Steaming Broccoli In A Pressure Cooker: Quick And Easy!

Broccoli is a nutrient-rich superfood that is best enjoyed when steamed. Steaming broccoli helps retain its colour, flavour, and nutrients. It also prevents the vegetable from getting too soft and mushy. One of the easiest ways to steam broccoli is by using a pressure cooker, which cooks the vegetable in under 10 minutes with minimal effort.

How to prepare broccoli for steaming

Preparing broccoli for steaming is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Wash the Broccoli

Before cutting the broccoli, ensure that you thoroughly wash it under running water to remove any dirt or residue.

Step 2: Cut the Broccoli into Florets

Once the broccoli is clean, use a chef's knife to cut the head into florets. Try to make the florets of relatively equal size so that they cook evenly. The size of the florets will also depend on your preference for texture. Smaller pieces will cook faster and be softer, while larger pieces will have more bite to them.

Step 3: Prepare the Pressure Cooker

Add water to the base of your pressure cooker. The amount of water required may vary depending on the model of your pressure cooker, but typically, you will need around 1/2 to 1 cup of water.

Step 4: Assemble the Broccoli in the Cooker

Place a metal stand, trivet, or steamer basket inside the pressure cooker. If using a steamer basket, simply layer the broccoli florets on top. If using a trivet or metal stand, you can place the broccoli directly on top or use a pressure cooker-safe plate to arrange the broccoli.

Step 5: Season the Broccoli (Optional)

At this point, you can season the broccoli with various ingredients. You can sprinkle garlic cloves and salt over the broccoli for added flavour. Additionally, you can cover the broccoli with another pressure cooker-friendly dish to control the texture. Leaving it uncovered will result in softer broccoli, while covering it will make it slightly crunchy.

Now your broccoli is prepared and ready for steaming in the pressure cooker!

How to set up the pressure cooker

Firstly, add water to the pressure cooker. The amount of water you need depends on how much broccoli you are cooking. For a pound of broccoli, you will need about 3/4 cup of water. If you are using an 8-quart Instant Pot, start with 3/4 cup of water. For a 6-quart Instant Pot, use 1/2 cup of water.

Next, place the broccoli in the pressure cooker. You can use a steamer basket or the trivet that usually comes with the pressure cooker. If you are using a steamer basket, place it inside the pressure cooker and then add the broccoli florets. If you are using the trivet, simply place the broccoli on top.

Now, it's time to seal the pressure cooker. Close the lid and turn the venting knob or valve to the sealing position. This step is crucial to ensure that the pressure cooker can build up pressure.

Once the pressure cooker is sealed, it's time to set the cooking time. For crunchy broccoli, set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 0 minutes. If you prefer your broccoli tender, set the timer for 1-2 minutes. It's important to note that the broccoli will continue to cook even after the timer goes off, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

After setting the timer, your pressure cooker will take a few minutes to build up pressure. Once it reaches full pressure, it's time to release it. Perform a quick release by turning the venting knob or valve to the venting position. Be careful when doing this step, as the steam will be hot.

Finally, remove the broccoli from the pressure cooker immediately to prevent overcooking. Your perfectly steamed broccoli is now ready to be enjoyed!

How long to steam broccoli

Steaming broccoli in a pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to cook this nutritious vegetable. The timing depends on how crunchy or tender you like your broccoli, and whether you are using a steamer basket or the pot itself.

Using a steamer basket

If you are using a steamer basket, you should first add water to the instant pot insert. This is necessary to create the steam required to cook the broccoli. The amount of water added will depend on how much broccoli you are cooking. For a pound of broccoli, you will need about 3/4 cup of water.

Next, place the steamer basket in the instant pot, and add the broccoli florets. If you want to add extra flavour, you can sprinkle ingredients such as garlic, salt, or lemon juice over the broccoli before cooking.

Close the lid and set the instant pot to cook on high pressure for "0" minutes. The broccoli will be perfectly steamed in the time it takes for the pressure cooker to come to full pressure, which is usually around 5-10 minutes.

Once the instant pot beeps, indicating it has reached full pressure, press the quick-release valve immediately to release the remaining pressure. Open the lid and remove the broccoli. It is important to do this quickly, as leaving the broccoli in the pot for too long will result in overcooking and mushy broccoli.

Using the pressure cooker pot

If you don't have a steamer basket, you can cook the broccoli directly in the pressure cooker pot. Simply add the water to the pot, place the trivet that came with the cooker inside, and put the broccoli on top. Follow the same timing instructions as above.

In total, steaming broccoli in a pressure cooker should take no longer than 15 minutes, including preparation and cooking time. The actual steaming time is just the time it takes for the instant pot to come to full pressure, which is typically between 5 and 10 minutes.

The amount of broccoli you cook will affect the steaming time. If you are cooking more than a pound of broccoli, the pot will take longer to pressurise, resulting in slightly softer broccoli. Conversely, if you are cooking a smaller amount, the pot will pressurise faster, and the broccoli may have a little more bite to it.

