Feb 02, 2024, Updated Oct 28, 2024
How to Spot The Best Instant Pot Steak Recipes
Great Instant Pot steak recipes are created to turn tougher cuts of beef into tender deliciousness. I’m actually quite skeptical of any instant pot steak recipes aiming to cook steak to specific levels of doneness. Why? Because it’s almost impossible to achieve perfect rare or medium-rare without being able to check internal temperature during the cooking process. When considering recipes to cook steak in the Instant Pot, it’s better to focus on fall-apart tender, flavorful results. This rich Instant Pot Steak recipe uses pressure cooking to turn less expensive cuts of steak into that tender, juiciness that equals total comfort. It’s complete with an easy homemade gravy (made right in the Instant Pot insert, from the cooking liquid). So tasty. You’re going to love it!
Here’s What You Need for Instant Pot Steak Recipes
Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need to get cooking.
Pressure Cooker Steak Recipe Ingredients
Let’s break down what each ingredient does:
Beef Steak: I use sirloin steak. It’s all about turning this into tender deliciousness. That first, if frozen. Here’s How to Thaw Steak in the Microwave (Perfectly!) Salt and Black Pepper: These are your flavor enhancers. They’re simple but mighty. Olive Oil: Helps in searing the steak and adds its own subtle taste. Onion: Brings a nice, mellow sweetness to the mix. Garlic: Packs a punch with flavor. It’s a game-changer. Beef Broth: The foundation of your sauce, adding depth and beefy goodness. Worcestershire Sauce: For that hit of tang and depth. It’s like a secret weapon. Dried Thyme: Just a bit for an herby touch. Butter: Makes your sauce rich and glossy. Cornstarch and Water: These team up to make a slurry that thickens your sauce to perfection.
Using cornstarch instead of flour makes this recipe naturally gluten free.
Variations and Substitutions
Here are other options for steaks that you can consider for this recipe: It is very difficult to get perfect rare or medium rare steak while it’s trapped inside a pressure cooker and you can’t check it. For this reason, save your most expensive and tender steak cuts (like ribeyes, tenderloin, and t-bone) for pan-searing or grilling to desired doneness.
Grab these Tools
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish come to life:
Instant Pot: The main guy for both searing and cooking. (Here’s my comparison of a pressure cooker vs slow cooker if you’re curious about their different results and nutrition!) Measuring Gear: Spoons and cups to get your amounts right. Wooden Spoon: For mixing and scraping in the pot. Cutting Board and Knife: For prepping steak and veggies.
With these tools, ingredients, and a bit of creativity with variations, you’re all set to whip up this steak dish. Let’s get cooking!
How to Cook Steak in the Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker): An Easy Guide
Ready to transform a simple beef steak into something incredible in your Instant Pot? Follow this straightforward guide to create a dish that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.
Preparing Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, get everything ready:
Season the Steak: Generously season your beef steak with salt and pepper. Chop Veggies: Slice your onion and mince the garlic cloves. Mix the Sauce: Combine beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme in a bowl.
Searing the Steak
Get that perfect sear:
Heat the Oil: Turn on the Instant Pot’s sauté setting and heat the olive oil. Sear the Steak: Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side.
Cooking the Aromatics
Adding depth to the flavor: I’ve made this recipe several times and prefer to sear the steak in a skillet vs. the Instant Pot’s sauté mode. The sauté mode never gets quite hot enough and the steak starts cooking through without getting much color. A pan will give it a beautiful brown crust, and you can start the onions while it’s searing. But the choice is yours!
Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the instant pot, use the saute function to cook onions and garlic until they’re soft. Deglaze the Pot: Use a splash of beef broth to deglaze, scraping up the tasty browned bits on the bottom of the pot.
Pressure Cooking Steak
Where the magic happens:
Cook the Steak: Add the steak to the instant pot. Pour in the sauce mixture. Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook mode with high pressure. Cook for 35 minutes. Then, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
Making the Pan Sauce
The final touch:
Prepare the Slurry: Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Thicken the Sauce: Remove the steak and set the pot to sauté. Add butter and the cornstarch slurry. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens.
