Beef and Broccoli Instant Pot Recipe | Quick, Easy & Flavorful Dinner

Introduction

Cooking beef and broccoli in an Instant Pot is not just about speed—it is about retaining flavor and texture. Pressure cooking locks in juices, giving the beef a tenderness that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant. The broccoli stays crisp yet tender, creating a wonderful contrast that keeps every bite interesting. Once you make this dish at home, you may never look at takeout the same way again.

Let us explore how to make this mouthwatering beef and broccoli Instant Pot recipe, complete with a detailed ingredient list, cooking steps, and expert tips for achieving the perfect flavor every time.

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Ingredients Needed

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You do not need fancy ingredients, and most of them are pantry staples. Below is a detailed list of ingredients along with their approximate calorie counts.

Ingredient	Quantity	Calories
Beef sirloin or flank steak	1 pound	650
Broccoli florets	3 cups	90
Soy sauce (low sodium)	1/2 cup	45
Brown sugar	1/4 cup	200
Garlic cloves, minced	3	15
Fresh ginger, grated	1 tablespoon	5
Beef broth	1/2 cup	15
Cornstarch	2 tablespoons	60
Water (for slurry)	2 tablespoons	0
Olive oil	1 tablespoon	120
Sesame oil (optional for flavor)	1 teaspoon	40
Green onions, sliced	2	10
Sesame seeds (optional garnish)	1 teaspoon	15

Total Calories (approximate per serving): 315 calories per serving (based on four servings)

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the beef

Start by slicing the beef into thin strips. The key is to cut against the grain, which helps the meat stay tender. Trim off any excess fat to keep the dish lean. Set the beef aside while you prepare the sauce.

2. Make the sauce

In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and beef broth. Stir until the sugar dissolves. This simple sauce forms the heart of your dish, providing that deep savory flavor with a hint of sweetness.

3. Sauté the beef

Turn on the Instant Pot and choose the sauté setting. Add olive oil and let it heat up. Toss in the beef strips and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides. This step seals in flavor and gives your dish a beautiful base.

4. Add the sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and stir well. Make sure every piece of meat is coated evenly. Cancel the sauté mode to prevent overcooking before pressure cooking.

5. Pressure cook

Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes once cooking ends, then use the quick release for any remaining pressure.

6. Add broccoli

Open the lid carefully and add the broccoli florets. Stir them into the hot sauce and beef mixture. Close the lid and let the broccoli steam in the residual heat for about 5 minutes. If you prefer very soft broccoli, use the sauté setting for an additional 2 minutes.

7. Thicken the sauce

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the Instant Pot and stir until the sauce thickens. You will notice it becoming glossy and rich, coating the beef and broccoli perfectly.

8. Serve and garnish

Turn off the Instant Pot and let the dish rest for a minute. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a finishing touch. Serve it hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

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Tips for Customizing the Recipe

Every kitchen is unique, and every cook has personal preferences. The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt.

• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a little heat.
• Make it healthier: Substitute brown sugar with honey or coconut sugar.
• Add more veggies: Try including bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
• Use different protein: Chicken, shrimp, or tofu can replace beef if you prefer a lighter option.
• Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
• Extra rich flavor: Add a splash of sesame oil just before serving for an authentic Asian touch.

These small tweaks can transform your beef and broccoli Instant Pot meal into something uniquely yours.

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Nutritional Information

Each serving provides approximately:

These values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used. You can make this dish more diet-friendly by reducing sugar or using low-sodium soy sauce.

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Serving Suggestions

Beef and broccoli pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice is the classic choice, as it absorbs the flavorful sauce perfectly. If you prefer something lighter, try serving it over cauliflower rice or quinoa.

Noodles also make a great base. Lo mein or rice noodles create a wonderful texture contrast. For a complete meal, serve with a side of egg rolls, dumplings, or a fresh cucumber salad. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped scallions on top adds a finishing touch that looks beautiful and enhances flavor.

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FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Add it after pressure cooking the beef and let it steam in the hot sauce for a few minutes.

2. What type of beef is best for this recipe?
Flank steak or sirloin works best because they stay tender under pressure cooking.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

4. Is it okay to double the recipe?
Yes, just ensure your Instant Pot is not filled beyond the maximum line. Adjust the liquid slightly if needed.

5. Can I skip cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as alternatives for thickening the sauce.

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Conclusion

A warm plate of beef and broccoli made in an Instant Pot delivers pure comfort with every bite. The combination of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and rich savory sauce creates a meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Cooking this dish at home gives you total control over the ingredients, flavors, and nutritional value, all while saving time.