Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli is a quick, flavorful take on the popular Chinese-American takeout classic. Tender slices of beef are pressure-cooked in a savory, slightly sweet soy-based sauce, then finished with crisp-tender broccoli for a perfectly balanced dish. Using the Instant Pot drastically reduces cooking time while still delivering deep, restaurant-style flavors that usually require long marinating and stovetop cooking.

I love this recipe because it’s fast, reliable, and healthier than takeout. Everything comes together in one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying homemade meal without sacrificing taste. The sauce is rich and glossy, the beef is tender, and the broccoli stays vibrant and fresh.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers bold flavor in under 30 minutes. The Instant Pot ensures consistently tender beef, while the sauce coats every bite beautifully. It’s also highly customizable, allowing you to control sweetness, saltiness, and spice to suit your taste.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it offers all the comfort and flavor of classic beef and broccoli with minimal effort. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and perfect for meal prep. If you enjoy takeout-style meals but prefer cooking at home, this recipe is an absolute winner.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 380 calories per serving

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese-American

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• ¾ cup beef broth
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• Optional garnish: sesame seeds and sliced green onions

Cooking Directions

The beef is pressure-cooked in a savory soy-based sauce, then thickened and finished with broccoli for a quick and flavorful one-pot meal.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add vegetable oil and sesame oil. Once hot, add garlic and ginger and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Beef
Add sliced beef to the pot and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until lightly browned.

Step 3: Add Sauce Ingredients
Pour in beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Step 4: Pressure Cook
Cancel Sauté mode. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (High) for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Quick Release
Once cooking is complete, carefully perform a quick pressure release.

Step 6: Thicken Sauce
Set the Instant Pot back to Sauté. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 7: Add Broccoli
Add broccoli florets, stir, and cook for 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp.

Step 8: Serve
Turn off the Instant Pot and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

How to Serve

Serve Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli hot over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice. It also pairs well with noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Recipe Tips

• Slice beef thinly and against the grain for maximum tenderness
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness
• Add broccoli at the end to avoid overcooking
• Adjust sugar to taste for sweetness preference
• Deglaze the pot thoroughly to avoid burn warnings

Variations

Spicy Beef and Broccoli
Add red pepper flakes or chili garlic sauce for heat.

Low-Carb Version
Replace brown sugar with a sugar substitute and serve over cauliflower rice.

Extra Veggie Version
Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for more color and nutrition.

Chicken and Broccoli
Substitute beef with sliced chicken breast or thighs.

Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and gluten-free oyster sauce.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Tip:
For best texture, slightly undercook broccoli if freezing.

Special Equipment Needed

• Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for cornstarch slurry

Conclusion

Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli is a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings takeout-style comfort straight to your kitchen. With tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and a rich savory sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Easy to customize and made in one pot, it’s a must-try recipe for anyone who loves quick, delicious, and wholesome home cooking.