Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli
Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli prepares tender slices of flank steak cooked under pressure in a flavorful sauce containing garlic, ginger, tamari, and sesame oil, finished with a quick-cooked broccoli addition. The sauce is thickened with cornstarch for a glossy coating. This recipe balances savory, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy notes with the fresh crunch of broccoli, creating a well-rounded texture and taste.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 pounds flank steak sliced across the grain, 908 g
- ½¼ cup water 60 ml
- 12 ounces broccoli run under warm water to defrost, 340 g, frozen, in bag
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced, fresh
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup tamari sauce gluten free and low sodium, 120 ml
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup chicken broth low sodium
- ¼ cup brown sugar or ½ cup (113g), for a sweeter version, 56g
For the Cornstarch Slurry:
- ¼ cup cornstarch 56 g
- 2 tablespoons water
To Garnish:
- ¼ cup green onion chopped, 56 g
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
Instant Pot Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all the ingredients to make the Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Sauce and set it aside.
- Select the sauté mode on your Instant Pot and wait for it to read HOT.
- Next, add oil to the Instant Pot insert. Once the oil is heated, place the beef strips in the bottom of the insert a single layer. (You will have to cook in batches).
- Let the beef sear for 2 minutes and then turn it over to sear the other side for 2 minutes or until the beef is golden brown. Remove and set aside on a plate.
- Add ¼ cup water to the Instant Pot insert, and use your wooden spoon to deglaze the pot.
- Place the beef back in the Instant Pot, then add in the sauce mixture and stir to combine it all.
- Close the lid, set the valve to the sealing position and set to manual pressure/high pressure for 10 minutes.
- When done, allow for a 10-minute natural pressure release, then perform a quick pressure release. Remove the beef and set aside on a plate.
- In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and water until combined and there are no lumps.
- Press sauté on your Instant Pot, add the slurry to the pot and stir to combine. Cook the slurry for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the broccoli and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Turn off the Instant Pot, add the beef back in and store to combine.
- Top your Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and serve.
Slow Cooker Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients.
- Then place the beef in the slow cooker and cover with the sauce mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- About 20-30 minutes before done, add in the frozen broccoli and stir to combine. Do not add any earlier, or broccoli will get too mushy.
Notes
- Cook the beef in batches to ensure even searing and to avoid overcooking.
- Use gluten-free, low-sodium tamari sauce to keep the dish balanced and gluten-free.
- Cornstarch slurry is essential to thicken the sauce properly for the right texture.
- Add broccoli at the end and cook briefly (1-2 minutes) to keep it crisp and avoid mushiness.
- If using fresh broccoli, steam it slightly before adding to the dish.
- Be aware that the listed cooking time excludes the Instant Pot pressurizing and pressure releasing durations.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This recipe yields 10 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints per serving.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 351
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 351kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 21g | 7% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 91mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 1202mg | 50% |
| Potassium | 818mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 494IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 52mg | 58% |
| Calcium | 85mg | 9% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.