Steaming Broccoli: Power Cooker Plus Tips And Tricks

Steaming broccoli is a fast, healthy, and convenient way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It helps retain broccoli's vibrant green colour, fresh flavour, and nutrients without the addition of oil. While there are multiple ways to steam broccoli, using a power cooker plus is an efficient method that yields tender broccoli in under 10 minutes. This guide will outline the steps to steam broccoli using a power cooker plus, along with some tips for preparing and serving this delicious and versatile vegetable.

How to prepare broccoli for steaming

Steaming broccoli is a fast, healthy, and convenient way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It helps retain its vibrant green colour, crisp texture, and fresh flavour. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare broccoli for steaming:

Wash the Broccoli

Start by thoroughly washing the broccoli to remove any dirt or residue. Submerge the head in a large bowl of water. If it floats, weigh it down with another bowl filled with water. Let it soak for a few minutes, then rinse under cold running water.

Trim and Cut the Broccoli

Many people discard broccoli stems, but they can be steamed and eaten too. Trim off any dry ends and remove the tough outer skin with a vegetable peeler. Cut the peeled stem into slices or sticks, and separate the head into florets of roughly equal size. This ensures even cooking.

Choose Your Steaming Method

There are several ways to steam broccoli, depending on the equipment you have available:

Stovetop Steamer Basket

Fill a skillet or saucepan with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place the broccoli florets and stems in a steamer basket, and season with salt if desired. Set the steamer basket over the boiling water, cover, and cook until the broccoli is crisp-tender. This usually takes 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of the florets.

Microwave

Place the washed and cut broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with a lid or a small plate that fits over the opening. Add a few tablespoons of water, cover, and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Check for doneness, and continue cooking in 15-second intervals if needed. Alternatively, cover the broccoli with damp paper towels instead of using water and microwave for 3 minutes and 30 seconds.

Electric Pressure Cooker

Place 1 cup of water in an electric pressure cooker, such as an Instant Pot. Add the broccoli to a steamer basket and place it inside the cooker. Close the lid, and cook at high pressure for 0-2 minutes, depending on your desired texture. Quick-release the pressure, and remove the broccoli from the cooker.

Season and Serve

Once steamed, season your broccoli with salt and pepper, or get creative with toppings like olive oil, lemon wedges, cheese, or sauces. Enjoy it as a simple side dish or add it to salads, grain bowls, or other recipes.

How to steam broccoli in an Instant Pot

Steaming broccoli is a fast, healthy, and convenient way to cook this nutritious vegetable. It helps retain broccoli's vibrant green colour, fresh flavour, and nutrients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam broccoli in an Instant Pot.

Wash and Prepare the Broccoli

Firstly, ensure your broccoli is thoroughly washed. Submerge the head in a large bowl of water to ensure any dirt hiding in the nooks and crannies is removed. Let it soak for a few minutes, then rinse under a stream of cold water.

Next, trim the broccoli and cut it into florets. Many people discard the stems, but you can steam and eat them, too. If the end of the stem is dry, trim it off, then peel off the outer tough skin with a vegetable peeler. Cut the peeled stem into rounds until you reach the part where the florets branch off. Using a chef's knife, cut down through the head of broccoli to separate the florets, turning the head as you go. Try to cut the florets into even sizes so they cook uniformly.

Prepare the Instant Pot

Add water to your Instant Pot. The amount of water will depend on the size of your Instant Pot and the quantity of broccoli you are cooking. As a general rule, ensure there is enough water to generate steam without immersing the broccoli. For a standard-sized Instant Pot, 1/2 to 1 cup of water should suffice.

Place a steamer basket inside the Instant Pot. This accessory ensures the broccoli cooks evenly without coming into direct contact with the water. Layer the broccoli florets inside the steamer basket.

Steam the Broccoli

Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the venting knob is in the sealing position. Pressure cook on high for 0 to 2 minutes, then perform a quick release. The exact cooking time will depend on your preference for texture and the amount of broccoli you are cooking.

For 2-3 cups of broccoli florets, use the following guidelines:

• For a crunchy texture, pressure cook for 0 minutes.
• For a tender texture, pressure cook for 1 minute.

For 1 cup of broccoli florets:

• For a crunchy texture, pressure cook for 1 minute.
• For a tender texture, pressure cook for 2 minutes.