How to Serve This Tender Instant Pot Sirloin Steak
Serving this delicious steak is all about complementing its rich flavors and tender texture. Here are some ideas for side dishes:
On a Bed of Egg Noodles: Cut the steak in strips and serve it over cooked egg noodles for a stroganoff vibe. rice, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes. They soak up the sauce beautifully. Mashed Potatoes: The delicious sauce is perfect over a mound of mashed potatoes (with a puddle of garlic butter if you know how to live!). With Vegetables: Pair it with candied brussels sprouts, steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh garden salad. They add freshness and balance to the meal. Bread on the Side: Have some crusty bread ready to mop up that amazing sauce. Garnish: Sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness.
These serving suggestions will turn your Tender Instant Pot Steak into a complete, satisfying meal.
Instant Pot Steak Make Ahead and Storage
Getting your Tender Instant Pot Steak with Rich Sauce ready ahead of time and storing it properly is easy. Here’s how:
Make Ahead: You can prepare the steak a day in advance. Just follow the cooking instructions and let it cool before refrigerating. Refrigerating the Dish: Store in an airtight container. It’ll stay good for up to 3-4 days. Freezing: This dish freezes well. Put it in a freezer-safe container and it’ll last for about 3 months. Reheating: Warm it up in the microwave or on the stove. If it’s frozen, let it thaw in the fridge first. Sauce Storage: Keep the sauce in a separate container if possible. It makes reheating more manageable.
These simple steps ensure your steak is just as tasty when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Tips and Notes for Perfect Instant Pot Steak
To achieve fall-apart tender beef steak in a pressure cooker, the cooking time varies depending on the cut of the meat. For cuts like sirloin or tenderloin, a high-pressure cook time of around 20-25 minutes is typically enough.
Before pressure cooking, it’s a good practice to brown the beef to enhance its flavor and texture.
The key to tender beef in a pressure cooker is not just the cooking time but also the natural release of pressure instead of quick release. This allows the meat fibers to relax and retain moisture, making them tender and juicy.
Save your more expensive tenderloin and ribeye steak for a quick-cooking method.
Just skimming through? Here are some quick answers to the commonly-asked questions about how to pressure cook steak. How Long Should I Cook Meat in an Instant Pot?Cooking time for meat in an Instant Pot varies by cut and thickness. For tougher cuts like chuck steak, 25 minutes on high pressure is typical, followed by a natural release of pressure. Can You Cook Frozen Steak in Instant Pot?Yes, you can cook frozen steak in an Instant Pot, but it will be less flavorful because you won’t be able to get a good sear. Add 10 minutes to the cooking time in this recipe. How Long Is the Meat Setting on Instant Pot?The “Meat/Stew” setting on an Instant Pot typically runs for around 35 minutes. However, you should adjust the time based on the specific type and cut of meat. Can You Cook Meat Too Long in Instant Pot?Yes, you can overcook meat in an Instant Pot. Overcooking can make the meat tough and dry, especially for tender cuts. Does Instant Pot Make Tough Meat Tender?An Instant Pot is excellent for making tough meat tender. The pressure cooking process breaks down the meat’s connective tissues, resulting in tender meat. Does Beef Get More Tender the Longer You Cook It in Instant Pot?Beef, particularly tougher cuts, becomes more tender the longer you cook it in an Instant Pot due to the breakdown of connective tissues. What Happens if You Pressure Cook Longer?Pressure cooking for too long can overcook the meat, making it tough and dry. It’s important to follow recommended cooking times.
Other Popular Instant Pot Recipes
Juicy Pressure Cooker Ham Tender Instant Pot Pulled Pork Juicy Frozen Chicken Instant Pot Recipe (No Thaw!) Instant Pot Mexican Rice Instant Pot Chicken Chili Pressure Cooker Beef Soup
Other Tasty Beef Recipes You’ll Love
Check these beef recipes for comfort food inspiration:
Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Recipe Beef Pot Pie with golden flaky crust Meatloaf with Brown Gravy Mexican Chili Con Carne with ground beef Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe Homemade Ground Beef Tacos from scratch The Ultimate Meatloaf recipe Air Fryer Roast Beef
