Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli (Printable)

Tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sweet soy-ginger sauce, ready in 35 minutes.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Beef

01 - 1.5 lbs flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
02 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch

→ Sauce

03 - 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
04 - 1/2 cup beef broth
05 - 1/4 cup brown sugar
06 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
09 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
10 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

→ Vegetables

11 - 4 cups broccoli florets

→ Thickener

12 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
13 - 2 tablespoons cold water

→ Garnish

14 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
15 - 2 green onions, sliced

# Directions:

01 - Toss the sliced flank steak with 1 tablespoon cornstarch until evenly coated, ensuring each piece is lightly dusted for tender results.
02 - Whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, fresh ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl until sugar dissolves completely.
03 - Add the coated beef to the Instant Pot, pour the sauce mixture over, and stir to coat evenly. Seal the lid, set valve to Sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
04 - Quick release the pressure, open the lid, and add broccoli florets. Reseal the lid and cook on high pressure for 1 additional minute. Quick release again.
05 - Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a smooth slurry. Stir into the pot, switch to Sauté mode, and cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and broccoli reaches tender-crisp texture.
06 - Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The sauce hits that perfect balance between savory and sweet, just like your favorite restaurant version
  • Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is practically nonexistent
  • The beef comes out impossibly tender every single time, no marinating required
02 -
  • The cornstarch coating on the beef is not optional, it's what creates that tender texture you want
  • Don't skip the slurry step or you'll end up with soup instead of a sauce
  • Quick release is crucial here, natural release will turn your broccoli into mush
03 -
  • Freeze the flank steak for 30 minutes before slicing, it makes cutting thin strips so much easier
  • If you like it spicy, increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add sriracha at the end

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