If you’re craving a delicious, restaurant-quality meal without the fuss, this Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is an absolute game changer. Tender strips of beef mingle with vibrant, crisp broccoli florets all coated in a luscious, savory sauce that has just the right balance of sweet and salty. Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, you get this mouthwatering dish on your table in just about 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a satisfying meal. Let me walk you through how easy and rewarding it is to create this classic takeout favorite right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this dish is surprisingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that unmistakable color contrast that makes beef and broccoli so irresistible. From the rich, tender beef to the fresh green broccoli and the perfectly balanced sauce components, every item contributes something special.
- Chuck roast or flank steak (1 1/2 lb, thinly sliced): These cuts are perfect for quick cooking and stay tender inside the Instant Pot.
- Canola oil (1 tbsp): Great for high-heat sautéing without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds fragrant pungency that complements the beef perfectly.
- Beef broth (3/4 cup): Introduces rich, savory depth to the sauce base.
- Soy sauce (1/2 cup): The backbone of flavor, bringing umami and saltiness.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup): Balances the salt with subtle sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
- Sesame oil (2 tbsp): Infuses a nutty aroma that lifts the entire dish.
- Broccoli (1 lb, cut into florets): Adds vibrant color, crunch, and nutrition.
- Water (3 tbsp): Used to mix with cornstarch for thickening.
- Cornstarch (3 tbsp): Creates that perfect, glossy sauce consistency.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the canola oil in your Instant Pot on the sauté setting. Add the thin strips of chuck roast or flank steak and cook until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This step locks in the flavors and ensures your beef will be tender and juicy once pressure cooked.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Next, toss in the minced garlic followed by the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Stir everything together right in the pot so that the beef is coated and the sugar starts to dissolve, setting the foundation for that rich, savory sauce you crave.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. This short, high-pressure burst transforms the beef into tender bites while intensifying the flavor of the sauce, making it both robust and comforting.
Step 4: Quick Release
Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick pressure release. This stops the cooking process immediately, helping the beef retain its perfect texture without overcooking.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry and stir it into the Instant Pot. The residual heat activates the cornstarch, thickening the sauce into a glossy, rich coating that clings to every bite.
Step 6: Add and Cook the Broccoli
Add the fresh broccoli florets and give them a quick sauté. Then, close the lid again and cook for an additional 3 minutes under pressure. This perfectly steams the broccoli so it stays bright green and just tender-crisp, offering a lovely contrast to the beef.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Release the pressure one last time, open the lid, and give everything a final stir. Serve your Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe hot over fluffy white rice or your favorite noodles, and get ready to dig into an incredibly satisfying, home-cooked meal.
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions adds a lovely crunch and a punch of freshness to this dish. A drizzle of extra sesame oil right before serving can boost aroma and flavor even more, turning a great dish into an unforgettable one.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up all that amazing sauce. For a lighter option, try serving it alongside cauliflower rice or simple garlic noodles to keep the meal balanced and just as delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe in a beautiful bowl garnished with pickled ginger or even a few crunchy fried shallots. For a modern twist, offer lettuce wraps so everyone can scoop up the beef mixture themselves—it’s fun, interactive, and super tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld a little more overnight, so it’s just as delicious the next day. Just make sure to cool it completely before placing it in the fridge.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe later, freeze it in a suitable container for up to 2 months. When freezing, separate the broccoli if you prefer it less soft after reheating, or freeze the entire dish together for maximum convenience.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge. This helps restore the perfect silky sauce consistency and keeps the beef tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chuck roast and flank steak are recommended for their tenderness and quick cooking time, you can experiment with sirloin or even skirt steak. Just slice it thinly and adjust cooking time if needed to avoid toughness.
Is there a vegetarian substitute for the beef in this Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe?
Yes! Tofu or seitan can work wonderfully as substitutes. Press the tofu well to remove excess moisture before sautéing, and follow the same steps for cooking to maintain that rich sauce and texture contrast.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely. Adding a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes while building the sauce will give your dish a nice kick without overwhelming the natural flavors.
How do I prevent the broccoli from getting mushy?
Cooking the broccoli briefly under pressure for only 3 minutes after adding it is key to maintaining its crisp-tender texture and vibrant color. Avoid longer cooking to keep that perfect bite.
Is it okay to substitute tamari for soy sauce?
Yes, tamari is a great gluten-free alternative that will give you the same depth of flavor and saltiness so the sauce still tastes amazing in your Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and satisfying about this Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe that makes it a go-to for busy days or cozy dinners. Once you try it, you’ll appreciate how simple ingredients transform into a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and color in just minutes. I can’t wait for you to make this at home and share it with loved ones—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a delicious reminder that quick meals can also be truly special.
Print
Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli recipe delivers tender beef strips and crisp broccoli florets in a savory, slightly sweet soy-based sauce. Ready in under half an hour, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights, offering the rich flavors of takeout made at home with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Meat and Oils
- 1 1/2 lb chuck roast or flank steak, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
Vegetables
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb broccoli, cut into florets
Liquids and Sauces
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
Sweetener
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
Thickening Agent
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp water
Instructions
- Sauté beef: Heat canola oil in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting. Add the sliced beef strips and cook until browned on all sides, developing a rich, caramelized exterior.
- Add sauce ingredients: Stir in the minced garlic, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil, mixing well to combine all flavors evenly with the beef.
- Pressure cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. This step tenderizes the beef and melds the flavors beautifully.
- Release pressure: Carefully perform a quick pressure release to safely open the Instant Pot without overcooking the contents.
- Thicken sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir this mixture into the pot to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy finish.
- Cook broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pot, sauté briefly using the sauté function to incorporate, then close the lid again and cook under pressure for 3 more minutes to achieve tender-crisp broccoli.
- Serve: Open the lid, stir gently, and serve the beef and broccoli hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For an extra kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or fresh ginger during the sauté step.
- Using flank steak instead of chuck roast will yield a slightly leaner but equally flavorful result.
- Make sure to slice the beef thinly across the grain for maximum tenderness.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase cornstarch by 1 tablespoon mixed with an equal amount of water.
- This dish can be prepared gluten-free by substituting soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
