15-Minute Pressure Cooker Browned Butter Broccoli
Steam-tender broccoli with fragrant browned butter, toasted pecans, and jewel-like pomegranate seeds. The nutty brown butter adds richness while the pomegranate provides bright pops of sweetness. Perfect as an elegant side dish for holiday dinners or weeknight meals when you want something special. The pressure cooker method ensures perfectly cooked broccoli in zero minutes, while the browned butter technique transforms simple ingredients into restaurant-quality flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 head Tanimura & Antle broccoli
- 1 cup cold water
- 5 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
Instructions
- 1
Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets and peel stalks, cutting into quarter-inch round disks
- 2
Place water in pressure cooker bowl and add broccoli to steamer basket
- 3
Set pressure cooker to Steam or High for zero minutes and perform quick release
- 4
Heat butter in large skillet over medium heat until it starts to foam
- 5
Add pecans to butter and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until butter turns golden and nuts smell nutty
- 6
Remove skillet from heat
- 7
Plate broccoli on platter and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and lemon juice
- 8
Spoon browned butter and pecans over broccoli
- 9
Top with pomegranate seeds and serve immediately
Tips
Watch the butter carefully to prevent burning - it should turn golden and smell nutty, not black
Use a steamer basket for even cooking and easy removal of perfectly tender broccoli
Serve immediately while the browned butter is warm for the best flavor and texture
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days, though texture is best when fresh
Broccoli can be steamed hours ahead, reheat gently before adding warm browned butter
Serve immediately while browned butter is warm for optimal flavor and texture
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook butter to avoid bitter burnt flavor
Serve immediately to prevent butter from solidifying on broccoli
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I steam the broccoli without a pressure cooker?
Yes, steam in a regular steamer basket over boiling water for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, or blanch in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes.
What if I don't have pomegranate seeds?
Try dried cranberries, toasted pine nuts, or even crispy bacon bits for texture and flavor contrast with the rich browned butter.
How long will the leftovers keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the texture is best when served fresh and warm.