Let me tell you, making *instant pot beef and broccoli* is like waving a magic wand in the kitchen! Seriously, this dish comes together so easily and delivers a flavor punch that’s just out of this world. I love how tender the beef gets and how the broccoli soaks up all that delicious sauce. It’s a quick meal that feels like a warm hug, especially after a long day. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked! It’s become one of my go-to meals, and I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of whipping it up in no time.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious instant pot beef and broccoli:
- 1 lb beef flank steak, sliced thin against the grain for maximum tenderness
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh is best for that vibrant color and crunch
- 1/4 cup soy sauce, this is where the flavor magic begins!
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, to thicken up that luscious sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, it adds a hint of sweetness that balances the soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced, because who doesn’t love that aromatic kick?
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced, for that zing that makes this dish sing
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, for sautéing the beef to perfection
- 1/2 cup beef broth, to keep everything moist and flavorful
Gather these ingredients, and you’re well on your way to a quick, tasty dinner that’ll impress everyone at your table!
How to Prepare Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli
Alright, let’s dive into the step-by-step magic of whipping up this *instant pot beef and broccoli*! It’s super straightforward, and I’ll walk you through each part so you can feel confident and ready to impress. Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Set the stage: Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Let it heat up for a minute or two, and then add the vegetable oil. You want it nice and hot to sear that beef beautifully!
- Bring on the aromatics: Toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Oh wow, the smell is incredible! Sauté them for about 1 minute, just until fragrant—don’t let them burn, or they’ll turn bitter.
- Brown the beef: Now, it’s time to add the sliced beef flank steak to the pot. Stir it around and cook until it’s nicely browned on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes. You want that beautiful color for flavor!
- Mix the sauce: While the beef is cooking, grab a bowl and mix together the soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and beef broth. This is where the magic happens! Make sure there are no lumps from the cornstarch; we want a smooth, delicious sauce.
- Combine: Pour that glorious sauce over the browned beef in the pot, and give it a good stir to coat everything evenly.
- Seal it up: Close the lid of your Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Set it to manual high pressure for 10 minutes. You’re going to love how quickly this cooks!
- Quick release: When the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to venting. Be cautious of the steam—it’s hot! Once the pressure is released, open the lid.
- Add the broccoli: Now, stir in those beautiful broccoli florets. Close the lid again and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for just 2 minutes. This will steam the broccoli perfectly!
- Final touches: Once the timer goes off, do another quick release. Give everything a final stir, and it’s ready to serve! I love serving this over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce.
And there you have it! Your instant pot beef and broccoli is all set to be devoured. Trust me, the combination of tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and that rich sauce is going to knock your socks off!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal fast.
- Easy to Cook: With just a few simple steps in your Instant Pot, you’ll have a flavorful dinner without the fuss of multiple pots and pans.
- Flavorful Results: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a rich, savory sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the beef and vitamins from the broccoli, this dish is not only tasty but nutritious too.
- One-Pot Wonder: Who doesn’t love a meal that minimizes cleanup? Everything cooks in one pot, so less mess and more time to enjoy!
- Customizable: Feel free to add other veggies or adjust the sauce to match your taste. It’s versatile and can easily be adapted to your preferences.
Seriously, once you try this recipe, I’m confident it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!
Equipment List
To make this fabulous *instant pot beef and broccoli*, you’ll need just a few essential pieces of equipment. Here’s what I’d recommend having on hand:
- Instant Pot, any model will do, but I love my 6-quart model for its perfect size and versatility.
- Cutting board, for prepping the beef and veggies.
- Sharp knife, to easily slice the beef flank steak into thin strips.
- Measuring cups and spoons, to ensure you get all those ingredients just right.
- Mixing bowl, for combining the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula, for stirring everything in the pot and avoiding scratches on your Instant Pot.
- Serving bowls, to dish up this delicious meal when it’s ready!
With these tools, you’ll be all set to whip up a delightful dinner that’s bound to impress! Happy cooking!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *instant pot beef and broccoli* turns out just right, here are some of my favorite tips to keep in mind:
- Slice the Beef Thin: For the most tender bites, slice the beef flank steak against the grain. This helps break down the muscle fibers, making each piece melt in your mouth!
- Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the beef before pressure cooking adds a depth of flavor that really elevates this dish. Take your time during this step, and you’ll be rewarded!
