How To Cook Fresh Broccoli In Instant Pot

How Long Does It Take To Cook Frozen Broccoli In An Instant Pot

It takes 0 minutes to cook frozen broccoli in the Instant Pot. This is the same amount of time you need o cook regular broccoli.

All you have to do is add the frozen broccoli in a steamer basket on top of the trivet or in the pan of your Instant Pot.

Close the lid of your pressure cooker, and turn the valve to Sealing. Press Pressure Cook on your Instant Pot set to 0 minutes.

If you own a Crockpot Express you cant set it to 0 minutes so set to 1 minute and cancel as soon as it comes to pressure.

As soon as the Instant Pot has come to pressure turn the valve from sealing to venting and Quick Release immediately.

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Why You Will Love This

• Easy to make– As compared to the stovetop, steaming in instant pot is hasslefree, and takes only 10 minutes from start to finish. Just dump, pressure cook, and quick release are all you need to do. I use a steamer basket to steam florets.
• Healthy & nutritious– This instant pot steamed broccoli is low carb, gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free. It is a cruciferous veggie and high in protein as compared to other vegetables. Consuming it with the meals helps you completing daily fiber and full for longer.
• Make ahead & meal planning– It is a beginner-friendly instant pot recipe. it not only helps in weekly meal planning but also makes a great snack anytime. If you have this steamed broccoli handy, add a little salt n pepper, a delicious salad is ready in a minute.

How To Steam Broccoli In Instant Pot

Broccoli is a great tasting food, which is low in calories and rich in its nutrients value. Steaming broccoli is a breeze in Instant Pot, its quick, and a healthy way of making perfect steamed broccoli every time. Instant Pot steamed broccoli is great for salads or even make a great side dish. Steaming broccoli helps in preserving its nutrients value, and at the same time reduces the risk of food bacteria, when consumed raw.

Steaming broccoli in Instant Pot can be done easily by using one of the steamer basket. I love this steamer basket, it fits easily in any size Instant Pot. If you are looking to purchase a steamer basket, heres the link on .

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For Small Pumpkin Pieces:

• If you have a small pumpkin, you can cut it in half to de-seed it. If you have a larger pumpkin, you can slice off the stem first and de-seed it like you would before carving a Jack-O-Lantern. Once the seeds and stringy bits are out, you can slice it into small chunks or slices.
• Place a trivet or steamer basket in the Instant Pot along with one cup of water.
• Cook on high pressure for 2-3 minutes and let the pressure naturally release for a few minutes before performing a quick release.

For Simple Instant Pot Steamed Artichokes:

• Chop off the tops of the artichoke. Not the stem! The top.
• Place a trivet or steaming basket into the inner pot alongside one cup of water, then insert the trimmed artichokes.
• For whole trimmed artichokes, set your pot to cook at high pressure for 15-20 minutes. Cook them for a shorter period of time if you have smaller artichokes, and cook for longer if you have larger artichokes.

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Frequently Asked Questions For Steamed Broccoli

What if I dont have a steamer basket?

If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can steam your broccoli by using the trivet. Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and pour water. Place the broccoli florets on top of the trivet, keeping it above the water as much as possible, then follow the rest of the instructions. I do not recommend steaming the broccoli directly in water as it will turn to mush.

How long to steam broccoli?

For best results, steam broccoli for ‘0’ minutes. What that means is that the broccoli cooks in the time it takes for the cooker to reach pressure, about 8-10 minutes. When the cooker reaches pressure, the instant pot beeps and switches to the ‘keep warm’ mode. The pressure setting depends on the end texture. For soft broccoli, cook at High Pressure, for a slight crunch cook at Low Pressure.

How do you make steamed broccoli taste better?

Adding salt, pepper, or parmesan cheese to steamed broccoli is a classic way to add flavor. You can also toss it with your favorite salad dressing, or saute it with minced garlic and olive oil.

Is steamed broccoli healthy?

Yes! Broccoli has many health benefits, and research shows that steaming your broccoli may be the best way to get all those nutrients. Broccoli is known to help lower cholesterol, boost eyes as well as gut health.

Is broccoli anti-inflammatory?

Yes! Broccoli is rich in antioxidants, folate, fiber, and other nutrients that can help ease inflammation.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

How To Steam Broccoli Instant Pot

The best way to steam broccoli in instant pot is using a steamer basket like this or a foldable steamer basket like this one.You can use these steamzer baskets for a lot of other things also- like steaming potatoes or carrots or boiling eggs.

If you dont want to buy a basket, you can also use the trivet that comes with the instant pot.

Here is a Super Easy Chart to help you cook your broccoli

It takes about 10 minutes for the whole process- including the time it takes for instant pot to come to pressure.

