Steaming vegetables in the Instant Pot is so easy and some vegetables only require a ZERO minute pressure cooking time! Today I’m sharing with you 6 Instant Pot Zero Minute Vegetables. Eating healthier has never been easier!
Related: What is a zero minute pressure cooking time?

Instant Pot Zero Minute Vegetables (video)
Steaming vegetables in the Instant Pot is so easy and some vegetables only require a ZERO minute pressure cooking time! Some great zero minute vegetables to steam in the Instant Pot are: cauliflower florets, broccoli florets, frozen corn, asparagus, zucchini slices and green beans. Are there any other zero minute vegetables that I missed? Leave me a comment if you know of one!
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How to steam vegetables in the Instant Pot
- Add 1.5 cups of water into the Instant Pot liner. I use water straight out of the tap. It isn’t cold and it isn’t hot.
- Place your steamer basket into the pot and then add vegetables into the basket. I like to use this silicone steamer basket*. It fits perfectly into a 6 or 8 quart Instant Pot.
- Lock the lid into place and make sure the valve is set to sealing.
- Set the manual/pressure cook button to 0 minutes by using the – (minus) button to decrease the time down to zero. The pot will take up to 10 minutes to come to pressure. Then the timer will beep indicating the “time” is up.
- When the timer beeps move the valve to venting. Remove the lid. Your vegetables should be ready to go!
What should I serve on my steamed vegetables?
I like to serve with steamed vegetables with a little butter, kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Some other good options are:
- Fresh herbs
- Sautรฉed Garlic
- Lemon
- Olive oil
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Vinegar
- Cheese sauce or grated cheddar
- Pesto sauce
- Parmesan cheese
- Salad dressings
- Tahini
- Hummus
- Spike Seasoning
Try these other Instant Pot delights!
Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa and Black Beans
What Pressure Cooker Did You Use?
I used my 6 quart Instant Pot Duo 60 7 in 1*. I love this Instant Pot because it has the yogurt making function which I use almost weekly. It has two pressure settings (high and low), and there are also little slots in the handles so that you can rest the lid there instead of putting it down on your counter-top.
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Does it matter how much you put in? I just cook for myself and just wanted to steam 3 ounces of chopped bell peppers and 2 ounces of chopped zucchini. Thanks!
It makes a small amount of difference. For that amount it should be just fine.
After you add your water and veg to steamer basket to the instant pusgh STEAMER not manusl/pressue cook. Set to 1 minuter. It comes to pressure much faster.
The steamer button does pressure cook it just comes to full pressure much faster than โpressure cookโ button
Thanks! Good tip ๐
How about root vegetables?
They take a bit longer. Like cubed potatoes take 4 minutes and I’d say 4 minutes for baby carrots too.
Hi Karen:
I’m confused about the amount of water to use when steaming vegetables. The main instructions say 1.5 cups, but the individual vegetable instructions say 1/2 cup.
Thanks,
Shelley
Go with 1.5 cups water under the steamer basket.
Hi Karen, what do you recommend for steaming whole artichokes? And would it differ steaming one vs maybe 3 or 4? I’m also at 6500 feet in CO, if that matters. Please and thank you!
I’d do 10 minutes and it doesn’t matter if there is more than one. It will still be 10 minutes. Here is a recipe that might help you: https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/instant-pot-steamed-artichokes/#tasty-recipes-61872
Is this just for fresh veggies- is it the same for frozen?
This is for fresh. I bet a 1 minute cooking time for frozen would be good.
I totally followed the directions, but my cauliflower was pretty crunchy….the ext time I might try one minute?
Ok! And it probably depends on how big the florets were cut too.
Hi Karen,
Will the instructions work the same for my Instant Pot Mini?
Thanks,
Lyndel
Should work just fine as long as you can fit them in there.
My question is about the riced veggies would those be considered for the zero mins? I would not want it to turn to mush and waste the package.
I think it might turn to mush. I have some in my freezer so I will give it a try soon!
I need low carb meals. don’t know if you have any recipes for us?
Go to the top of this page. Click on Filter Recipes (upper left). Then scroll down click on Low Carb box on the right. You will find over 50 recipes.
Yep! Thank you Kathy!
I have a few here: https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/recipes/?fwp_dietary_restrictions=low-carb
Hope this helps!
Hi Karen, do you use a trivet when steaming your vegetables? Put vegetables into basket and place on trivet? Also could you use pip method?
My basket has legs on the bottom so I don’t put it on a trivet. Just straight in the pot. Yes you could definitely use pip method
I donโt have a steamer but did purchase your recommended pot in pot combo. Can I use this instead and just leave the lid off? Thanks!
Yes that would be great.
I have found that mine turn out better if I use low pressure for 0 minutes. I prefer them still somewhat crisp.
Oh, thanks so much for sharing! I wondered about that but hadn’t tried it yet ๐
hi i got the duo instanta pot 8 quarts cooked breakfast and dinner in it love ๐ your recipes and 6 sisters utube have a great week
Thanks Ruby!! You too ๐
Asparagus is great cooked for 0 minutes in my IP! Add some Parm cheese and butter Salt and Pepper to taste
Yum I love asparagus! I only wish it were in season longer ๐
Karen, You can cook sliced carrots in the water under your steamer basket. I cook mine with broccoli all the time. They turn out perfect.
Wow that is a great idea Nancy! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Nancy, trying it tonight
Since all the veggies are cooked at zero time can I put all of them in together to cook??
I have steamed a lot of different veggies together. I have also steamed carrots and brussel sprouts but those I set to 1 minute.
Yes you can!
I’ve had mine for a couple of weeks, and I love it. It works great!
So glad you like it! It is so fun!
Hi Karen,
Can I ask your opinion on the air fry lid for the pot?
Thank you,
Peter
Hi Peter, here is my review of the Mealthy crisp lid: https://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/the-mealthy-crisplid-what-is-it/