Whether you’re hosting a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this effortless method frees up stove space while ensuring consistent, delicious results. Drizzle on an optional lemon garlic butter sauce for a burst of flavor that makes simple broccoli feel special, proving that even the humblest dishes can bring joy to the table.
Gina’s Recipe Highlights For Instant Pot Broccoli
This Instant Pot broccoli is a fantastic choice for serving friends and family because it’s quick, effortless, and packed with flavor. Inspired by Longhorn Steakhouse broccoli, this copycat recipe features tender broccoli florets with a bright hint of lemon and an optional lemon garlic butter sauce, making it a restaurant-quality side with minimal effort.
The fresh, natural sweetness of broccoli shines with a bright pop of lemon juice, and if you drizzle on the lemon garlic butter sauce, it takes the flavor to a whole new level. This easy side dish is beginner-friendly and totally foolproof with the Instant Pot doing all the work. In just 10 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a deliciously perfectly steamed side dish ready to serve.
To save even more time, chop the broccoli ahead of time and keep it in the fridge so it’s ready to steam when you need it. For a flavor boost, swap the water for vegetable broth or sprinkle on parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory touch.
Tips Before You Get Started
- Cut the fresh broccoli into even 3-inch florets, using tender parts of the stems to reduce waste. Rinse in a bowl of cold water, swishing them around to remove any dirt. Drain them and lay them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to remove excess water.
- If using fresh lemons, roll them on the counter before juicing to get the most juice out. Strain out seeds before adding to the Instant Pot.
- You’ll need an Instant Pot and a steamer basket to keep the broccoli from sitting in the water. If you don’t have a steamer basket, you can use the Instant Pot trivet or a heatproof colander that fits inside.
Ingredient Tips For Instant Pot Broccoli
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Broccoli: Look for firm, dark green florets with no yellowing or wilting. The stems should be fresh, not dried out or woody. For this recipe to work well, you want nice, large broccoli florets that are a few inches wide.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice works if you’re short on time. Choose a brand with 100% lemon juice and no additives for a fresher taste.
- Lemon garlic butter sauce (optional)– Get the complete recipe and step-by-step instructions for this amazing butter sauce. You will want to pour it on veggies, grilled fish, and chicken too. It would also be amazing with Crisp Skin Air Fryer Baked Potatoes.
How To Make Instant Pot Broccoli
Making Instant Pot broccoli is the easiest way to get perfectly steamed, vibrant green florets in just minutes, with no guesswork or mushy texture.
Step 1: Set Up The Instant Pot
Start by pouring 1 cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot. This creates the steam needed to gently cook the broccoli while keeping it fresh and vibrant. Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to brighten the flavor and help maintain that gorgeous green color.
Next, place a steamer basket inside the pot. This keeps the broccoli elevated above the water, so it steams evenly without getting soggy. Arrange the broccoli florets in the basket, spreading them out so they cook consistently.
Step 2: Cook The Broccoli And Release Pressure
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure release valve to “Sealing.” Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on low pressure for 0 minutes for crisp-tender broccoli or 1 minute for a softer texture. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to build pressure before the cooking cycle starts.
Once the timer goes off, carefully turn the valve to “Venting” using a towel or oven mitt to protect your hand from the steam. When the pressure is fully released, open the lid and take in the fresh aroma of perfectly steamed broccoli. Lift the steamer basket out and transfer the broccoli to a serving dish.
Season with a little salt and pepper to taste, and if you like, drizzle with lemon garlic butter sauce for a rich, flavorful finish. Broccoli is always best served very hot! If you need a few minutes, tent the broccoli with foil to keep some of the heat in.
Pro Tip: Quick-release the pressure immediately. Letting it sit too long can overcook the broccoli, so as soon as the Instant Pot beeps, turn the valve to the venting position for the best texture.
Tips And Variations
- Add fresh minced garlic to the lemon juice before steaming for a bold kick.
- Replace water with low-sodium chicken broth for some extra flavor.
- Sprinkle with parmesan, nutritional yeast, or toasted sesame seeds for extra depth when serving.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or fresh herbs like parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
- Set the Instant Pot to zero minute cook time and quick-release the pressure immediately for a crisp-tender broccoli. If you prefer it softer, go for 1 minute.
