Delicious Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli for Weeknights

Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli is a fantastic recipe for anyone looking to recreate the classic flavors of Chinese takeout at home, without the excess grease or cost. This recipe allows you to enjoy tender beef, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a savory sauce all in less than 30 minutes. The Instant Pot makes the cooking process easy and quick, saving you time without compromising on flavor. Whether you’re a busy professional or just craving a healthy, home-cooked meal, this dish is a perfect fit.

Making beef and broccoli in the Instant Pot provides a tender texture for the beef while ensuring the broccoli retains just the right amount of crunch. The sauce balances savory, sweet, and a slight hint of sesame, creating a mouthwatering dish that can easily become a staple in your kitchen. Read on to learn how to make this simple yet flavorful meal that your family will love.

Why Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli is a Must-Try

Quick and Easy: One of the main reasons people love this recipe is how quickly it comes together. The Instant Pot cuts down on cooking time, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal in just 35 minutes, including preparation time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet fast.

Healthy Takeout Alternative: This recipe is a healthier alternative to the greasy beef and broccoli you might get from takeout. By using low-sodium soy sauce and controlling the amount of oil and sugar, you can enjoy this dish without the added unhealthy fats and excess salt.

Affordable: If you’re a fan of takeout, you’ll know how expensive it can be. This recipe gives you the same great flavor at a fraction of the cost, and it can easily feed a family of four.

Versatile: While this recipe focuses on beef, it’s just as easy to substitute it with chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or snap peas to enhance the dish and add more color.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

To make this flavorful dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:

• Beef: Flank steak or sirloin steak are the best cuts for this recipe. Flank steak is affordable, tender, and easy to slice against the grain.

• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are preferred, but you can also use frozen broccoli in a pinch.

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish from being too salty. You can substitute with tamari if you need a gluten-free option.

• Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger give the sauce a deliciously fragrant and zesty kick.

• Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a deep, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Brown Sugar: A little sweetness is needed to balance out the savory soy sauce and sesame oil.

• Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the sauce after cooking, making it rich and glossy.

• Rice: Serve the beef and broccoli over a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.

How to Make Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Slice the Beef: If you’re using flank steak, slice it against the grain into thin strips. This will help break down the muscle fibers and make the beef more tender.

• Prep the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli separately. You can do this in the Instant Pot, microwave, or on the stovetop. Steaming the broccoli before adding it to the Instant Pot ensures it stays crisp and doesn’t overcook.

• Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, and water or beef stock.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

• Sauté Garlic and Ginger: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Sauté setting. Heat some vegetable oil in the pot, then sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for 30 seconds or until fragrant. This will release their natural oils and infuse the dish with a delicious aroma.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

• Sear the Beef: Add the sliced beef to the Instant Pot and brown it on all sides, stirring occasionally. This step helps to lock in the beef’s juices and enhance its flavor.

• Deglaze the Pot: Once the beef is browned, pour in a little water (about ¼ cup) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any caramelized bits from the bottom. This will prevent burning and add even more flavor to the sauce.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Beef

• Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce ingredients over the beef. Stir everything together, making sure the beef is coated with the sauce.

• Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Choose Pressure Cook (or Manual) on high for 8 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before cooking begins.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

• Quick Release: When the cooking time is complete, do a quick release of the pressure. Carefully remove the lid.

• Add Cornstarch Slurry: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté again. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce and simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens.

Step 6: Add the Broccoli

• Combine the Broccoli and Beef: Gently stir in the steamed broccoli, mixing it well with the beef and sauce. You can let the broccoli heat through in the sauce for a couple of minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

• Serve: Spoon the beef and broccoli mixture over steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired, and serve hot.

Tips and Variations

• Slicing the Beef: Make sure to slice the beef against the grain to ensure it’s tender. If you cut with the grain, the beef will be chewier.

• Spicy Version: If you prefer a spicy version, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a few drops of sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture before pressure cooking.

• More Veggies: Add more vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers or snap peas, by sautéing them with the garlic and ginger before adding the beef.

• Frozen Broccoli: If you’re in a hurry, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to steam it beforehand so that it doesn’t become too mushy during pressure cooking.

