Did you know that you can steam broccoli in your Instant Pot? It’s so simple and convenient because it takes less thinking to cook broccoli in the Instant Pot.
The regular way of steaming broccoli in a steamer basket in a pot over the stove requires me to wait for the water to boil, then add the broccoli, then time it and check the doneness by piercing it with a fork.
It takes a lot of BRAIN POWER, not mathematical brain power, but mom brain power when I’m worn out at the end of the day!
Is steaming broccoli in the Instant Pot faster than cooking it on the stove?
Unfortunately, no! I’ve done a side-by-side test, where I cooked broccoli in the Instant Pot while simultaneously cooked it over the stove.
Which one was faster? To my surprise, they both took the same amount of time! And I know what you’re thinking. What’s the point then?
What’s the advantage of cooking broccoli in the Instant Pot?
So, if it takes the same amount of time to cook broccoli in the Instant Pot as it takes to cook over the stove, what’s the point? For me, there are times where I’m cooking multiple things on the stove, like 2 or 3 things, and I don’t want to add another thing to it!
Cooking the broccoli in the Instant Pot somehow makes it easier because I don’t have to time it or check on its doneness with a fork. All I have to do is wait to hear the end of cooking beep!
Yes, it’s like one less thing to think about especially when you’re focused on cooking other things on the stove.
How does broccoli come out in the Instant Pot?
Broccoli comes out fork tender and moist. If you like broccoli that is crunchy and slightly raw, the Instant Pot is not the way to do it then.
How long do I steam broccoli in the Instant Pot?
Broccoli is one of the few vegetables that takes 0 minutes to cook in the Instant Pot! Now 0 minutes doesn’t mean no time.
It takes time for the water to heat up and the Instant Pot to come to pressure. So in reality, it takes about 5 – 6 minutes in real time for the whole process.
What can I do if my broccoli comes out overcooked?
I find that broccoli can overcook in the Instant Pot (even if you did a quick release right away), if the broccoli is not fresh and is near its expiration date. One thing you can do is adjust the amount of water added to the Instant Pot.
Instead of adding one cup of water, you can try adding 1/2 cup of water to shorten the cooking time. Because it’s less water, the Instant Pot will come to pressure faster and the quick release will take less time!
Things to know when cooking broccoli in the Instant Pot
Whatever you do, don’t walk away! Stay in the kitchen. This is not the time to go check on something else!
Once the timer goes off, you must press the cancel button and do a quick release right away or the broccoli will overcook. Even if you let it sit for a minute or two, it will overcook.
Instant Pot Broccoli Recipe Video
Instant Pot Broccoli
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 – 16 oz. broccoli florets
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In the Instant Pot, add water and place a steamer basket inside. Put broccoli into steamer basket. Close lid. Set pressure cooking time to 0 minutes. Set to sealing.
- When the timer goes off, immediately do a quick release. Remove cooked broccoli from the Instant Pot. Season with melted butter and salt or anything else you like.
Notes
Where to Buy Equipment
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More:
Instant Pot Steamed Green Beans
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob – 2 Ways