- Fresh Broccoli is Key: Use fresh broccoli florets for the best texture and color. Frozen broccoli can become mushy in the pressure cooker, so stick with fresh whenever possible.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix an extra tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry and stir it in after cooking. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes on sauté mode to thicken up!
- Customize the Sauce: Feel free to experiment! If you like a bit of heat, add a splash of sriracha or some red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also try adding a splash of sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Don’t hesitate to throw in additional veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so everything is perfectly tender.
- Leftovers Make Great Lunches: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish reheats beautifully and is perfect for a quick lunch the next day!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this instant pot beef and broccoli recipe. Happy cooking, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional information for this delicious *instant pot beef and broccoli* recipe. Keep in mind that these values are based on the ingredients used, so they can vary a bit depending on what you choose to include or adjust.
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 30g
This dish is not only packed with flavor but also offers a good balance of protein and healthy ingredients. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that won’t compromise your nutrition goals!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While I love using flank steak for its tenderness, you can also try sirloin or ribeye if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust as needed.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
No worries! You can make this beef and broccoli on the stovetop. Just sauté the beef and add the sauce as directed, then cover the pan and let it simmer until the beef is cooked through and the broccoli is tender. It’ll take a bit longer, but it’ll still be delicious!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. I find that this dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can! Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat when you’re ready to dig in!
What do you recommend serving with beef and broccoli?
I love serving this dish over fluffy white rice or noodles to soak up that amazing sauce. You could also pair it with a simple side salad or steamed dumplings for a complete meal. Yum!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your *instant pot beef and broccoli*, the possibilities are endless! I love to keep it simple yet delicious, so here are some of my favorite pairings that will take your meal to the next level:
- Fluffy White Rice: This is my go-to! A steaming bowl of white rice is perfect for soaking up all that rich, savory sauce. Just picture it—each bite of beef and broccoli nestled on a bed of fluffy rice. Heaven!
- Lo Mein Noodles: For a delightful twist, serve your beef and broccoli over some tender lo mein noodles. They add a lovely chewiness that complements the dish beautifully.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: If you want something a bit aromatic, jasmine rice is a fantastic option. Its subtle floral notes elevate the dish and make for a lovely presentation!
- Stir-Fried Veggies: Add a side of stir-fried vegetables for extra crunch and color. Think snap peas, bell peppers, and carrots—so vibrant and tasty!
- Egg Fried Rice: If you’re feeling a little fancy, whip up some egg fried rice to serve alongside. The eggs add a rich flavor and a nice texture that pairs perfectly with the beef and broccoli.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls make a delightful appetizer or side dish! They bring a crunchy contrast that balances the tender beef and broccoli.
- Simple Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad drizzled with a light soy sauce or sesame dressing can cut through the richness of the dish and cleanse your palate.
Whatever you choose to serve alongside, I promise it’ll elevate your *instant pot beef and broccoli* experience. Enjoy experimenting and finding the perfect combo that makes your taste buds dance!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to properly store those delicious leftovers from your *instant pot beef and broccoli*! You’re going to want to keep that flavor intact, and I’ve got some simple tips to help you do just that.
First things first, allow any leftovers to cool down to room temperature. Once they’ve cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. This is key to keeping the beef tender and the broccoli vibrant. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you think you’ll want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it’ll last for about 2 months.
When you’re ready to reheat, there are a couple of methods you can use. For the best results and to maintain that lovely texture, I recommend reheating on the stovetop. Just add the leftovers to a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent it from drying out, and stir until warmed through. This method helps keep the beef juicy and the broccoli crisp!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Pop your leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover it (a damp paper towel works great!), and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot all the way through. Just be careful not to overheat, as this can make the beef tough.
Whether you go for stovetop or microwave, I promise your *instant pot beef and broccoli* will still taste amazing and comforting. Enjoy those leftovers!
Print
Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli: 7 Steps to Deliciousness
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and easy recipe for beef and broccoli made in an Instant Pot.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef flank steak, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the oil.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute.
- Add beef and cook until browned.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and broth.
- Pour the sauce over the beef in the pot.
- Close the lid and set to manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Quick release the pressure and stir in broccoli.
- Close the lid and set to manual high pressure for 2 minutes.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time for thicker cuts of beef.
- Use fresh broccoli for best results.
- Serve immediately for optimal texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: instant pot beef and broccoli, beef and broccoli recipe, quick beef recipe
