Name: Instant Pot Broccoli
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 12 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Broccoli (Fresh broccoli florets); ½ cup Water (For steaming in the Instant Pot)

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One of my favorite quick and healthy side dishes is Instant Pot Broccoli. There are days when I want something light yet full of flavor to accompany my meals, and this dish fits perfectly. Picture this: you come home after a long day, and all you crave is that fresh, vibrant taste of steamed broccoli. With the Instant Pot, I can have perfectly cooked broccoli ready in no time. It’s a simple dish, but it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good. It’s not just about eating vegetables; it’s about enjoying them. When I serve Instant Pot Broccoli at dinner, I often find myself reminiscing about family meals where green veggies took center stage. This dish has become a staple in my kitchen, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
12 mins

Prep Time:
2 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
55 kcal

Protein:
4 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
0.6 g

Tools Used:
Instant Pot

Why This Instant Pot Broccoli Hits Different

Quick and Easy Preparation

The beauty of Instant Pot Broccoli lies in its speed. No more waiting for water to boil or worrying about overcooking. Just toss the broccoli in, set your pot, and let it do its magic. You can have it on the table in less than 15 minutes, including prep!

Perfectly Cooked Every Time

With the Instant Pot, you can achieve that perfect tender-crisp texture that is often hard to get on the stovetop. The broccoli comes out bright green and retains its vibrant color, making your plate visually appealing.

Versatile Side Dish

Instant Pot Broccoli is not just a side dish; it can be incorporated into so many meals. Whether you’re serving it with grilled chicken, tossing it into a pasta dish, or mixing it into a salad, it adapts to many cuisines and flavors.

Healthy and Nutritious

Broccoli is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it one of the healthiest vegetables you can choose. When you prepare it in the Instant Pot, you preserve more nutrients than traditional boiling methods, ensuring you get all those health benefits.

Kid-Friendly Option

Getting kids to eat their greens can be challenging, but Instant Pot Broccoli is a hit! The quick cooking method makes it deliciously tender, and a sprinkle of cheese or lemon juice can entice even the pickiest eaters.

Instant Pot Broccoli Shopping List

When making Instant Pot Broccoli, the ingredients are simple yet powerful. Each element plays a vital role in delivering that perfect burst of flavor and nutrition. It’s remarkable how just a couple of fresh ingredients can transform into a delicious side dish.

Broccoli: The star of the dish! Fresh broccoli florets give the best flavor and texture. Choose bright green heads without any yellowing for optimal freshness.
Water: Essential for the steaming process in the Instant Pot. It helps create the steam needed to cook the broccoli quickly and evenly.

The Process for Making Instant Pot Broccoli

Cooking Instant Pot Broccoli is an engaging experience that doesn’t take much effort at all. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can have a nutritious side dish ready!

Start by washing the broccoli under cool running water. This helps to remove any dirt and pesticides. Cut the broccoli into florets, ensuring they are even-sized for consistent cooking.
Take your Instant Pot and place a trivet or a steamer basket inside. This keeps the broccoli above the water, allowing it to steam rather than boil.
Add ½ cup of water to the bottom of the pot. This is essential for creating the steam needed for cooking.

Carefully arrange the broccoli florets on the trivet or in the steamer basket in a single layer. You want them to cook evenly.
Cover the Instant Pot with the lid, ensuring the vent is set to the SEALING position. This is crucial for the pressure cooking process.
Plug in your Instant Pot and select the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK setting. Set it on high pressure for 0 minutes. Yes, you read that right! The broccoli cooks in the steam created as the pot comes to pressure.

Once the Instant Pot reaches pressure, it will beep to indicate cooking is complete. Quickly release the steam by turning the vent to the VENTING position. Be cautious of the steam!
After the steam has fully escaped, open the lid carefully. You should see perfectly bright green broccoli.
Remove the broccoli from the pot and place it in a serving dish. At this point, you can season with a pinch of salt, freshly ground pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra zing!

Serve your Instant Pot Broccoli immediately, or if you prefer, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process if you like it a bit less tender.

Things Worth Knowing

Steam cooking is efficient because it helps retain nutrients that can be lost in boiling water.
For a different flavor, try adding garlic powder or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast before serving.

If you wish to add a bit of color, consider mixing in other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
Be careful not to overcook the broccoli; it should be vibrant and slightly crisp.

