Name: Easy Ginger Garlic Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp neutral oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; 12 oz flank steak, cut into strips or cubes; 1/4 cup water (for deglazing); 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce; 1 tsp brown sugar or honey; 1 tsp toasted sesame oil; 3/4 cup water or beef broth; 1 tbsp cornstarch blended with 1 tbsp water; 12 oz steamed broccoli florets; 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish (optional); Cooked rice for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, takeout-style meal that’s packed with bold flavors and comes together with minimal fuss, you’ll adore Easy Ginger Garlic Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli. This recipe takes everything you love about classic beef and broccoli—tender steak, vibrant broccoli florets, a savory-sweet sauce—then simplifies it down to a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, all cooked with a bit of magic thanks to the Instant Pot. Whether you’re new to pressure cooking or a seasoned pro, this is one dish that delivers a supremely satisfying dinner with very little hands-on time.

Easy Ginger Garlic Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s hard to believe such a flavorful dinner comes from a short, familiar ingredients list, but Easy Ginger Garlic Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli proves you don’t need anything fancy to achieve weeknight dinner bliss. Each ingredient is chosen for the way it complements the others, delivering that signature balance of savory, sweet, garlicky, and gingery notes.

Neutral oil: Choose something like canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil—perfect for letting the aromatics shine without adding competing flavors.
Fresh garlic: Three cloves bring punchy depth and warmth, making the dish feel vibrant and comforting.
Fresh ginger: Grated fresh for zesty spiciness—don’t skip it, or the sauce will miss its signature complexity.
Flank steak: Slice it into strips or cubes for quick, even cooking that becomes wonderfully tender under pressure.
Water (for deglazing): Essential for loosening the flavorful browned bits, which enrich the sauce and prevent burn warnings.
Reduced-sodium soy sauce: This forms the core of that umami-rich sauce, while being a bit gentler on the salt.
Brown sugar or honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the salty soy and sharp ginger.
Toasted sesame oil: Just a touch infuses the final sauce with irresistible nutty aroma—use it sparingly for best results.
Water or beef broth: Adds needed moisture for pressure cooking; beef broth will give an extra boost of flavor if you have it.
Cornstarch slurry: Blending cornstarch with water thickens the sauce to that lovely, glossy takeout-inspired consistency.
Steamed broccoli florets: Broccoli gets added at the end for bright green color and tender-crisp texture—perfect contrast to the beef.
Sesame seeds (optional): A sprinkle at the finish adds subtle crunch and a pretty finishing touch.
Cooked rice: The essential canvas for soaking up every drop of that delicious sauce—use jasmine, basmati, or even brown rice if you’d like.

How to Make Easy Ginger Garlic Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by building big flavor right in your Instant Pot. Set the SAUTE function to medium, add the neutral oil, then toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir for about 30 seconds—just until they’re fragrant but not browned. This step creates the irresistible aroma that will fill your kitchen and form the base of your sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Deglaze

Add your sliced or cubed flank steak to the pot, spreading it in an even layer. Let it brown on all sides, stirring occasionally—this brings out the meat’s natural richness. Then, pour in 1/4 cup of water to deglaze, scraping up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This little trick locks in extra flavor and helps avoid any burn notice on the Instant Pot.

Step 3: Add Sauce Ingredients and Pressure Cook

Now pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), toasted sesame oil, and 3/4 cup of water or beef broth. Give everything a good stir so the beef is coated and the flavors begin to meld. Turn off the SAUTE setting, lock the lid in place, and set the vent to SEALING. Select PRESSURE COOK or MANUAL at high for 8 minutes. This is when the magic happens—while the Instant Pot comes to pressure and cooks, all of those flavors infuse the beef deeply for the classic Easy Ginger Garlic Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli taste.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Once the timer is done, carefully quick-release the steam and remove the lid. Switch back to SAUTE, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Let it bubble for a minute or two, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to a beautiful, glossy finish. If you’d like the sauce even thicker, just add a bit more cornstarch blended with water.