Season and Serve

Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully turn the venting knob to the venting position to release any remaining pressure. Open the lid and remove the broccoli from the Instant Pot to prevent overcooking.

Season the steamed broccoli with salt and black pepper to taste, then serve. You can also get creative with seasonings and toppings, such as olive oil, lemon juice, grated parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of your favourite sauce. Enjoy your perfectly steamed broccoli!

How to season steamed broccoli

How to Steam Broccoli in a Power Cooker Plus

To steam broccoli in a Power Cooker Plus, follow these steps:

• Wash the broccoli thoroughly.
• Trim the broccoli and cut it into florets.
• Place the broccoli florets in the steamer basket of your Power Cooker Plus.
• Add water to the cooker, ensuring it doesn't exceed the minimum fill line.
• Close the lid and select the steam setting.
• Allow the broccoli to steam for 3-5 minutes, or until tender.
• Release the pressure and remove the broccoli from the cooker.

Now, for the fun part—seasoning! There are endless ways to season steamed broccoli, and it really comes down to your personal preference. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Lemon juice and salt and pepper
• Olive oil, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes
• Butter, salt, and pepper
• Nutmeg
• Oyster sauce
• Soy sauce, garlic, and ginger
• Olive oil and minced garlic
• Butter, lemon juice, sesame oil, salt, and pepper
• Melted butter, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese
• Nutritional yeast
• Ranch powder
• Honey
• Teriyaki sauce and sesame seeds
• Cayenne pepper
• Thyme
• Apple cider vinegar
• Onion powder

Simply choose the seasonings you like, sprinkle or toss them over your steamed broccoli, and enjoy!

How to avoid overcooking broccoli

Overcooking broccoli can lead to a loss of nutrients and a mushy, unappetising texture. Here are some tips to help you avoid overcooking broccoli when steaming it in a power cooker plus:

Wash and Prepare the Broccoli

First, ensure your broccoli is thoroughly washed. Submerge the head in a large bowl of water, weighing it down with another bowl if it floats. Let it soak for a few minutes, then rinse under cold running water. Next, trim the broccoli and cut it into florets. Try to cut the florets into even sizes so they cook at the same rate.

Choose the Right Amount of Water

When steaming broccoli, it's important not to use too much water, as this can cause the broccoli to boil rather than steam, resulting in soggy vegetables. For steaming in a power cooker plus, add 1/2 cup of cold water to the pot.

Use a Steamer Basket

Place a stainless steel steamer basket in the power cooker plus and arrange the broccoli florets on it. This will ensure that the broccoli is not submerged in water and helps to distribute heat evenly.

Set the Timer

For 2-3 cups of broccoli florets, pressure cook at high pressure for 0-1 minute, then do a quick release. For 1 cup of broccoli florets, pressure cook at high pressure for 1-2 minutes, then quick release. The shorter cooking time will result in crisp and crunchy broccoli, while the longer cooking time will produce tender broccoli.

Quick Release the Pressure

As soon as the broccoli is done, carefully turn the venting knob to the venting position to quickly release the pressure. This step is critical to preventing overcooking. Once the floating valve drops, remove the lid immediately and take out the broccoli.

Season and Serve

Remove the broccoli from the steamer basket and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

By following these steps and keeping a close eye on the cooking time, you can avoid overcooking your broccoli and enjoy it with its nutrients intact and a desirable texture.

How to steam broccoli in a microwave

Firstly, you will need to wash the broccoli and cut it into bite-sized pieces or florets. Make sure to remove and discard the super-tough ends and any woody bits. Try to cut the florets into even sizes so they cook at the same rate.

Next, place the broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl and add water. For one pound of broccoli (about one head), add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water. You can also add a small pat of butter or a splash of soy sauce at this stage, or season with salt and pepper after cooking.

Cover the bowl with a lid or a microwave-safe plate or stoneware. Avoid using plastic wrap or aluminium foil.

Microwave on high for 2 1/2 to 4 minutes, depending on the power of your machine and the size of your florets. Check the broccoli after 2 1/2 minutes, and continue cooking in 15-second intervals until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Be careful when you remove the broccoli from the microwave, as the steam will be hot. Check the broccoli is tender with a fork, and drain any excess water.

Your broccoli is now ready to serve!

Frequently asked questions