If quick comfort food is calling your name, this Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is your new weeknight lifesaver. Tender slices of savory beef mingle with crisp, bright broccoli in a glossy, sweet-and-salty sauce that tastes every bit as satisfying as your favorite takeout—but with a fresher, homemade touch. Let your Instant Pot work its magic, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dinner on the table in under an hour. Once you try this classic Asian-inspired dish, you’ll wonder how you ever survived busy evenings without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for this Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is easy to find but brings maximum flavor. Each ingredient shines in its own way—some tenderizing the beef, others building up that craveable sauce, and those bright greens adding a pop of color and crunch. Here’s a quick rundown before you start assembling:
- Flank steak (1 1/2 pounds, thinly sliced against the grain): The secret to melt-in-your-mouth texture—slice it thin for maximum tenderness.
- Cornstarch (3 tablespoons, divided): Coats the beef for that irresistible silkiness and thickens the sauce to perfection.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Helps brown the beef for extra flavor upfront.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/2 cup): It’s the backbone of your sauce—brings all the salty, umami goodness without overpowering.
- Beef broth (1/2 cup): Adds depth to the sauce, making everything taste richer.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup): Balances out the savory flavors with a subtle, molasses-y sweetness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A must for that classic Chinese takeout flavor.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Brightens and enlivens the sauce so it tastes extra fresh.
- Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Lifts and sharpens the flavor profile—it’s a little zing that really makes a difference.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Gives the dish that nutty aroma every great beef and broccoli should have.
- Broccoli florets (4 cups): A generous helping for color, crunch, and healthy fiber.
- Green onions (2, sliced): For a fresh, slightly peppery finish right before serving.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Adds visual appeal and subtle crunch.
- Cooked white rice (for serving): The must-have, sturdy base that soaks up every drop of savory sauce.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Toss the Beef
Begin by slicing your flank steak thinly across the grain. This trick turns even tougher cuts into something meltingly tender. Toss those beef strips with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a big bowl until each piece is lightly coated—this helps the meat brown beautifully and thickens your sauce later.
Step 2: Sear for Flavor
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add the vegetable oil. Once it’s shimmering hot, add the beef in batches. Give each slice some space and let it sear for 2 to 3 minutes until golden on the edges (don’t worry about cooking it through just yet). Searing in batches keeps things from steaming and locks in all that deep, meaty flavor. Remove the browned beef and set it aside for a moment.
Step 3: Build the Signature Sauce
With the pot still on Sauté, pour in soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk everything until the brown sugar dissolves and the aromatics are fragrant. Scrape up those delicious browned bits—they’re pure flavor gold for this Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe.
Step 4: Pressure Cook to Tender Perfection
Return the beef (and any juices it released) to the pot, stirring until the slices are coated in that aromatic sauce. Seal the lid, select Manual High Pressure, and set your timer for 10 minutes. When time’s up, perform a quick release, and brace yourself for an amazing aroma!
Step 5: Thicken and Add Broccoli
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir this into your beef mixture—the sauce will start to thicken as it simmers on Keep Warm. Toss in the broccoli florets, cover, and let everything sit for about 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrantly green.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Spoon your luscious Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe over fluffy white rice. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that final flourish. Grab your chopsticks—or a fork!—and dig in while it’s steaming hot.
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches make this dish pop! Scatter a generous pinch of green onions over the top for freshness and just a light shower of sesame seeds for subtle crunch and unmistakable Asian flair. If you love a little heat, a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes amps things up without overpowering the dish.
Side Dishes
While this Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe shines as a main course, pairing it with steamed or fried rice turns it into a complete feast. For a full spread, add some steamed dumplings, spring rolls, or even a crisp Asian cucumber salad to balance the meal and add refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this beef and broccoli in individual rice bowls, letting the sauce soak into the grains just before eating. For parties, make lettuce wraps with crisp butter lettuce—they’re fun, hand-held, and a fresh twist on a classic. You could also serve over brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option that lets the robust flavors shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is famously meal-prep friendly. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days—the flavors actually intensify overnight, making leftovers even more delicious the next day. Just keep the rice and beef separate to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
If you’re planning ahead, portion the cooked beef and broccoli (sans rice) into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight so everything reheats evenly and maintains its gorgeous texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the beef and broccoli gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave (cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture). If the sauce thickens up too much, stir in a splash of water or broth until it’s glossy again.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak is a favorite for its tenderness and flavor, you can substitute with sirloin, flat iron, or even thinly sliced ribeye if desired. Just make sure to slice against the grain for the best possible texture in your Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the soy sauce for a certified gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Always double-check that your other sauce ingredients, like broth, are gluten-free too.
How can I keep the broccoli bright green and crisp?
For extra vibrant broccoli, steam it separately and stir it into the hot beef and sauce just before serving so it stays perfectly crisp-tender. This also keeps the green color especially vivid.
Can I make this Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes when making the sauce—or serve it on the side so everyone can adjust their own level of heat.
Can I double the recipe in the same Instant Pot?
Yes, as long as you don’t overfill your Instant Pot past the max fill line. Brown the beef in more batches if needed, and pressure cook for the same amount of time. Great for feeding a crowd or batch cooking!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something unbeatable about bringing home the flavors of your favorite takeout in half the time and with a fraction of the effort. This Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is every bit as cozy, quick, and flavor-packed as it looks—plus, it’s totally adaptable to suit your family’s tastes. Give it a try and you’ll find it’s destined for repeat appearances on your dinner table!
Print
Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a quick and flavorful Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli dish that’s better than takeout! Tender slices of beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce come together in minutes for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch, divided
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Cooked white rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Toss sliced beef with 2 tablespoons cornstarch until coated. Sear beef in Instant Pot until browned. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and sesame oil in the pot. Return beef to the pot.
- Cook in Instant Pot: Pressure cook for 10 minutes, then quick release. Make a cornstarch slurry and add to the beef. Stir in broccoli, cover, and let sit on Keep Warm mode for 5 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice.
Notes
- For extra heat, add sriracha or red pepper flakes.
- Steam broccoli separately for vibrant color.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot, Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup beef and broccoli with sauce (without rice)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