How to season broccoli

Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre. While it is most nutritious when eaten raw, steaming is the next best option as it helps broccoli retain its nutrients.

Seasoning steamed broccoli

• Lemon-herb: Mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of thyme. Add black pepper to taste.
• Lemon-garlic: For a zesty flavour, mix 1 chopped garlic clove, 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1.5 teaspoons of lemon juice. Heat the mixture in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, then pour over the broccoli.
• Sesame: Drizzle sesame oil and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over steamed broccoli. Garnish with thinly-sliced scallions.
• Simple seasonings: Choose 1-2 seasonings like fresh herbs (dill, parsley, thyme), chopped/sliced/minced garlic, or lemon juice/zest/slices.
• Season while cooking: Fill a saucepan with 1/4 cup water, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Add salt and pepper to taste, then bring to a boil. Cut 1 head of broccoli into florets, add to the water, cover, and cook for 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes.

Seasoning roasted broccoli

• Oven-roasted: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Grease a baking sheet and spread 24 ounces of broccoli florets. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, and salt and pepper. Toss, then bake for 10-12 minutes. Garnish with lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese.
• Garam masala and shredded coconut: Before roasting, toss broccoli with garam masala and shredded coconut. Roast at 425°F for 10-12 minutes.
• Pesto: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toss broccoli florets with pesto sauce, spread on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
• Vietnamese twist: Mix fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Pour over roasted broccoli florets and toss to coat.
• Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes: Chop broccoli into florets and toss with dried bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. Roast at 425°F for 10-12 minutes.

Seasoning sautéed broccoli

• Lemon juice, honey, and chilli flakes: Whisk lemon juice, honey, and chilli flakes, then toss with broccoli florets. Sauté until bright green and crisp.
• Olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes: Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil. Add 3 tablespoons of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, then cook for 1 minute. Add 2 heads of broccoli florets, cook for 3-4 minutes, then add a splash of water/soy sauce/chicken stock. Cover and steam for 2-3 minutes.
• Parmesan cheese: Toss 1 pound of blanched broccoli florets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper. Add 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar. Serve immediately.
• Asian twist: Chop 1.5 pounds of broccoli into florets. Cook in 3 tablespoons of water and 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil. In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup water, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon each of cornstarch and brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 3 chopped garlic cloves. Add the sauce to the pan and cook for 1 minute. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds.
• Slow-sautéed: Heat 6 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet. Add 1.5 large heads of broccoli florets and sauté for 2 minutes. Add salt and pepper, then cook over low to medium-low heat for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes. Toss with 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.

Seasoning raw broccoli

• Lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper: Toss broccoli florets with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Use 3 parts olive oil to 1 part lemon juice.
• Mustard, vinegar, and olive oil: Stir 1 tablespoon each of seeded mustard and rice wine vinegar with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add salt and pepper, then toss with 1 head of broccoli florets. For a salad, add crumbled feta cheese and pine nuts.
• Yogurt-based dip: Mix low-fat Greek yogurt with paprika, fresh chives, and minced garlic. Use as a dip for broccoli florets or as a dressing.
• Mayonnaise and milk: Dilute mayonnaise with milk. Pour over chopped broccoli florets and toss. For a salad, add crumbled fried bacon and cashew nuts.

Seasoning broccoli in a pressure cooker

Add 2 cups of water to the base of the pressure cooker. Place the metal stand inside and put a plate of broccoli crowns on top. Sprinkle with garlic cloves, salt, and 2 tablespoons of water. Cover with another pressure cooker-friendly dish if desired. Close the lid, set the valve to "Sealed," and power on. Choose the "Nutritional Cooking" option. It will take about 5-6 minutes. Once done, wait a minute, then set the valve to "Release."

Happy cooking and seasoning!

How to prevent overcooking

To prevent overcooking, it's important to be vigilant and act quickly once the broccoli is cooked. Here are some tips to prevent overcooking:

Set a Timer

As soon as the pressure cooker reaches full pressure and the timer starts, set a separate timer so you can keep track of the cooking time. This will help you stay alert and prevent overcooking.

Quick Release

As soon as the broccoli is done, release the pressure from the cooker immediately. In most recipes, this is done by turning the valve to the "Release" position. This step is crucial to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking.

Remove Broccoli Immediately

Once the pressure has been released, remove the broccoli from the pressure cooker right away. Leaving the broccoli inside, even after releasing the pressure, will continue the cooking process and result in overcooking.

Place Broccoli in an Ice Bath (Optional)

If you want to halt the cooking process immediately, place the broccoli in an ice bath or run it under cold water as soon as you remove it from the cooker. This will stop the cooking and help retain the bright green colour.

Reduce Cooking Time

If your broccoli turns out overcooked, reduce the cooking time for the next batch. You can try cooking for 0 minutes on low pressure, which will result in crunchier broccoli. Alternatively, set the timer for 1 minute on low pressure for slightly softer broccoli.

Don't Overfill the Cooker

If you're cooking a large quantity of broccoli, don't overcrowd the cooker. It's better to cook in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcooking.

Frequently asked questions