Description
This Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli recipe is a quick and delicious way to prepare a classic Chinese-American favorite. Tender strips of chuck roast or flank steak are cooked with a savory sauce made of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil, then finished with crisp broccoli. Using the Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time while locking in flavor, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 1 1/2 lb chuck roast or flank steak, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
Vegetables
- 1 pound broccoli, cut into florets
Thickening mixture
- 3 tbsp water
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Saute the Beef: Turn the Instant Pot to the "Saute" setting and heat the canola oil. Once hot, add the sliced beef in batches and brown evenly to develop flavor.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the beef broth, minced garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly until the brown sugar is completely dissolved.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to sealing. Set to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes to tenderize the beef and infuse it with flavor.
- Release Pressure: When cooking finishes, perform a quick pressure release by carefully turning the valve to venting. Once the valve drops, carefully remove the lid.
- Make the Sauce Thickener: Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the pot and stir until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Add Broccoli and Saute: Return the Instant Pot to the "Saute" mode. Add the broccoli florets and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Cook the Broccoli: Close the lid (no pressure needed) and let the broccoli cook on saute for 3 minutes if fresh, or 5 minutes if using frozen, to tender crisp while maintaining texture.
- Serve: Open the lid, give everything a final stir, then plate the beef and broccoli. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful meal!
Notes
- For best results, slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- You can substitute flank steak with chuck roast or sirloin depending on preference.
- Adjust the brown sugar quantity to taste if you like it sweeter or less sweet.
- Frozen broccoli can be used; just increase cook time slightly as noted.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.
- Be careful during the quick pressure release to avoid steam burns.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Chinese-American