Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli is one of those rare dinners that feels both practical and genuinely satisfying. Tender slices of beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a glossy soy-ginger sauce come together in a way that tastes like your favorite takeout but cooks in a fraction of the time.
This version keeps things streamlined: a quick sauté to deepen the flavor, a short pressure cook, and a final simmer to bring everything together. It’s straightforward, reliable, and exactly the kind of dinner that makes weeknights feel more manageable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast, dependable weeknight meal thanks to the Instant Pot.
- Balanced flavor: savory soy, warm ginger, sweetness from brown sugar, and optional heat.
- Tender beef + vibrant broccoli without overcooking either.
- Pantry and freezer-friendly, making it easy to build into your rotation.
- Versatile base that works with chicken, mushrooms, or tofu.
Tips, Tricks & Variations
A quick cornstarch coating on the beef helps it brown efficiently and contributes to the sauce’s silky texture. Fresh ginger adds great brightness, but ground ginger works perfectly when you need a shortcut. Frozen broccoli is not only acceptable — it often holds texture better in pressure-cooked dishes.
To vary the flavor profile, try adding orange zest for a citrusy edge, or swap in hoisin for part of the brown sugar to bring deeper caramel notes. For a lighter meal, serve it with cauliflower rice; for something heartier, spoon it over noodles.
Serving & Pairings
Serve the beef and broccoli over jasmine rice, brown rice, or even udon noodles. It pairs well with simple sides like steamed dumplings, cucumber salad, or sautéed greens. Leftovers make an excellent rice bowl or lunch prep option.
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Add it straight from the freezer and cook on Sauté until the florets are bright and tender.
How do I keep the beef tender?
Slice thinly across the grain and avoid over-browning. The pressure cook handles the rest.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Keep liquids the same unless you want extra sauce, and ensure you don’t exceed the Instant Pot fill line.
Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
Main
- 1.5 pounds flank steak or sirloin thinly sliced across the grain
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
Sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Finish
- 1 –2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water slurry
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Toss the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon cornstarch until lightly coated.
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté. Add oil and brown the beef in two batches.
- In a bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients.
- Return all beef to the pot and pour the sauce over top.
- Seal lid and cook on Manual High for 10 minutes. Quick release.
- Stir in broccoli. Switch to Sauté and cook 3–5 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and simmer 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
- Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.