If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet comes together quickly, the Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a savory, tender, and slightly sweet meal that feels just like takeout—only better because it’s homemade and ready in a fraction of the time. The magic of the Instant Pot locks in all those rich, bold flavors while keeping the beef tender and the broccoli perfectly crisp. Trust me, once you try this Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered it from a restaurant instead.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the battle, but here, simplicity is key. Each item plays a vital role, giving the dish its signature savory sweetness, tender steak texture, and that vibrant green pop from fresh broccoli. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create this flavorful masterpiece:
- ½ cup low-sodium beef broth (or water): Adds a rich base without overpowering the other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to a perfect, glossy consistency.
- 3 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine): Brings an authentic depth and complexity to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Offers a savory, slightly sweet umami boost that’s essential.
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger: Adds warmth and a touch of zing to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Sriracha): Provides a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma and enhances every bite.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: A salty backbone that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar: Brings a mellow sweetness that complements the savory notes perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant pungency that wakes up the palate.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to balance the dish.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: For sautéing and giving the steak a delicious sear.
- 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets: Provides that fresh crunch and vibrant green color.
- 1 pound flank steak, trimmed and thinly sliced against the grain: The star protein that cooks perfectly tender in the Instant Pot.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: A final touch adding a lovely crunch and nutty flavor when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by combining all your sauce ingredients in a jar with a lid, then shake it vigorously until everything is well incorporated. If you don’t have a jar, a whisk and a bowl work just as well. This sauce is the heart of the recipe, layering savory, sweet, spicy, and aromatic notes that will coat every bite of beef and broccoli.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
Pour a quarter cup of the prepared sauce over the thinly sliced flank steak, then toss to coat the meat evenly. Allowing the beef to soak in these flavors even briefly will make a huge difference in tenderness and taste once cooked.
Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli
Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting and heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the broccoli florets and sauté just until they turn bright green. This step ensures your broccoli keeps its delightful crunch and vibrant color instead of turning mushy. Once ready, remove the broccoli from the pot and set aside.
Step 4: Brown the Beef
Add the remaining vegetable oil to the Instant Pot, then add the marinated beef. Sauté the beef until it’s nicely browned on all sides, which locks in those juicy flavors. After the beef is browned, pour in the remaining sauce to mix everything together.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode on high pressure for 10 minutes. The pressure cooking will tenderize the flank steak quickly while intensifying the flavors in the sauce, making it beautifully thick and luscious.
Step 6: Quick Release Pressure
Once the cooking cycle completes, use the quick release method to release the steam rapidly. This prevents overcooking and keeps both beef and broccoli perfectly textured.
Step 7: Combine and Garnish
Return the sautéed broccoli to the pot and stir to combine it with the tender beef and sauce. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a subtle crunch and an aromatic finish. Serve this dish over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds is the traditional way to finish off this dish, but feel free to add chopped green onions or a drizzle of extra sesame oil for an added punch of flavor. These small touches make the dish feel fresh and vibrant every time.
Side Dishes
Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up the sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving it alongside garlic fried rice or even with a bed of noodles to mix it up. Simple steamed vegetables or a light Asian slaw are great accompaniment options as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beef and broccoli over cauliflower rice or crisp lettuce wraps for a lower-carb option. You could also plate it in cozy bowls topped with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for a restaurant-style presentation that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, this dish freezes beautifully. Place cooled Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. It will maintain its best quality for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through. To refresh the texture of the broccoli, adding a splash of water and covering the pan while reheating can help steam it back to a crisp-tender state.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of beef instead of flank steak?
Absolutely! While flank steak is tender and cooks quickly, you can substitute skirt steak or sirloin. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe without Shaoxing wine?
If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry or a splash of white wine works as a decent substitute. You can also omit it, though it adds authentic depth to the sauce.
Is it possible to make Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free. This makes the dish safe for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor.
How do I prevent the broccoli from becoming mushy?
Sautéing the broccoli separately until bright green and crisp before pressure cooking helps preserve its texture perfectly. Adding it back into the pot after cooking also maintains that fresh crunch.
Can I make this Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe spicy?
Definitely! Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to your heat preference. You can also add fresh sliced chili peppers for an even bolder kick.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is my go-to when I want a restaurant-quality meal at home without the fuss. Its blend of tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and that luscious sauce creates a dish that’s comforting, exciting, and downright addictive. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a staple in your dinner rotation!
Print
Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy the classic Chinese takeout dish at home. Tender flank steak is marinated and cooked with broccoli in a savory, slightly sweet sauce made with oyster sauce, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, garlic, and ginger. Using the Instant Pot ensures the beef is cooked perfectly tender in a fraction of the time, making it a great weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- ½ 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
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Main Ingredients
- 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
- Prepare the sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients—beef broth, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, minced fresh ginger, hot sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and red pepper flakes—in a jar with a lid and shake well until thoroughly mixed. Alternatively, whisk the ingredients together in a bowl.
- Marinate the beef: Pour ¼ cup of the prepared sauce over the thinly sliced flank steak and toss well to evenly coat the meat. Let it marinate briefly while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Sauté the broccoli: Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the broccoli florets and sauté just until they turn bright green and are slightly tender, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the broccoli from the pot and set aside.
- Brown the beef: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the Instant Pot. Add the marinated beef slices in a single layer and sauté until browned on all sides, about 3-5 minutes. Pour in the remaining sauce mixture over the beef.
- Pressure cook the beef and sauce: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode on high pressure for 10 minutes to tenderize the beef and meld the flavors.
- Release pressure: Carefully perform a quick release to depressurize the Instant Pot once cooking is complete.
- Combine and serve: Add the cooked broccoli back into the Instant Pot and stir everything together to combine. Garnish with sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- To save time, thinly slice the flank steak ahead of time and marinate it in the sauce while prepping other ingredients.
- If Shaoxing wine is unavailable, dry sherry can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust the hot sauce level to your preferred spice tolerance.
- Make sure to slice the beef against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Use quick release carefully to avoid splattering of hot sauce or steam.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