Recipe Notes about Instant Pot Broccoli

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cooking experience with Instant Pot Broccoli goes smoothly.

Storage: Store any leftover broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days.
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze cooked broccoli! Make sure it’s cooled completely, then place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or fish, making it a versatile addition to any meal.

Seasoning Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as garlic powder or red pepper flakes, to suit your taste.
Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave for a minute or two. It’s quick and easy!

What to Serve With Instant Pot Broccoli

When it comes to serving Instant Pot Broccoli, the possibilities are endless! You can complement it with a variety of dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some suggestions:

Grilled Chicken: A classic pair! The freshness of broccoli cuts beautifully through the richness of grilled chicken.
Rice Dishes: Serve it alongside a bowl of fragrant jasmine or brown rice for a wholesome meal.
Pasta: Incorporate broccoli into your favorite pasta dishes for added nutrition and color.

Quinoa Salad: Toss it with quinoa, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil for a light and healthy option.
Stir-Fries: Add it to vegetable stir-fries for an extra crunch and vibrant color.
Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can easily pack it with other components for a quick lunch or dinner during the week.

FAQ

To ensure your broccoli is perfectly cooked in the Instant Pot, remember that the cooking time is very brief—only 0 minutes at high pressure! This means the pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure, and the broccoli will cook in the steam created during that time. Also, quick-release the pressure right after it finishes to avoid overcooking. You want your broccoli to be bright green and tender-crisp.

Absolutely! You can use frozen broccoli for making Instant Pot Broccoli. Just add the same amount of water, and set your Instant Pot for 1 to 2 minutes of high pressure. The cooking time might be slightly longer since frozen vegetables take longer to come to temperature, but the results will still be delicious. Just make sure to quick-release the steam as soon as the cooking cycle ends to prevent mushiness.

There are plenty of ways to enhance the flavor of your Instant Pot Broccoli. After cooking, you can drizzle it with olive oil and sprinkle with lemon zest, garlic powder, or freshly grated parmesan cheese for added flavor. A splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can also elevate the taste. Don’t hesitate to get creative with seasonings to suit your palate!

Yes, Instant Pot Broccoli is an incredibly healthy choice! Broccoli is loaded with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. Cooking it in the Instant Pot retains more nutrients compared to boiling methods. This makes it a nutritious side dish that you can enjoy guilt-free. It’s perfect for those following a healthy eating plan.

Conclusion

The Instant Pot Broccoli recipe stands out for its simplicity and the way it preserves the vibrant flavors of this nutritious vegetable. It’s an easy, quick side dish that can elevate any meal. I encourage you to try it and enjoy the delicious taste and health benefits that come with it. You’ll find it quickly becomes a favorite in your home!

Instant Pot Broccoli

Craving something quick and healthy? Try Instant Pot Broccoli! In just minutes, this easy weeknight dinner brings vibrant color and nutrition to your plate. Steamed to perfection, it's a delicious way to enjoy broccoli that pairs perfectly with any meal. Make it tonight for a nutritious side!

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Prep Time 2

Cook Time 10

Total Time 12

Course Side Dishes

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 55 kcal

Equipment

Instant Pot

Ingredients

1 pound Broccoli Fresh broccoli florets
½ cup Water For steaming in the Instant Pot

Instructions

Wash the broccoli, and cut into florets.
Place an Instant Pot trivet or a steamer basket into the pot, and put the broccoli florets in there.
Add half a cup of water to the bottom of the pot.
Cover with the lid, and make sure that the vent is at SEALING position. Plug in the Instant Pot, press on MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK and set it on high for 0 minutes.

Allow the Instant Pot to come to pressure, then it will beep and the cooking cycle will end.
When the cooking is finished, quickly release the steam and carefully open the lid.
Take the broccoli out of the pot, and it can be either served right away or can be rinsed under cold water to stop the cooking process if you're worried that the broccoli might become super tender.

Season with salt and freshly ground pepper, and a squeeze of lemon and serve!

Notes

Storage: Store any leftover broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days.
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze cooked broccoli! Make sure it’s cooled completely, then place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or fish, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Seasoning Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as garlic powder or red pepper flakes, to suit your taste.
Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave for a minute or two. It’s quick and easy!