Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli with Honey Garlic Sauce

Introduction

If you’ve ever ordered beef and broccoli from a restaurant, you know the comforting combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and sweet-savory sauce is irresistible. But recreating it at home can feel daunting—until now. The Instant Pot simplifies the process, allowing you to cook perfectly tender beef and develop a rich, glossy honey garlic sauce in a fraction of the time.

This recipe is not only fast but also customizable. You control the salt, sugar, and spice levels, making it a healthier alternative to traditional takeout. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free if you use tamari, and it’s packed with protein and vegetables.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a satisfying, restaurant-style dinner at home, this recipe delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• Tender beef every time: Pressure cooking ensures juicy, fork-tender meat.
• Crisp-tender broccoli: Steamed separately for perfect texture.
• Sweet-savory sauce: Honey and garlic create a classic flavor that sticks to every bite.
• Family-friendly: A dinner that both kids and adults will love.
• Versatile: Serve over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s the full ingredient list for this recipe, organized for clarity:

Beef

• 1.5 pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain

Cooking

• 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing

Sauce

• ¾ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
• ⅓ cup honey
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Thickening

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water to make slurry

Vegetables

• 3 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen, steamed separately

Optional Toppings

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Red pepper flakes

Yield

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker
• Medium bowl for mixing sauce and slurry
• Knife and cutting board for slicing beef and prepping garlic
• Tongs or spatula for sautéing beef
• Steamer basket or microwave-safe bowl for broccoli
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Beef

Slice 1.5 pounds of flank steak or sirloin thinly against the grain. Cutting against the grain is crucial for tender, easy-to-chew beef.

Tip: Partially freezing the steak for 20 minutes makes slicing thinner and easier.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef

Turn your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add 1 tablespoon olive oil.

• Brown the beef in batches for 1–2 minutes per side.
• Remove browned beef and set aside.

Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pot, which can cause steaming instead of searing.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• ¾ cup soy sauce or tamari
• ⅓ cup honey
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

This honey garlic sauce combines sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors for a glossy coating.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Return all the beef to the Instant Pot and pour the sauce over it.

• Seal the lid and set to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high for 10 minutes.
• Allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.

Tip: Natural release helps maintain beef tenderness while locking in juices.

Step 5: Steam the Broccoli

While the beef cooks, steam 3 cups of broccoli florets until crisp-tender:

• Microwave for 2–3 minutes with a splash of water.
• Or steam on stovetop for 3–4 minutes.

Tip: Avoid overcooking broccoli to maintain its bright color and slight crunch.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Switch the Instant Pot back to “Sauté.”

• In a small bowl, stir together 2 teaspoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry.
• Pour the slurry into the beef and sauce, stirring until thickened (1–2 minutes).

Tip: Stir continuously to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy sauce.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Add the steamed broccoli to the pot and toss until coated with the thickened honey garlic sauce.

Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or your preferred side. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Tips & Variations

Adjusting Sweetness and Salt

• Reduce honey for less sweetness.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.

Spice Options

• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat.
• Swap mild chili for a spicier kick if desired.

Protein Substitutions

• Try chicken breast or thighs for a lighter version.
• Firm tofu works well for a vegetarian alternative; sauté or air-fry before pressure cooking.

Vegetable Variations

• Substitute broccoli with snow peas, bell peppers, or snap peas.
• Mix vegetables for added color and nutrients.

Meal Prep Friendly

• Cooked beef and broccoli can be stored in airtight containers for 3–4 days in the fridge.
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to restore sauce consistency.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Flavor Highlights:

• Sweet & Savory: Honey and soy sauce balance each other perfectly.
• Garlicky & Aromatic: Garlic and sesame oil add depth and richness.
• Tender & Crisp: Beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender while broccoli remains slightly crisp.

Pairings:

• Serve with white or brown rice for a classic combo.
• Try rice noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and a touch of red chili for visual and flavor contrast.

Nutritional Overview

Estimated nutrition per serving:

• Calories: 375 kcal
• Protein: High
• Carbs: Moderate, mainly from honey
• Fat: Moderate, from sesame oil and beef
• Fiber: Moderate, from broccoli
• Dietary Notes: Gluten-free if using tamari; dairy-free; high-protein; low-sodium option with reduced soy sauce

FAQs

Can I use another cut of beef?

Yes, flank steak or sirloin is ideal for tenderness. Avoid tough cuts unless thinly sliced.

Can this be made ahead?

Yes, cook the beef and store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Broccoli is best steamed fresh before serving.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes. Freeze cooked beef (without broccoli) in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat, adding freshly steamed broccoli.

How spicy is this recipe?

This base recipe is mild. Add crushed red pepper flakes or fresh chilies to increase heat.

Can I cook everything together in the Instant Pot?

Broccoli cooks much faster than beef. Cooking them separately ensures crisp-tender texture.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time
Beef prep & slicing	5 minutes
Sautéing beef	5 minutes
Pressure cooking	10 minutes
Natural pressure release	5 minutes
Steaming broccoli	2–3 minutes
Sauce thickening & combining	2 minutes
Total hands-on	~10 minutes
Total time	30 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a filling meal.
• Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Pair with a light side of sautéed vegetables for added nutrition and color.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic Beef

Add 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Teriyaki-Style Beef and Broccoli

Swap honey for brown sugar and add 1 tablespoon mirin or rice vinegar for tangy sweetness.

Ginger-Sesame Beef and Broccoli

Add 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger to the sauce for an aromatic twist.

Vegetarian Version

Replace beef with firm tofu. Sauté until golden, then pressure cook briefly with the sauce.

Ingredient Spotlight

Flank Steak or Sirloin

• Selection: Look for well-marbled cuts for tenderness.
• Tip: Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Honey

• Role: Adds natural sweetness and balances savory soy sauce.
• Tip: Use mild, light honey to avoid overpowering flavors.

Broccoli

• Selection: Fresh florets are ideal; frozen works fine if steaming separately.
• Tip: Avoid overcooking to maintain vibrant color and crunch.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the Instant Pot when sautéing beef; it ensures proper browning.
• Thinly slice beef for even, fast cooking.
• Make the cornstarch slurry before cooking to save time.
• Steam vegetables separately to avoid overcooking.
• Allow natural pressure release for tender beef.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerator: Store cooked beef and sauce in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Add freshly steamed broccoli when reheating.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked beef and sauce without broccoli for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	375 kcal
Protein	High
Carbs	Moderate
Fat	Moderate
Fiber	Moderate
Dietary Notes	Gluten-free with tamari; dairy-free; high protein

Expanded Conclusion

This Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli with Honey Garlic Sauce is the ultimate quick, healthy, and flavorful weeknight dinner. With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a rich honey garlic sauce, it’s a restaurant-style dish that’s simple enough for home cooking.

Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or when you’re craving comfort food with a fresh twist, this recipe combines speed, taste, and nutrition in one satisfying dish. Make it your go-to weeknight dinner and enjoy restaurant-quality beef and broccoli anytime at home.

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