Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli takes the great taste of my beef and broccoli recipe and cuts out so much of the hands on time by letting your pressure cooker do the work!
When we first got our Instant Pot it sat in it’s box for a solid six months. It honestly scared me. I had no idea how to use it or develop recipes for it. And I know I’m not alone in that.
Fast forward to now, and we use it at least once a week. My favorite way to use it is to make rice, but there is so much you can do with it. My Instant Pot Vegetable Soup is another keeper.
This Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli recipe is my hands free version of my very popular Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry. I considered having you sauté the beef in the Instant Pot, but ended up deciding that there really is no need. This is a simple dump and cook recipe that will bring requests for second helpings from your family.
I love giving you quick solutions to great dinners with the people you love most.
How to Cook Beef and Broccoli in Instant Pot
Listed below is a brief overview of the recipe; make sure you read the full recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Make the sauce: The simple sauce for this recipe goes in the Instant Pot first. Whisk it up and pour it in. You could even save a bowl and whisk it in the pressure cooker.
- Coat the beef: Tossing the beef with corn starch prior to cooking will help the sauce bind to the meat.
- Add the beef and the broccoli to the Instant Pot in that order.
- Let the Instant Pot do the work. It will take some time for it to come to pressure and then it will count down for three minutes. You will release the pressure and it will all be done in a little over 15 minutes.
A Note on Timing
I always like to mention in my Instant Pot recipes that while we are setting our pressure cooker to a very short time, in this case just 3 minutes, that does not mean the overall cook time is very short.
It takes time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure before it starts the cook time. After the cook time is done, it also takes time for the Instant Pot to release pressure. The total cooking time for this recipe is 18 minutes.
What Type of Beef to Buy
This recipe calls for Flat Iron Steak because it is a tender cut that works well in this fast recipe.
If you are unable to find Flat Iron Steak, you could substitute with Skirt Steak or Flank Steak. If you do this, you will want to skip coating in corn starch and marinate the steak in the sauce overnight. Add a little corn starch at the end to thicken the sauce if desired.
Low Sodium Soy Sauce
It is essential to enjoying this recipe that you use low sodium soy sauce. The salt in regular is overpowering. If you do not have low sodium, you can cut back on the amount used and substitute with water.
What is Red Chili Paste
I love using chili paste in stir fries. Made from crushed red chiles, a little vinegar, and some salt, it brings such a delicious subtle spice to sauces in an easy way. This is the brand I typically use. It is easy to find in the international aisle of your grocery store.
Is it Spicy
This recipe isn’t particularly spicy. My kids are sensitive to spice, and they all enjoyed it. If you would like it spicier you could increase the amount of chili paste, the amount of red pepper flakes, or both.
Other Great Instant Pot Dinners
If you just got your Instant Pot and you are itching to try it out in all the different ways, here are some of our other favorites:
- Instant Pot Taco Soup: This soup is low on calories at just about 300 calories a bowl, but full of great taste. This recipe is a family favorite for sure.
- Instant Pot Chicken Tacos: This taco recipe is our go to in a time crunch. It is fast and easy and everyone loves the shredded chicken.
- Instant Pot Pasta and Meatballs: Throw everything in the Instant Pot and let it do the work for you with this great recipe. You can even use frozen meatballs if you are truly short on time.
If you make any of these recipes or this Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli, please leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I love hearing from you.
Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 pound flat iron steak sliced thin (read about other cuts you can use)
- 1 1/2 tablespoon corn starch divided
- 3/4 cup low sodium soy sauce see note
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 teaspoons chili paste (read where to find chili paste here)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 head of broccoli cut into florets approximately 4 cups
Instructions
- Toss the beef with 1 tablespoon corn starch.
- Whisk together the soy sauce, water, remaining corn starch, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, chili paste, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce into the base of the Instant Pot.
- Add the beef to the Instant Pot. Add in the broccoli.
- Close the Instant Pot, set the steam release valve to sealing. Set to manual, high pressure and set the cook time to 3 minutes. After the Instant Pot has come to pressure and counted down the 3 minutes, manually release the pressure. When all of the steam has released, open the Instant Pot. (The whole process of coming to pressure, cooking, and releasing pressure will take about 18 minutes.) Serve the Beef and Broccoli with rice.
Notes
Margaret says
I would add some mushrooms and some fresh ginger and garlic
Don says
I want to make this dish but I’m a little confused. In the picture of the finished dish there are visible sesame seeds and (what I assume) are green onions. The Broccoli Beef I get from my favorite local “Wok” restaurant definitely has sesame seeds. There is no mention of these two ingredients in the recipe. Is that an oversight? Can you please clarify?
The sesame seeds and scallions are really just for garnish. They aren’t necessary to enjoy this recipe.
Iran says
How do you make the rice? So you do that separate and apart from the insta pot?
I would suggest making rice on the stove top to go with this recipe.
Alice says
No questions
Theresa Croskrey says
I e made the beef and broccoli a few times and it’s become a family favorite! I just have one question. What size I staple do you use?
Hi Theresa, I would love to answer your question, but I think that there is an auto correct issue and I’m not sure what you are asking.
Elizabeth says
I made this tonight following the recipe to the “T” and my broccoli ended up being too soft. Recipe tasted GREAT though!!