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Tips For How To Make Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli

• Cut the broccoli into even sized pieces, otherwise they will cook at different rates and wont be the same texture and some may overcook.
• Adding water to the bottom of the instant pot is critical! Otherwise your pot may say burn, and the broccoli might not steam properly.
• Set your instant pot for 0 minutes for just soft but still slightly crunchy broccoli. Do 1 minute for a softer version. And 2 minutes if you want it to be really, really soft.
• Make sure you quick release the pot right away, because your broccoli will keep cooking while the pressure is coming down. Without an instant release, it will get pretty soft.

Instant Pot Steamed Vegetables Recipe Or Formula

The key to using your Instant Pot to steam vegetables AND TO BE EFFICIENT AT THE SAME TIME is to put the vegetables that take the longest to cook in the steamer basket FIRST.

Then, cook them for their total time MINUS however long it takes to cook the next vegetable.

For example, when I made Instant Pot steamed broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, I put the carrots and cauliflower in first and let them steam for 15 minutes.

Then I carefully added the broccoli, put the lid on top and set the timer for 1 minute. When the timer went off, all of the vegetables were done at the same time!

Psst! Want to give those veggies some extra flavor? Try topping with a pinch of finishing salt! I love Ava Janes Kitchen because it doesnt have microplastics and its SO GOOD! Plus, you can get a bag for just 1¢!!

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For Sliced Or Cubed Celery Root:

• Peel the skin of the root. It is often difficult. Slice off any particularly rough or uneven parts to make it easier. Then, slice into uniform pieces .
• Place a trivet or steamer basket into your Instant Pot along with 1/2 cup of water.
• For slices: Cook on high pressure for 4-5 minutes and perform a quick release.
• For cubes: Cook on high pressure for slightly longer at 6-7 minutes and perform a quick release.

How To Steam Frozen Broccoli Instant Pot

You can also cook frozen broccoli florets straight from the freezer in a similar way.All you need to do is account for the fact that frozen broccoli will take slightly more time to cook than room temperature fresh broccoli.

Select the PRESSURE COOK option on HIGH PRESSURE for 1 minute and Quick Release the pressure after 1 minute is over.

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Quick Pressure Release Is Essential

The caveat to the Instant Pot is that it can overcook some tender vegetables. For this recipe, we do a 0 minute cook time with a quick pressure release. The broccoli cooks while the pot comes to pressure, and while the pressure is released. It’s absolutely crucial that you do a quick pressure release, or your broccoli will end up overcooked and soggy.

Pressure Cook Cauliflower In Instant Pot

Pour ½ cup cold water and place a Stainless Steel Steamer Basket in Instant Pot.

You can also use the trivet that came with your Instant Pot.

Layer the cauliflower florets on the steamer basket.

Close the lid and turn the Venting Knob to Sealing Position.

Pressure Cooking Method:

• For 2-3 cups of Cauliflower Florets
• High Pressure 0 min + Quick Release

*Note: For reference, our cauliflower was closed to 3 lbs, High Pressure 0 minute + Quick Release yielded tender texture.

Carefully turn the Venting Knob to Venting Position to quickly release the pressure.

Once the Floating Valve drops, take off the lid immediately and remove the cauliflower from Instant Pot to prevent overcooking.

Serve the tasty steamed cauliflower as a healthy side dish!

Enjoy your Instant Pot Cauliflower!~

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For Sliced Or Cubed Rutabaga In Instant Pot:

• Peel the skin of the rutabaga. It is very waxy and unpleasant to eat. Then, slice into uniform pieces.
• Place a trivet or steamer basket into your Instant Pot along with 1/2 cup of water.
• For slices: Cook on high pressure for 3-4 minutes and perform a quick release.
• For cubes: Cook on high pressure for slightly longer at 5 minutes and perform a quick release.

For Simple Instant Pot Steamed Asparagus Stalks:

• Trim off the woody bottom ends of the asparagus as these dont cook up nicely. Wash the veggies.
• Place the asparagus into a steamer basket or trivet, then place the basket into the pot with one cup of water.
• Drizzle asparagus with olive oil or add butter, season if youd like.
• For tender, firm results: Cook on HIGH pressure for 0 minutes and perform a quick pressure release.
• For softer results: Cook on HIGH pressure for 1-2 minutes and perform a quick release.
• If you have thicker stalks: Add 1-2 minutes to each cooking time.
• If you have thin, stringy stalks: Cook on LOW pressure for 1 minute.

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Can You Steam Frozen Broccoli

Yes, you can. I prefer steamed vegetables over boiled because boiled vegetables lack:

• Flavour You will notice the difference in flavour straight away when you go from boiled vegetables to steamed vegetables.
• Nutrients When broccoli is boiled the nutrients leave the broccoli and you dont get all the benefits that broccoli has to offer.
• Texture Because frozen broccoli has more water in it and you add boiling to this, you end up with very mushy broccoli.

