Tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a rich, sweet-savory honey garlic sauce come together in this easy Instant Pot recipe. It’s a quick, satisfying take on a takeout favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights—no need for a wok!

ingredients

Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli with Honey Garlic Sauce

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

beef flank steak or sirloin
broccoli florets
soy sauce
honey
garlic
ginger
beef broth
cornstarch
water
vegetable oil
sesame oil
green onions (for garnish)
sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

directions

Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a splash of vegetable oil.

Once hot, add thinly sliced beef and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Add minced garlic and ginger to the pot, sauté for 1 minute.

Pour in beef broth, soy sauce, and honey. Stir well to combine.

Return beef to the pot, lock the lid, and set to Manual or Pressure Cook for 10 minutes.

Once cooking is done, perform a quick pressure release.

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.

Set Instant Pot to sauté mode again and stir in the slurry to thicken the sauce.

Add broccoli florets and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until crisp-tender.

Drizzle in sesame oil and stir everything together.

Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use chicken or tofu instead of beef for a lighter option.
Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat.
Include other vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers for variety.
Swap honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
You can freeze the beef and sauce mixture (without broccoli) for up to 2 months. Thaw and add fresh broccoli when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just add it at the end and cook a bit longer until tender.

What cut of beef works best?
Flank steak or sirloin are ideal due to their tenderness when sliced thin.

Can I make this without an Instant Pot?
Yes, use a stovetop skillet and simmer the beef until tender, about 20 minutes.

How do I prevent the broccoli from getting mushy?
Add it at the end and cook just until bright green and tender-crisp.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Is the sauce very sweet?
The honey balances the savory elements but you can adjust to taste.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli with Honey Garlic Sauce is a delicious, quick, and wholesome meal that brings all the flavor of your favorite takeout to your kitchen in under 30 minutes. It’s flexible, family-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners when time is tight but taste still matters.