Name: Easy Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup beef broth; 1/2 cup soy sauce (or gluten-free soy sauce); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 4 cups broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons cold water

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If you’ve ever craved that perfect balance of tender beef and crisp broccoli swimming in a luscious garlic-soy sauce, you’re in for a treat. This Easy Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe transforms what might seem like a takeout splurge into a quick, home-cooked triumph that’s packed with flavor and ready in no time. The Instant Pot makes the beef wonderfully tender while steaming the broccoli just right, so you get restaurant-quality results with minimal fuss — making it your new weeknight superstar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows fresh cooking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center, a clear glass bowl holds bright red raw beef pieces with a slightly marbled texture. To the right and above it, another clear glass bowl is filled with vibrant green broccoli florets, their bumpy texture clearly visible. Surrounding these bowls are small clear glass bowls and containers with various ingredients: light brown brown sugar, black soy sauce, white sesame seeds, minced garlic, and red chili flakes. A larger clear glass measuring cup contains a light brown sauce, while a small glass bowl holds pale yellow minced ginger. Fresh ginger root sits near the bowls, and a bunch of long, slender green spring onions is placed to the left. A whole bulb of white garlic is also visible near the top. The setup looks clean and fresh, ready for meal preparation. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient here is a small star helping create the magic of this dish. Simple yet essential, these basics build layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that come together beautifully.

1 1/2 pounds flank steak or sirloin: Thinly sliced for tenderness and quick cooking in the Instant Pot.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds the initial sear and a subtle fruity note.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the savory flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a mild spicy kick that balances the sweet and salty sauce.
1 cup beef broth: Creates a rich, meaty base for the sauce.
1/2 cup soy sauce (or gluten-free soy sauce): Brings the umami depth and that classic beef and broccoli flavor.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses an aromatic warmth that brightens the entire dish.
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger): Provides a fresh zing that lifts the flavors.
1 tablespoon sesame oil: Delivers a nutty richness that finishes the sauce perfectly.
4 cups broccoli florets: The star vegetable, adding crunch, color, and health benefits.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: For thickening the sauce to that glossy, restaurant-quality texture.
2 tablespoons cold water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry that thickens evenly.

How to Make Easy Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the Sauté mode and warming the olive oil. Season the thinly sliced beef generously with salt and pepper. Place the beef in the pot and brown it lightly on all sides – this step locks in flavor and develops a wonderful caramelized crust that you’ll notice in every bite.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Once the beef is nicely browned, add the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to create a rich, aromatic sauce. Give everything a good stir to combine all these savory and sweet elements perfectly. This sauce is the soul of your Easy Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook the mixture on High Pressure for 10 minutes. This pressure-cooking step makes the beef incredibly tender while infusing it deeply with the sauce’s flavors, delivering that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 4: Quick Release and Add Broccoli

Carefully perform a quick pressure release once cooking is complete. Open the lid and add the broccoli florets directly into the pot. The broccoli will steam quickly, retaining its vibrant green color and satisfying crunch.

Step 5: Sauté Broccoli and Thicken Sauce

Switch the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode and cook the broccoli together with the beef for 3 to 5 minutes until it reaches that perfect tender-crisp texture. While this is happening, mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the pot and simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce become glossy and thick, perfectly coating every morsel.

How to Serve Easy Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Easy Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

To elevate this dish further, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions over the top just before serving. These little touches add an extra layer of texture and freshness that make every forkful pop. If you like a bit of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can bring a delightful warmth.

Side Dishes

This Easy Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe shines when served over fluffy steamed jasmine rice or alongside buttery noodles. The rice soaks up the tasty sauce, while the noodles provide a luscious, comforting base. For a lighter option, cauliflower rice or quinoa also work marvelously.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not shake things up? Try serving this beef and broccoli over crispy baked egg rolls or stuffed inside lettuce wraps for a fun handheld meal. You can also layer it over a bed of roasted sweet potatoes for a unique sweet-savory twist that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin is ideal for tenderness and quick cooking, you can also use skirt steak or even thinly sliced ribeye. Just be sure to slice against the grain for the best texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version like tamari. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it an easy swap without sacrificing flavor.

What can I substitute for cornstarch if I don’t have any?

You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch in the same amount as cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Just mix it with cold water before stirring it into the pot to avoid lumps.

Can I prepare this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Definitely! You can cook the beef and sauce in a skillet or wok, then steam the broccoli separately before combining and thickening the sauce on the stovetop. It just won’t have quite the same tender texture that pressure cooking provides.

How spicy is this recipe? Can I add heat?

By default, this Easy Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is mild, perfect for all taste buds. If you love spice, add red pepper flakes or a splash of Sriracha during the sauce step to kick it up a notch.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Easy Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe enough for busy nights when you want something comforting, flavorful, and fuss-free. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on your plate and impresses every single time. Give it a go, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to dinners.