As the temperature drops and school routines resume, it’s the perfect time to discover a hassle-free way to prepare a generous batch of nutritious broccoli rabe. Look no further than this delightful Broccoli Rabe Instant Pot recipe, which has become one of our favorites.
With a total cooking time of under fifteen minutes, you can effortlessly whip up a substantial quantity of delicious broccoli rabe, ready to be savored immediately, stored for future meals, or conveniently frozen for later use.
Remember that a single bunch of broccoli rabe is enough to generously serve four to six individuals. When we prepare Instant Pot broccoli rabe, we sometimes opt for two batches, which slightly extends the cooking time but requires nearly identical preparation whether you’re steaming one bunch or two.
Simplified Steamed Broccoli Rabe
One of the most underrated features of the Instant Pot is its handy steam basket. It’s not just perfect for broccoli rabe; it also works wonders with carrots, shrimp, and various types of shellfish.
Sauteing broccoli rabe traditionally can be time-consuming, cumbersome, and tricky to achieve that perfect doneness. However, steaming it in the Instant Pot eliminates all the guesswork, leaving you with a superb side dish or an excellent topping for a succulent pork loin sandwich.
Picking the Perfect Broccoli Rabe
When shopping for broccoli rabe, we usually go with what’s fresh and readily available at our local grocery store. Different regions may have various producers, but we’ve succeeded with Andy Boy at two nearby supermarkets.
Our preference leans heavily toward fresh, organic broccoli rabe, as it offers that extra touch of healthiness. If you happen to be shopping at an Italian supermarket, keep in mind that broccoli rabe can also be found under the name “Rapini.”
Exploring Flavor Variations
Given more time for your Instant Pot broccoli rabe, we recommend using diced garlic instead of garlic salt for a more robust flavor. When pressed for time, garlic salt is a convenient and tasty option that speeds up the cooking process while eliminating the need to peel, chop, or mince garlic.
Seasoning for Perfection
Before serving, give your broccoli rabe a taste test to determine if additional seasoning is required. We like to enhance the dish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt to suit your taste, and occasionally a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an added kick of heat. With these simple yet flavorful touches, you’re all set to savor your delectable Instant Pot broccoli rabe creation to the fullest.
Steamed Broccoli Rabe Instant Pot Recipe
The recipe we’re sharing for steaming broccoli rabe is our take on a quick, nutritious vegetable that doesn’t get enough attention. There are a few variations, but it all depends on your tastes, preferences, and the time you can allocate for prep.
Instant Pot Broccoli Rabe
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot
- 1 Instant Pot Steam Basket
- 1 Measuring Cup
- 1 Chefs Knife
Ingredients
- 1 head Broccoli Rabe
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil extra virgin
- 2 tbsp Garlic Salt
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Prior to cooking, thoroughly clean the broccoli rabe
- Remove the stems using a large chef's knife
- Insert the steam basket into your Instant Pot
- Add two cups of water to the base. Make sure it's not touching the basket.
- Chop broccoli rabe to your preferences. We chopped it into thirds.
- Place the chopped broccoli rabe into the steam basket
- Add olive oil and garlic salt to taste. Chopper garlic can also be used.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid, and steam Broccoli Rabe for 8 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you steam broccoli rabe?
When using the Instant Pot, we’ll steam the broccoli rabe for eight minutes on the steam setting. We find this is the optimal time to cook it thoroughly. It also allows for the broccoli rabe to soften and become less chewy without being overcooked.
Do you cut the stems off broccoli rabe?
Yes, we always cut the stems off broccoli rabe whether we are steaming in the Instant Pot or sauteing. The stems can be bitter and chewy and are better off removed.
What recipes have broccoli rabe in it?
Broccoli rabe is found primarily in Italian cuisine. It can be served as a side dish or a topping for Italian pork sandwiches. Most famously, you’ll see it served on Italian pasta dishes such as Cavatelli with broccoli rabe and sausage. Learn how to bake sausage.