Instant Pot Zucchini

What Is Zucchini?

Zucchini (aka courgette or marrow) is a summer squash that can be dark green, light green, or golden yellow. It has thin skin and juicy soft flesh with mild & delicate flavor.

It’s a good source of nutrients including vitamins C and B6.

Zucchini is a very versatile ingredient that can be steamed, boiled, grilled, roasted, sauteed, baked, stuffed, fried, or barbequed.

You can also use zucchini creatively to make spiralized zucchini noodles (aka zoodles) or zucchini lasagna as a low-carb alternative to pasta or noodles.

Time to make tasty Zucchini in Instant Pot!

Step-by-Step Guide: Instant Pot Zucchini

*Note: We’re including 2 quick and easy methods to make zucchini in Instant Pot. One method uses the “Pressure Cook” button and the other method uses only the “Saute” button.

Here are the few simple ingredients for cooking zucchini in Instant Pot:

*Note: The minced garlic and regular soy sauce are for the saute method.

First, cut 1 lb (454g) zucchini in half, then cut them into 0.75″ chunks.

Jump to your choice of methods:

• Method #1: Pressure Cook Method
• Method #2: Saute Method

Tools for Instant Pot Zucchini

• Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
• Steamer Basket

Method #1: Pressure Cook Method

Place Zucchini in Instant Pot

First, add 1 cup (250 ml) of cold water and a steamer basket in Instant Pot Pressure Cooker.

Then, place 1lb (454g) zucchini chunks in the steamer basket.

*Pro Tip: Ensure you’re using 1 cup (250 ml) of Cold Water. Some users like to shorten the “coming up to pressure” time by using hot water or warm water – this will directly affect the final results of your Instant Pot Zucchini!

*Can I cook more or less zucchini? This method was tested using 1lb (454g) zucchini chunks. If you want to use more or less zucchini, please decrease or increase the pressure cooking time accordingly.

Pressure Cook Zucchini

Close Instant Pot lid, then turn Venting Knob to Sealing position.

• Pressure Cooking Method: Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 0 – 1 minute, then immediately Quick Release.

*Quick Release: Once the pressure cooking cycle ends, immediately turns the Venting Knob to Venting Position to release the pressure.

Once the Floating Valve drops, open the lid carefully.

Season & Serve Zucchini

Your pressure cooked zucchinis are done!

Season zucchini with salt & black pepper, then give it a few tosses.

Serve these refreshingly delicious & crunchy zucchini as a side dish. Or, you can chill them in the fridge and serve it with a salad. Enjoy~

Method #2: Saute Method

Saute Zucchini in Instant Pot

As usual, heat up Instant Pot Pressure Cooker using “Sauté More” function, and wait until it says “HOT”.

*Pro Tip: Make sure the Instant Pot is as hot as it can be in order to induce a maillard reaction.

Then, drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil in the inner pot, and ensure to coat the oil over the whole bottom of the pot.

Add 1lb (454g) zucchini chunks and a pinch of salt in the Instant Pot. Give it a quick stir.

Leave the zucchini alone for 1 minute and 30 seconds, then stir again.

*Pro Tip: Stir once every minute for 3 – 4 minutes until the zucchini are well browned. 

Add Garlic & Soy Sauce

Add minced garlic and 1 tsp (5ml) regular soy sauce to the zucchini, then saute for another minute.

Season & Serve Zucchini

Taste one of the zucchini to make sure it’s thoroughly cooked.

Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt if necessary. For reference, we added 1 – 2 more pinches of salt. 

Place these delicious sauteed zucchini in a serving bowl and enjoy immediately. 🙂

Enjoy Refreshingly Delicious Zucchini in Instant Pot!

More Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love

Instant Pot Broccoli

Instant Pot Carrots