Make perfectly tender Instant Pot Broccoli in minutes! This easy recipe features fresh broccoli tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce for a simple, flavourful side dish. No steamer basket needed!
In the last home I lived in (OHHHHH, HOW I MISS IT DEARLY!!!!!)… I type this as I’m currently still living out of bags, bouncing between hotel rooms. I was so damn lucky to have a kitchen big enough to house ALL OF MY GADGETS AND APPLIANCES (and I have maaaany!) right on the countertop—in plain sight (and within reach!) every single day.
Coming from what I now consider a tiny-ass living space in Toronto to a home at least five times the size (fifty-plus if you count the outside…), I sometimes wonder how I ever managed. Back then, I had to stuff things like my beloved Instant Pot away—probably in the farthest cupboard (or maybe not even in the kitchen at all…)—and lug it out every time I wanted to make something as quick and simple as Instant Pot Broccoli. And let me just say—hauling that thing in and out didn’t sound appealing back then, and it sure as hell doesn’t now.
But you know what? Some recipes are worth the struggle. Some dishes make you willingly haul that Instant Pot out from the depths of your kitchen, dust it off, and plug it in like you’re about to perform a magic trick. And this garlic butter Instant Pot broccoli? OH, IT’S ONE OF THOSE.
This recipe seriously could not be any easier. Toss in the broccoli, let the Instant Pot do its thing, then coat it in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that makes it taste way fancier than it has any right to be. It’s fast, it’s foolproof, and thanks to the Instant Pot, you’ll have perfectly tender broccoli with minimal effort. No steam baskets required and definitely no fuss.
So, go ahead, drag out that Instant Pot. Or better yet, find a permanent spot for it on the counter—because once you make this garlic butter broccoli, you’ll be making it on repeat.
INGREDIENTS TO MAKE INSTANT POT BROCCOLI
This Instant Pot garlic butter broccoli is the easiest way to get perfectly tender broccoli with minimal effort. Cause seriously, have you ever met a dish where garlic and butter didn’t make things better?! No steamer baskets, no hassle—just a quick, delicious side dish you’ll keep making over and over. Here’s what you’ll need in a little more detail:
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is the star of the show! It’s packed with nutrients, and cutting it into florets ensures every piece cooks evenly and absorbs that delicious garlic butter sauce. You can use frozen broccoli instead (no need to thaw first), if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the texture might differ slightly.
- Water: What helps create steam in the Instant Pot, allowing the broccoli to cook quickly and perfectly tender without turning mushy.
- Butter: This is where the magic happens! Butter adds richness and a velvety texture that coats the broccoli, making it taste indulgent. PRO TIP: Using unsalted butter lets you control the amount of salt added later.
- Garlic: Brings bold, aromatic flavour that complements the buttery sauce. Mincing the garlic ensures it gets evenly distributed, so every bite has that garlicky punch. If you don’t have any on hand, use 1/2 a teaspoon of garlic powder instead of the 2 fresh cloves.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavours of the broccoli and balances the richness of the butter. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference!
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat that cuts through the richness of the butter, bringing all the flavours together.
- Olive Oil: Adds a smoothness to the sauce and helps the garlic sauté evenly without burning. It also brings a mild, fruity flavour that complements the buttery richness. Coconut oil or avocado oil also work well in this recipe.
HOW TO MAKE BROCCOLI IN THE INSTANT POT (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make this recipe for Instant Pot broccoli in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Use fresh broccoli (or frozen with adjustments!) While fresh broccoli works best, frozen broccoli is an option too! Just remember, frozen broccoli tends to cook faster, so the texture might be slightly mushier. If using frozen, there is no need to thaw first. If using fresh, cut the florets into even bite-sized pieces.
- Don’t overcrowd the Instant Pot. Make sure the broccoli is spread evenly in the pot and not packed too tightly. If you’re making a larger batch, consider cooking it in two batches to allow the steam to circulate and cook the broccoli evenly.
- Adjust cooking time for texture. When setting the Instant Pot, you have a choice of cooking for 0-1 minute. 0 minutes will give you crisp-tender broccoli, while 1 minute will result in a more tender texture. Play around with the timing to find your perfect broccoli bite!
- Quick release to prevent overcooking. When the broccoli is done, immediately do a quick release to stop the cooking process. Leaving the broccoli in the pot with residual heat could lead to mushy broccoli, which we definitely want to avoid!
- Don’t skip the garlic butter step. The garlic butter sauce is what makes this broccoli so delicious. After cooking the broccoli, sauté the garlic in butter to unlock the full flavour and toss the broccoli just before serving. Don’t rush this step—let the garlic get fragrant and golden for that rich, garlicky kick! EXTRA TIP: The broccoli florets will be super tender and delicate so just take care when tossing so as not to break them up.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Since everyone’s taste is different, be sure to taste the broccoli after tossing it in the garlic butter sauce. You might want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for some extra flavour.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Whether you steam or pressure cook broccoli in the Instant Pot really depends on the texture and flavour you’re after. Steaming tends to preserve the broccoli’s vibrant color and crisp-tender texture, making it the ideal choice if you prefer your broccoli with a bit of bite. On the other hand, pressure cooking cooks the broccoli more quickly and thoroughly, making it softer and more tender, with a slightly deeper flavour. While both methods yield delicious results, pressure cooking is perfect when you want a faster, fuss-free approach, especially if you’re tossing the broccoli in a flavourful sauce afterward. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference for texture!
See my perfect steamed broccoli recipe if you prefer a stove-top method.
Steaming broccoli in an Instant Pot is quick and easy. Typically, it takes just 0-1 minute of manual pressure cooking. If you prefer crisp-tender broccoli, set the Instant Pot for 0 minutes, and if you like it a little more tender, go for 1 minute. Keep in mind, the Instant Pot takes a few minutes to come to pressure before the cooking time starts, so the total time will be a bit longer, but it’s still a super fast way to get perfectly steamed broccoli. After cooking, make sure to do a quick release to prevent overcooking!
If your Instant Pot broccoli turns out mushy, it’s likely due to overcooking or the broccoli being in the pot for too long. The Instant Pot is a powerful appliance, and broccoli cooks really quickly under pressure. If you leave it for too long or use the natural release method, it can continue cooking with the residual heat, leading to mushy results. To avoid this, try setting the Instant Pot for just 0-1 minute of manual pressure cooking, depending on how tender you like your broccoli. Also, make sure to do a quick release immediately after the cooking time to stop the cooking process and preserve that perfect texture!
Cooked Instant Pot broccoli will last about 3-4 days in the fridge if you store it in an airtight container. It’s best to eat it within that time, but if it gets a little too soft, you can throw it into soups, stews, or casseroles. Just make sure to cool it down and pop it in the fridge ASAP to keep it fresh!
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LOVE THIS RECIPE? PIN IT FOR LATER!
INSTANT POT BROCCOLI
Ingredients
- 1 head Broccoli cut into florets
- ½ cup Water
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 2 Cloves Garlic minced
- ¼ tsp Salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper or to taste
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Instructions
- Add water to the Instant Pot. Place the broccoli florets directly into the pot. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual pressure for 0-1 minute* (see notes)
- Once the timer goes off, do a quick release of the pressure. Carefully remove the broccoli from the Instant Pot and set it aside.
- Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the butter and olive oil. Once the butter has melted, add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked broccoli back into the Instant Pot with the garlic butter sauce. Toss well to coat the broccoli evenly.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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