Are you craving a quick and tasty meal? This Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli recipe is perfect for you! It combines tender beef, fresh broccoli, and a savory sauce into one easy dish. With just a few simple steps, you can have dinner on the table in no time. Let’s dive into the deliciousness of this easy recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Marinade: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger infuses the beef with amazing flavor.
- Healthy Ingredients: With broccoli as a key component, this meal is packed with nutrients and vitamins.
- One-Pot Wonder: The Instant Pot means less cleanup, as everything is cooked in one pot!
Ingredients
Here’s what you need for this tasty Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli:
- 1.5 lbs beef flank steak
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked jasmine rice (for serving)
These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s not only quick but also full of flavor. The flank steak gives a nice texture, while the broccoli adds a fresh crunch. Low sodium soy sauce keeps it savory without being too salty. The sesame oil and ginger bring a warm, rich taste. You can adjust the red pepper flakes for extra spice if you like it hot!
Feel free to gather all these ingredients before you start. This makes the cooking process smooth and fun. Trust me, you will love the way this dish fills your home with amazing smells.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Beef
- Combine beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar.
- Marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes.
First, grab a medium bowl. You’ll mix the beef flank steak with soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and brown sugar. Stir it all well. Let this sit for at least 30 minutes. You can go longer if you want a deeper flavor. Marinating makes the beef tasty and tender.
Sautéing in the Instant Pot
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode and cook marinated beef for 3-4 minutes.
- Remove beef and set aside.
Next, set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Once it heats up, add the marinated beef. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes, stirring often. You want it browned, not cooked through. After that, take the beef out and set it aside. This step adds great flavor.
Preparing the Sauce
- Add beef broth, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes to the pot.
- Scrape the bottom to remove browned bits.
With the beef out, it's time for the sauce. Pour in the beef broth and rice vinegar. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot. This helps lift all those tasty browned bits. They add depth to your sauce.
Pressure Cooking
- Return beef, secure the lid, and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
Now, put the beef back in the pot. Make sure you secure the lid tightly. Set your Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on high for 10 minutes. Keep the valve set to sealing. This cooks the beef perfectly and allows flavors to blend.
Adding Broccoli and Final Cooking
- Perform quick release, add broccoli, and pressure cook for an additional 2 minutes.
When the 10 minutes are up, do a quick release. Carefully open the lid. Now, add the broccoli florets on top of the beef. Close the lid again and set the pot to Pressure Cook for another 2 minutes. This steams the broccoli and keeps it bright green.
Thickening the Sauce and Serving
- Create a cornstarch slurry, thicken the sauce, and serve over jasmine rice.
Once done, do another quick release. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Stir this into the pot. Select the Sauté function again to thicken the sauce. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Serve your beef and broccoli over a bed of jasmine rice. Don’t forget to sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a nice touch!
Tips & Tricks
Best Cuts of Beef to Use
For this dish, I recommend using flank steak or sirloin. Both cuts are tender and full of flavor. Flank steak is great for quick cooking and has a nice texture. Sirloin is also a tasty option and can be found easily in stores. When you slice the meat, always cut against the grain. This helps keep it tender.
Marinating Tips
Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it sit for up to 2 hours. The longer the beef marinates, the better the flavor gets. Use a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. This combination adds depth and sweetness to the meat.
Instant Pot Usage Tips
When using the Instant Pot, set it to “Sauté” first. This browns the beef nicely. After browning, switch to “Pressure Cook.” For this recipe, cook the beef for 10 minutes and then add the broccoli. Pressure cooking the broccoli for 2 minutes keeps it bright and crisp. Always ensure the valve is set to sealing before you start cooking.
Pro Tips
- Marinate Longer for Flavor: For a more intense flavor, consider marinating the beef for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator.
- Batch Cooking: If you have a large quantity of beef, cook it in batches during the sauté step to ensure even browning.
- Broccoli Timing: To keep the broccoli vibrant and crunchy, add it during the last few minutes of cooking as directed.
- Thickening Tips: For a thicker sauce, adjust the cornstarch slurry by adding more cornstarch or cooking it longer to achieve your desired consistency.
Variations
Different Vegetables to Add
You can easily change up the veggies in this dish. Bell peppers add sweet crunch. Snap peas give you that nice snap and bright color. Carrots also work well. Just slice them thin so they cook fast. You can mix and match to find what you like best.
Adjusting Sauce for Flavor Preferences
Want a different flavor? It’s easy! You can use less soy sauce if you want it lighter. Add garlic powder for an extra kick. If you like it spicy, toss in more red pepper flakes. You can even add some honey for a sweet twist. These simple changes let you make the sauce your own.
Alternative Protein Options
Not in the mood for beef? No problem! Chicken works great too. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces. Tofu is a good choice for a vegetarian option. Use firm tofu and sauté it first. Shrimp is another fast alternative. Just make sure to adjust cooking times for these proteins. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage Info
Refrigeration
After you cook the beef and broccoli, let it cool down. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store the dish in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it covered to prevent drying out and to keep flavors fresh.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze beef and broccoli, first cool the dish completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tips
For reheating, I recommend using the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, warm it over low heat. Stir often to keep it from sticking. If you use a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. This way, you’ll enjoy the same flavors and textures as before!
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli with this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it in during the quick release step. It cooks fast and will still taste great. Frozen broccoli can save time and is often just as healthy as fresh.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you want to avoid soy, use coconut aminos or tamari. Both offer a similar taste. They work well in this recipe and keep the flavor rich.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, include more red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers. You can also use sriracha sauce. Start small and add more until it reaches your desired spice level.
Is it necessary to marinate the beef?
Marinating the beef is not required, but it helps a lot. It makes the beef tender and adds a lot of flavor. If you skip this step, the dish may taste less rich.
This dish features tender beef and vibrant broccoli in a tasty sauce. We explored easy steps to marinate, cook, and serve. You can customize this recipe with different proteins or veggies for variety.
Try out these tips and tricks for perfecting the flavors and textures. Store leftovers properly to enjoy your meal later. Cooking doesn't need to be hard, and this recipe proves it. Enjoy your delicious creation!