Step 5: Finish with Broccoli, Serve, and Garnish

Stir in your freshly steamed broccoli florets to coat them in that luscious sauce, then scoop everything over a bowl of rice. Finish with a shower of sesame seeds, if you’re feeling fancy. The beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, the broccoli pops with color and vibrancy, and the sauce hugs every bite. Dinner goals, achieved!

How to Serve Easy Ginger Garlic Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

Garnishes

A little sprinkle can go a long way! Try scattered sesame seeds for a nutty crunch, thinly sliced green onions for a fresh pop, or even a dash of chili flakes if you like a hint of heat. Each one amps up the flavor and makes the finished Easy Ginger Garlic Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This dish truly shines with a fluffy bowl of steamed jasmine or basmati rice—the perfect base to soak up that glossy sauce. For a lighter twist, serve it over cauliflower rice or toss extra steamed veggies like snap peas or carrots alongside. Don’t forget a cup of hot green tea to sip between bites—it rounds out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests, consider ladling the beef and broccoli onto a big platter, surrounding it with colorful veggie garnishes for drama. Or create Easy Ginger Garlic Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli rice bowls topped with pickled veggies, shredded cabbage, and toasted nori strips for a playfully modern twist. You can even tuck it inside lettuce wraps for a fresh, hand-held option!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers keep remarkably well! Simply let your Easy Ginger Garlic Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge. It will stay tasty and tender for up to 4 days—perfect for easy lunches.

Freezing

This recipe works beautifully for make-ahead meals. Portion the beef and broccoli (without the rice) into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, add fresh steamed broccoli when reheating if you like your veggies on the firmer side.

Reheating

For best results, warm refrigerated leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen up the sauce. For a super speedy option, microwaving in 30-second bursts works too—just cover the dish with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Frozen portions can go straight into a saucepan with a bit of beef broth until hot and steamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While flank steak is a classic choice for Easy Ginger Garlic Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli thanks to its tenderness, you can substitute skirt steak, sirloin, or even thinly sliced chuck if that’s what you have on hand. Just slice against the grain for the most melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?

Yes—it’s a great time-saver! Steam frozen broccoli in the microwave or on the stove first, then stir it in at the very end so it stays bright and doesn’t overcook in the sauce.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Swap in gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce. Both versions taste fantastic and preserve all the saucy, savory flavor of traditional Easy Ginger Garlic Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! The Instant Pot handles double the amount well—just don’t fill past the max line. Cooking time remains the same. You’ll have plenty of saucy, savory beef and broccoli to share (or savor for lunches).

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

You can absolutely make this on the stovetop using a large skillet or Dutch oven. Sauté the aromatics, brown the beef, add the sauce, then simmer covered until the beef is tender. Thicken the sauce and add broccoli as directed—just allow a little extra time for the beef to cook through.

Final Thoughts

Easy Ginger Garlic Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli is the kind of weeknight dinner that truly feels like a treat—without requiring a lot of time, effort, or cleanup. Give it a try and watch your kitchen fill with the mouthwatering scent of garlicky, gingery goodness. I promise you’ll want to add this quick, delicious classic to your dinner rotation again and again!

Easy Ginger Garlic Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Easy Ginger Garlic Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli recipe is a flavorful and quick dish that combines tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce with hints of ginger and garlic. Perfect for a delicious weeknight meal!

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Add neutral oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the Instant Pot; sauté until fragrant.
Brown the Beef and Deglaze: Add flank steak to the pot, brown on all sides, then deglaze with water.
Add Sauce Ingredients and Pressure Cook: Mix in soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and water; pressure cook for 8 minutes.
Thicken the Sauce: Stir in cornstarch slurry, cook until thickened.
Finish with Broccoli, Serve, and Garnish: Add broccoli, serve over rice, and garnish with sesame seeds.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less brown sugar or honey.
For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pressure Cooking
Cuisine: Asian