This Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic takeout dish at home. Tender beef and vibrant broccoli florets are cooked to perfection in a savory sauce, all in the convenience of your Instant Pot. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving a healthy and flavorful meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With the help of an Instant Pot, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re short on time.
- Flavorful and Healthy: This recipe delivers all the classic flavors of beef and broccoli, with a savory and slightly sweet sauce that’s made with wholesome ingredients.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in the Instant Pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli:
For the Sauce:
- Low-sodium beef broth or water: Forms the base of the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce.
- Shaoxing wine: Chinese cooking wine, adds a depth of flavor. You can substitute with dry sherry or mirin if needed.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a rich and savory flavor.
- Fresh ginger: Minced, adds a zesty and slightly spicy flavor.
- Hot sauce: Such as Sriracha, adds a touch of heat. Adjust the amount to your liking.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor.
- Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and balances the savory flavors.
- Garlic: Minced, for aromatic depth.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds a hint of spice.
For the Beef and Broccoli:
- Vegetable oil: For sautéing the broccoli and beef.
- Broccoli: Cut into small florets, for a vibrant green color and tender-crisp texture.
- Flank steak: Trimmed of fat and sliced thinly against the grain, this cut of beef is tender and flavorful.
- Sesame seeds: For garnish.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli
Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a jar or bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: beef broth (or water), cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, ginger, hot sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and red pepper flakes. If using a jar, close the lid and shake well until everything is combined. If using a bowl, whisk the ingredients together until smooth.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
Pour about ¼ cup of the prepared sauce over the sliced beef and toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli
Turn your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ setting. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pot. Once the oil is hot, add the broccoli florets and sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli turns a vibrant green color. Remove the broccoli from the pot and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
Add the remaining vegetable oil to the Instant Pot. Once hot, add the marinated beef and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until it starts to brown. Pour the remaining sauce into the pot and stir to combine.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high pressure for 10 minutes. When the cooking time is complete, use the quick release function to release the pressure.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Open the Instant Pot and add the cooked broccoli back to the pot. Stir to combine with the beef and sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Freeze the steak for easier slicing: Partially freezing the steak for about 20 minutes will make it easier to slice thinly.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli: Sauté the broccoli separately and add it back to the pot after the pressure cooking cycle to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Adjust the sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness, spiciness, or saltiness to your liking.
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli
- With Rice or Noodles: Serve the Beef and Broccoli over a bed of steamed white or brown rice or your favorite noodles.
- With Other Sides: You can also serve it with other Asian-inspired side dishes, such as stir-fried vegetables or egg rolls.
- Lunchbox Friendly: Pack leftovers for a delicious and convenient lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
While flank steak and skirt steak are ideal for their tenderness and quick cooking time, you can experiment with other cuts of beef that are suitable for stir-frying.
Can I make this dish without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can! Simply follow the instructions for my Beef and Broccoli recipe, which uses a skillet on the stovetop.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu or tempeh to remove excess moisture before marinating and cooking.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce, or garnish with sliced chili peppers.
There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
PrintInstant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
This Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic takeout dish at home. Tender beef and vibrant broccoli florets are cooked to perfection in a flavorful sauce, all in the convenience of your Instant Pot.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Sriracha)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
For the Beef and Broccoli:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1 pound flank steak, trimmed and thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Make Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a jar with a lid and shake well to combine. Alternatively, whisk together in a bowl.
- Marinate Beef: Pour ¼ cup of the sauce over the sliced beef and toss to coat.
- Sauté Broccoli: Set Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and sauté broccoli florets until bright green. Remove broccoli and set aside.
- Cook Beef: Add remaining vegetable oil to the Instant Pot. Add marinated beef and sauté until browned. Pour in the remaining sauce.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Use quick release to depressurize the Instant Pot.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked broccoli back to the pot and stir to combine. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Freezing Steak: Freeze steak for 20 minutes before slicing for easier handling.
- Beef Cut: Flank steak or skirt steak are recommended for this recipe.
- Stovetop Version: Refer to the recipe for Beef and Broccoli if you don’t have an Instant Pot.
- Broccoli: Do not overcook the broccoli; sauté it separately and add it at the end.
- Salt: No additional salt is needed due to the salt content in the broth and soy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 550kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 80mg