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Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

The ultimate comfort food, Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli is a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner that will satisfy your cravings. With tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and a delicious sauce, it's a dish that will have you coming back for more. Make it tonight!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 lbs flank steak sliced across the grain
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 12 oz frozen broccoli bag steamed
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce low sodium
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 cup beef broth low sodium
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar or 1/2 cup for a sweeter version
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/4 cup green onions chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Chef's Knife
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together all the ingredients listed in the Sauce compartment. Set aside.
  2. Press Sauté on the Instant Pot and wait for the Instant Pot indicator to read "HOT".
  3. Add vegetable oil; once the oil is hot, add the beef in one layer (in batches). Do not move or turn the beef for about 2 minutes to ensure it gets a nice sear on one side (this is important).
  4. Stir the meat and sauté for 2 minutes on the other side. Remove, set aside on a plate covered with foil, and brown another batch of beef. Set it aside.
  5. Once the beef is browned, add 1/4 cup of water to the pot to deglaze it. Using a wooden spoon, try to get any bits and pieces that are stuck to the bottom of the pot.
  6. Add the beef back to the pot, and pour the sauce mixture on top. Stir to combine.
  7. Close the lid and pressure cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a 10-minute Natural Release. After 10 minutes of NPR, turn off the Instant Pot. Release the remaining pressure. Open the lid.
  8. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until it is thoroughly combined.
  9. With the IP set to the Sauté function, add the slurry to the pot, stir to combine, and cook for 2-3 minutes on Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened. If needed, add more slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) until the desired thickness is achieved.
  10. Stir in the steamed broccoli.
  11. Turn off the Instant Pot and serve over rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

  • Searing: While searing the beef is optional, I highly recommend it for the best flavor. Searing locks in the juiciness of beef and also caramelizes the exterior of the meat, resulting in a more flavorful meal.
  • Mushy broccoli: To avoid mushy broccoli, add frozen broccoli when pressure cooking, but keep in mind that they will add extra water to the sauce.
  • Cooking separately: As an alternative, I also recommend cooking the broccoli separately; steam it in the microwave for a quick minute and stir it into the rest of the ingredients.
  • Cornstarch slurry: Do not skip the cornstarch slurry, or the sauce will be too thin.
  • Fresh ingredients: Using fresh ginger and garlic instead of powder will make the sauce more flavorful.
  • Freezing: If you intend to freeze the meal, do not add the broccoli, as it will become mushy when thawed. Freeze the beef mixture and cook the broccoli when ready to serve.