Broccoli—love it or loathe it, right? But hear me out:
this Easy Garlic Parmesan Instant Pot Broccoli recipe might just be the ticket to converting even the staunchest broccoli skeptics. Think of it as the unexpected hero of your dinner table, a quick and savory side dish that’s ready in a flash, like a culinary magic trick.
Plus, I swear, the aroma of garlic and parmesan mingling in the air is enough to make you forget all about the chaos of the day—if only for a moment.
Steps
- Rinse the broccoli thoroughly under cold water to clean it. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets suitable for steaming.
- Pour 1/2 cup (125ml) of cold water into the Instant Pot. Place a stainless steel steamer basket inside and arrange the broccoli florets on top.
- Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the Venting Knob to the Sealing Position. Choose the pressure cooking method: High Pressure for 0-2 minutes followed by a quick release, depending on your preferred broccoli texture.
- For crunchy broccoli, cook 2-3 cups of florets at High Pressure for 0 minutes, or 1 cup for 1 minute. For tender broccoli, cook 2-3 cups at High Pressure for 1 minute, or 1 cup for 2 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully turn the Venting Knob to the Venting Position to quickly release the pressure. Open the lid promptly and remove the broccoli to prevent additional cooking.
- Optionally, season the broccoli with salt and black pepper before serving. Enjoy your perfectly cooked Instant Pot broccoli as a healthy side dish.
Ingredients
- 1-2 heads of broccoli (approximately 194g each), cut into florets
- ½ cup (125ml) cold water
Nutritional Values
Calories: 32kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Sodium: 34mg | Potassium: 306mg | Fiber: 2g | Vitamin A: 600IU | Vitamin C: 86.4mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 0.8mg
FAQ
- What is the best pressure cooking time for crunchy broccoli in an Instant Pot?
- For 2-3 cups of broccoli florets, pressure cook at high pressure for 0 minutes, then quick release. For 1 cup of broccoli florets, pressure cook for 1 minute.
- How can I achieve tender broccoli using an Instant Pot?
- To get tender broccoli, pressure cook 2-3 cups of florets at high pressure for 1 minute, or 1 cup of florets for 2 minutes, followed by a quick release.
- Why should I remove the broccoli immediately after cooking in an Instant Pot?
- Removing the broccoli immediately after cooking prevents overcooking, ensuring it maintains the desired texture and color.
- What are the nutritional benefits of broccoli?
- Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable, rich in vitamins C, K, and A, folate, potassium, and natural fiber, with a low calorie count.
- How should I prepare broccoli before cooking it in an Instant Pot?
- Clean the broccoli under cold running water and cut it into florets before placing it in a steamer basket inside the Instant Pot.
Tips
- Choose fresh, young broccoli and store it unwashed in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer to maintain its quality and flavor before cooking.
- For optimal texture, use a steamer basket in the Instant Pot and adjust the cooking time based on your preferred broccoli texture: 0 minutes for crunchy and 1-2 minutes for tender, depending on the amount of broccoli.
- To avoid overcooking, immediately perform a quick release of pressure once the cooking time is complete and promptly remove the broccoli from the Instant Pot.
- Season the cooked broccoli with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors before serving.
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Stainless Steel Steamer Basket