Storing and Reheating Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

If you have leftovers or want to prepare this dish ahead of time, here’s how to store and reheat it to ensure it stays just as tasty:

1. Storing Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Allow the beef and broccoli to cool down to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the beef and broccoli. Place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container or freezer bags, and it will last for up to 1 month in the freezer. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

2. Reheating Leftovers

• Microwave: The microwave is the quickest way to reheat your beef and broccoli. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.

• Stovetop: If you prefer, you can reheat the dish on the stovetop. Place the beef and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a little water or beef broth to prevent the sauce from drying out.

• Instant Pot: If you have your Instant Pot handy, you can reheat the leftovers by using the Sauté function. Add a bit of broth or water and heat until warmed through.

Customizing Your Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

While the base recipe is delicious, you can easily customize it to match your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

1. Vegetarian Version

For a vegetarian or plant-based version, you can replace the beef with tofu or tempeh. Both options absorb the savory sauce well, providing a similar texture to beef. Be sure to press the tofu beforehand to remove excess moisture.

2. Make it Spicy

If you love spicy food, add more red pepper flakes or a spoonful of sriracha to the sauce for an added kick. You can also use chili paste for a more authentic heat.

3. Other Protein Options

• Chicken: Swap the beef for chicken breast or chicken thighs. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time slightly—about 6 minutes for chicken breast at high pressure.

• Shrimp: Shrimp works beautifully with this sauce as well. Add them to the Instant Pot and cook for only 2-3 minutes, then stir in the steamed broccoli.

4. Add More Vegetables

Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish to boost the nutritional value and flavor. Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas would make great additions. Just sauté them along with the garlic and ginger before adding the beef. You can also toss in other leafy greens like spinach or bok choy after cooking for a burst of color and nutrition.

Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli for Meal Prep

This dish is an excellent choice for meal prep. You can cook a big batch and store it for several meals throughout the week. Here are a few tips for successful meal prepping with Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli:

1. Portioning

After cooking, divide the beef and broccoli into individual portions for easy grab-and-go meals. Pair it with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a balanced meal. Store the rice separately to prevent it from becoming soggy.

2. Reheat Properly

When reheating, add a little extra sauce or broth to keep the meal from drying out. This will help maintain the dish’s flavor and texture when stored in the fridge for a few days.

3. Freezer-Friendly

As mentioned earlier, this dish can be frozen for up to a month. For meal prep, consider freezing the beef and broccoli in individual portions. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to eat.

Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe Card

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 12 ounces (340 g) flank steak, sliced into strips or cubed

• ¼ cup (60 ml) water, to deglaze the pot

• For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (light or dark, or honey)

• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

• ¾ cup (180 ml) water or beef stock

• For the Slurry, Broccoli, and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water

• 12 ounces (340 g) broccoli, steamed

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

• For Serving:

• Cooked rice (as needed)

Instructions:

• Sauté the Aromatics: Turn the Instant Pot on and set it to the Sauté setting. Heat the vegetable oil, then sauté the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

• Brown the Beef: Add the sliced beef to the Instant Pot and brown it on all sides. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning. Once the beef is browned, deglaze the pot with ¼ cup of water, scraping the bottom to remove any browned bits.

• Add the Sauce: Pour the soy sauce, brown sugar, toasted sesame oil, and water (or broth) into the pot. Stir to combine, and switch off the Sauté setting.

• Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, set the pressure release valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes. The Instant Pot will take about 5 minutes to come to pressure and begin cooking.

• Thicken the Sauce: After the cooking time is complete, quickly release the pressure and remove the lid. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté again. Mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, until it thickens.

• Add Broccoli: Stir in the steamed broccoli and mix well. Serve the beef and broccoli over rice, and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

Notes:

• Broccoli: Steam the broccoli separately to prevent it from becoming mushy in the Instant Pot. You can steam it in the microwave, stovetop, or Instant Pot.

• Beef Options: Flank steak works best, but you can also use sirloin or ribeye. Just make sure to slice the beef against the grain for tenderness.

• Make it Spicy: For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.

• More Veggies: You can add bell peppers, onions, or snap peas along with the broccoli for extra flavor and color.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Method: Pressure Cooking

Cuisine: Chinese-American