- For extra crispiness, sauté the steamed broccoli in a hot pan with olive oil for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Storage And Reheating Instructions
For the perfect texture, store your leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let them cool completely before you transfer them to the airtight container. If you seal hot broccoli in a container, steam gets trapped, creating excess moisture that can lead to sogginess and faster spoilage.
To reheat, use the microwave, stovetop, or oven.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Add a splash of water to keep it from drying out.
- Stovetop: Sauté in a pan with a little olive oil or butter over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Oven: Spread on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for a slightly roasted texture.
Leftovers can be used in other recipes like soups, stews, sauces, and stir-fries, or you can eat it as-is.
Although you’ll set the cooking time to “0” minutes, the actual steaming happens while the Instant Pot builds pressure, which takes about 5-10 minutes. Once it reaches full pressure, simply quick-release the steam and remove the broccoli right away to prevent overcooking.
Steaming is best if you prefer a crisp-tender broccoli with more control. However, it takes slightly longer to cook on the stovetop. For a quick, hands-off method, pressure cooking (Instant Pot) wins.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Make-Ahead Tip: To save time, wash and cut the broccoli a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. If making the lemon garlic butter sauce, prep it in advance and warm it just before serving.
If you enjoy using your Instant Pot for quick, easy meals, be sure to try my Melt in Your Mouth Roast Beef and Gravy, Instant Pot Cincinnati Chili, Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken, and my personal favorite, Rustic and Creamy Toscana Zuppa Soup.
Biblical Hospitality Reflection
We’ve all been there—unexpected guests pop in, and suddenly, you’re scrambling to put something on the table. That’s where this Instant Pot Broccoli comes to the rescue! In just 10 minutes, you have a delicious, restaurant-quality side dish ready to serve. It’s a reminder that hospitality doesn’t have to be complicated, sometimes, the simplest offerings, made with love, are the most meaningful.
In the Bible, we see countless examples of quick, heartfelt hospitality, from Abraham rushing to prepare a meal for his divine visitors (Genesis 18:6-8) to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, welcoming Jesus for a meal without even realizing who He was (Luke 24:28-31). True hospitality isn’t about perfection; it’s about being willing to open our homes and hearts.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Perfect Every Time Instant Pot Broccoli Recipe
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds broccoli, washed and cut into 3-inch florets
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce for drizzling, Optional
Instructions
Prep the Broccoli
- Cut the broccoli into florets, using both the florets and the tender parts of the stems. Discard the tough bottom part of the stems.2 pounds broccoli
- If desired, cut larger florets in half for even cooking.
- Rinse the broccoli in cold water to remove any dirt, then drain and pat dry.
Set Up the Instant Pot
- Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot and add the lemon juice.1 cup water, 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Insert the steamer basket and place the broccoli inside.
Cook the Broccoli
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure release valve to “Sealing.”
- Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode on low pressure:
- 0 minutes for crisp-tender broccoli.
- 1 minute for a softer texture.
- The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the timer starts.
Release Pressure & Serve
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully quick-release the pressure by turning the valve to “Venting.” Use a towel or oven mitt to protect your hand from the steam.
- Remove the steamer basket and transfer the broccoli to a serving dish.
- Season to taste and optionally drizzle with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce before serving.Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce for drizzling
Notes
- For this recipe to work well, you want nice, large broccoli florets that are a few inches wide. Smaller pieces of broccoli will cook too quickly, and they’ll end up mushy. Buy large florets or cut your head of broccoli into big chunks for the best results.
- Try to cut your broccoli evenly so all your pieces cook to the same consistency.
- Broccoli is always best served hot! So try your best to time this so it’s finishing up just as you’re sitting down to dinner. If you need a few minutes, tent the broccoli with foil to keep some of the heat in.
I am trying this tonight! I am excited because I really, REALLY love Texas Roadhouse’s steamed brocolli. I always order min with extra steam because I like my brocolli nice and tender, not crispy (or al dente) at all. I am going to try to steam mine for two minutes and see how that works out.
I’m hoping this turns out as well as either Texas Roadhouse’s or Chili’s steamed brocolli because the brocolli at Longhorn Steakhouse is nasty. I don’t know what seasoning they put on theirs, but I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.
Thanks for sharing this!
Wonderful! Thank you
I’m glad you enjoyed it. I use the lemon butter sauce on top of the broccoli or any other veggie I make in my instant pot too.