If you are craving a delicious, hearty meal that comes together in no time, this Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender strips of beef perfectly meld with vibrant broccoli florets, all enveloped in a rich, savory sauce that balances soy, oyster, and sweet brown sugar notes. Using the Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking process but also locks in maximum flavor, giving you a restaurant-quality dish right at home. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, bursting with textures and tastes that will have you reaching for seconds without hesitation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet crucial to making the Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe a sensational dish. Each component adds a specific layer of flavor, color, or texture that brings everything together beautifully.
- Beef chuck roast: Provides tender, flavorful beef that stands up well to pressure cooking.
- Olive oil: Used for browning the beef, which adds depth and a savory crust.
- Pepper: A straightforward seasoning that enhances the beef’s natural richness.
- Soy sauce: Brings saltiness and umami to the sauce for complexity.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a subtle sweetness and extra depth to the marinade.
- Brown sugar: Balances the savory elements with a hint of caramel sweetness.
- Sesame oil: Delivers a nutty aroma and flavor that makes the dish truly special.
- Ginger: Gives a slight zing and freshness that lifts the entire recipe.
- Red pepper flakes: Impart a gentle heat without overpowering the flavors.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic richness.
- Beef broth: Keeps the beef juicy and forms the base of the braising liquid.
- Cornstarch and water: Create a slurry to thicken the sauce for that perfect cling to beef and broccoli.
- Broccoli florets: Add bright green color, a pleasant crunch, and fresh vegetable goodness.
- Optional garnish – chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds: These last touches add texture and a pop of color that brightens the plate.
How to Make Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Season and Slice the Beef
Begin by seasoning your beef chuck roast with freshly ground pepper. Slice the beef thinly against the grain; this ensures each piece stays tender and easy to eat. Thin strips also soak up the sauce perfectly, maximizing flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Brown the Beef in the Instant Pot
Turn on the saute function and heat the olive oil inside your Instant Pot. Add the beef strips in batches to avoid overcrowding, which helps them brown evenly rather than steam. Let each batch brown for about 5 to 10 minutes until beautifully caramelized on all sides. Browning develops savory complexity and locks in delicious juices.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
While the beef browns, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic in a separate bowl. This vibrant sauce marries sweet, salty, spicy, and nutty notes that form the heart of the dish.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pot with Broth
Once all the beef is browned and returned to the pot, pour in the beef broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom; these bits add intense flavor to the cooking liquid.
Step 5: Add the Sauce and Cook Under Pressure
Pour your prepared sauce into the pot and stir everything together nicely to combine. Turn off the saute setting, seal the lid, and set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. When the cooking time is done, use the quick release to safely release the steam.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce with a Cornstarch Slurry
Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the hot beef and sauce, then turn the saute function back on. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil while stirring constantly; this thickens it perfectly so it clings luxuriously to each piece of beef.
Step 7: Add Broccoli and Finish Cooking
Chop your broccoli into bite-sized florets, then stir them into the pot. Cover again and let the broccoli steam for 3 minutes with the saute function on, then turn off the heat. Keep the lid closed for about 5 more minutes to let the broccoli reach your preferred crisp-tender texture.
How to Serve Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving. They add a fresh, vibrant crunch and an inviting burst of nutty flavor that perfectly complements the rich sauce and tender beef.
Side Dishes
Serve this Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe alongside steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or quinoa work wonderfully and absorb the sauce beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the beef and broccoli over fried rice or stuffed into lettuce wraps for a delightful handheld treat. You can also use the leftovers as a filling for savory crepes or wraps, transforming the meal into a new experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers just as tasty the next day.
Freezing
This Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe freezes well. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave leftovers in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to warm evenly. Adding a splash of water or broth helps retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts such as flank steak or sirloin, but chuck roast is preferred for its beefy flavor and tender texture after pressure cooking. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain.
Is it possible to make this recipe without oyster sauce?
Definitely! You can substitute oyster sauce with an equal amount of hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a dash of mushroom sauce for a similar depth of flavor.
How do I make the broccoli crisp but cooked?
Adding the broccoli toward the end of cooking and letting it steam with the lid on off heat is key. This method cooks the broccoli just until tender-crisp so it retains its bright color and slight crunch.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn can be added at the same time as the broccoli for additional variety and color.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
You can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking by simmering the beef in a covered pot with broth and sauce for about 1.5 to 2 hours until tender, then thickening the sauce and adding broccoli near the end.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal fast and with minimal fuss. Once you try this recipe yourself, it will quickly become a go-to for busy weeknights and special dinners alike. I can’t wait for you to savor the tender beef, luscious sauce, and crisp broccoli all coming together in perfect harmony. Give it a whirl and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli recipe offers a flavorful, tender, and satisfying meal made easy with pressure cooking. Thinly sliced beef chuck roast is browned and then cooked with a savory soy and oyster sauce blend, infused with garlic, ginger, and a hint of spice. Fresh broccoli is added last, steamed to crisp-tender perfection inside the pot, making this an ideal quick and wholesome dinner for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds beef chuck roast, cut against the grain into thin strips
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- Pepper, for seasoning
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup oyster sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth (low sodium recommended)
Thickener
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 Tablespoons water
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 pound broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions
- Optional garnish: toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Season and slice the beef: Season the beef chuck roast with pepper. Cut the beef against the grain into thin strips for optimal tenderness.
- Brown the beef in the Instant Pot: Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté function and heat the olive oil. Add the beef strips in batches to avoid crowding and brown them on all sides, about 5 to 10 minutes per batch. Remove beef and set aside if needed.
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Stir well to create the flavorful sauce mixture.
- Deglaze the pot: Return browned beef to the Instant Pot. Pour in the beef broth and scrape up all browned bits stuck to the bottom to prevent burning.
- Add the sauce and mix: Pour the prepared sauce into the Instant Pot and stir everything together. Turn off the sauté function.
- Pressure cook the beef: Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. When done, perform a quick pressure release carefully.
- Make the cornstarch slurry and thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Turn the Instant Pot to sauté and stir the slurry into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil until it thickens.
- Add broccoli and cook: Stir in the broccoli florets, cover with the lid, and let them cook in the residual heat while simmering for 3 minutes with the sauté function on. Then turn the sauté function off and let the broccoli steam for another 5 minutes or until it reaches your desired crispness.
- Serve: Dish out the beef and broccoli and garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Notes
- Cutting beef against the grain helps achieve a more tender texture.
- Use low sodium beef broth and soy sauce to control the salt level.
- Do not overcrowd the pot when browning beef to ensure proper searing.
- You can adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level based on preference.
- Steaming broccoli inside the Instant Pot helps retain nutrients and flavor.
- The cornstarch slurry is key to thickening the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- Optional garnishes add color and complementary flavors but can be omitted if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