I swapped boiling broccoli for steaming broccoli back in 2012 and couldnt imagine going back to boiled again now.

How To Cook Broccoli In The Instant Pot

Cooking broccoli in the Instant Pot could not be easier. Cut the head of broccoli into bite-size florets. Keeping them about the same size so they cook evenly.

Pro tip: After cutting the florets, rinse under cool water to remove any extra debris that may have been lodged in the broccoli. Drain well.

1. Prepare the Instant Pot: Pour 1 cup of water into the stainless steel insert that comes with the Instant Pot. Place the steamer basket inside the insert.

2. Add ingredients to Instant Pot: Carefully arrange the broccoli florets onto the steamer basket. It’s okay to stack them up on top of each other.

3. Pressure cook: Close the pot with its lid and turn the pressure valve to the sealing position. Press the Pressure Cook, or Manual, button and adjust the time to 0 minutes.

As soon as the pressure cooker comes to pressure, it’s done cooking.

4. Quick-release pressure: Once the pressure cooker reaches pressure, immediately quick release the pressure by turning the pressure valve. Carefully remove the lid.

Note: Release pressure as soon as the Instant Pot beeps, indicating it’s come to pressure. Otherwise, youll end up with mushy broccoli.

5. Remove broccoli: Once the broccoli has cooled down and the steamer basket is safe to handle, remove from the Instant Pot.

6. Season with herbs, if using: In a separate bowl, drizzle cooked broccoli florets with extra-virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.

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For Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes:

• Begin with the recipe above. If you prefer to have your mashed potatoes without skins, make sure to peel the potatoes prior to cooking.
• When the potatoes are done the cooking, unseal the lid and add in your favourite mashed potato ingredients. You can reserve some of the water in the pot for mashing, or replace it entirely with milk/a milk substitute.
• You can follow any mashed potato recipe you like for the next step. Mash everything together in the pot for a one-pot meal. The residual heat will also make it easy to mash the spuds and blend everything together. Plus, the potatoes will be hot for serving if your pot is set to the warming function.
• Add-in ideas: olive oil, butter, milk, buttermilk, heavy cream, coconut milk, almond milk, salt, pepper, sour cream, chives, Parmesan cheese.

Big Batch Of Instant Pot Broccoli

I often Make a Vegetable Tray for parties and I never know how much food to buy, so I typically buy extra. I recently had a big bag of fresh broccoli leftover from a party and thought using my electric pressure cooker would be the easiest way to cook the broccoli. This recipe is the perfect way to use a few extra bunches of fresh broccoli. Another way to use extra broccoli is in our Broccoli Mushroom Casserole.

Making a small batch made me realize how easy it would be to make a big batch of broccoli in the Instant Pot. We often travel a couple of hours for holiday meals and this is the perfect recipe to mix up in the Instant Pot and then cook on the counter once we arrive at the party. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure cooker to pressurize and your easy vegetable side dish will be ready quickly.

Simply cut enough broccoli into bite sized pieces to fill the Instant Pot to the 2/3 full, maximum fill line. Add half of the broccoli to the pressure cooker. Pour in the water. Sprinkle half of the ranch dressing mix that you plan to use over the broccoli. Layer the remaining broccoli and sprinkle the remaining ranch powder mix on top. Seal the lid and pressure cook for 1-2 minutes.

During the pressure cooking, the ranch flavoring circulates throughout the pot and soaks into the broccoli. It tastes SO good and so simple that we all love the Ranch Broccoli!

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Can I Freeze Steamed Broccoli

Yes you definitely can! If you are someone who likes to batch cook foods and store them for later, this can be a great option. Ideally, it is best to flash cook or steam broccoli first before you freeze them.

Pat dry the steamed broccoli, lay them on a baking dish lined with parchment paper, pop them in the freezer for around 30 minutes, get them out and then store them in a freezer safe container.

How Long To Cook Instant Pot Broccoli

And its also veeeeeeery easy . What this zero minutes means is that the Instant Pot still takes some time to come up to pressure and in that time the broccoli will cook.

But as soon as it comes to pressure you will have to do a quick release and stop cooking, and naturally, release the pressure. This gives you lovely firm fresh broccoli.

• If you want tender Instant Pot steamed broccoli or if you prefer bigger florets you can set the time for 1 minute under high pressure.
• If you want even more more soft broccoli you can set the time for 2 minutes under high pressure.

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Cooking Broccoli In An Instant Pot

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Broccoli

Sometimes I fear Im oversharing the same boring thing, because I always talk about making Instant Pot broccoli on . Yet every single time I mention it, I get no less than 5 people ask how I make it.

This is one of those back to basics recipes that everyone should know, because its SO simple and easy! This is how I meal prep a large batch of broccoli

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