is the one I use!
- Steamer Basket – I recommend a steamer basket with handles so you can easily remove the broccoli from the Instant Pot.
- Garlic Press – I like this one because it works well without too much effort.
Instant Pot Broccoli Recipe
Instant Pot Broccoli (Fast & Simple!)
Instant Pot broccoli is the fastest way to steam broccoli! Seasoned simply with garlic, salt, and pepper, it's perfectly tender and so easy.
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Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them. Please turn Safari reader mode OFF to view ingredients.
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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Add the ½ cup of water in the Instant Pot. Place the steamer basket in the Instant Pot, then place the broccoli florets into the steamer basket. Place the lid on Instant Pot and make sure the lid is set to sealed.
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Select the Manual setting and enter 1 minute for crunchy broccoli, or 2 minutes for tender. The Instant Pot will take 5-10 minutes to come to pressure, then start counting down the time.
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When the timer beeps, perform a quick pressure release right away by switching the valve to Venting. When steam is no longer coming out, carefully remove the lid.
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Remove the broccoli from the Instant Pot and transfer to a bowl. While still hot, use a garlic press to squeeze the garlic over the broccoli and mix well (the residual heat will “cook” the garlic a bit).
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
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4 Comments
Andrea Thueson
0I would have never thought to put Broccoli in my Instant Pot, and now I don’t think I can ever go back! Soooo good!
Andie
0Yep! I love it! Will be making this again and again and again.
Samantha
0My family loves broccoli and this is my new favorite way to steam it! So quick and easy…I even like changing up the seasonings.
Julia
0Literally the only way I make broccoli anymore! So easy and the broccoli always comes out so perfect! Thanks for posting!