Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

I love takeout as much as the next tired mom, but my wallet does not always agree. This Instant Pot beef and broccoli is my answer to that 6pm craving for something saucy and savory. It is faster than waiting on delivery, costs a fraction of the price, and honestly tastes even better.

The Instant Pot does the heavy lifting here. The beef comes out melt in your mouth tender, the sauce gets glossy and rich, and you get to feel like a kitchen genius while barely lifting a finger. That is my kind of dinner.

Why the Instant Pot wins here

Normally tender beef means a long braise or an expensive cut. The pressure cooker shortcuts all of that and turns budget friendly flank steak into something silky in minutes. Slice it thin against the grain and you are golden.

If you do not already own one, a good Instant Pot pressure cooker earns its counter space fast, and a set of glass meal prep containers makes the leftovers feel like a gift to future you.

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Keep the broccoli bright

My one strong opinion here is that you should steam the broccoli separately rather than pressure cooking it with the beef. Pressure cooked broccoli turns sad and gray fast. A few minutes of steaming keeps it that gorgeous green with a little crunch, which is exactly how I want it.

Pile everything over a bowl of fluffy rice, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and dinner is served. My kids inhale this every single time.

Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

Tender strips of beef in a savory sweet sauce with crisp broccoli, faster than takeout and made in your Instant Pot.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 lb flank steak thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds for serving

Method

 

1. Turn the Instant Pot to saute and add the sesame oil. Brown the beef strips in batches, then turn off saute.
2. Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, garlic, and ginger. Stir to combine.
3. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
4. Whisk the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water, stir it in, and use saute to simmer until the sauce thickens.
5. Steam the broccoli until crisp tender, then fold it into the beef. Top with sesame seeds and serve over rice.

Notes

Steam the broccoli separately so it stays bright green and crisp tender. Serve over rice to soak up the sauce.

Takeout night, made at home

This has officially replaced our usual takeout order, and I do not miss it one bit. It is the kind of meal that makes a regular weeknight feel a little special, and I think your family is going to love it too.

So glad you are here.
xo, Pam