Instant Pot Paleo Beef and Broccoli {Whole30, Paleo, GF}
A hearty takeout copy cat, Instant Pot Paleo Beef and Broccoli is the perfect weeknight dinner. This easy and healthy Whole30 beef and broccoli is paleo, and gluten-free.
What do you make when you’ve passed the hangry feeling and are sliding into stabby territory? What are you going to make quickly enough to keep your loved ones safe? The answer is this sugar-free beef and broccoli.
If you’re new to your Instant Pot, check out this post on Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners. And if you want to make just the broccoli by itself, check out Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli.
What Ingredients Are In Paleo Beef and Broccoli?
- Beef (see notes below for suggestions on cut)
- Broccoli (Frozen! Because faster meal prep rules)
- Rice vinegar (see below)
- Coconut Aminos
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Pineapple (related: How to Freeze Pineapple)
- Sesame Oil
- Arrowroot Powder
If you have leftover frozen broccoli, you’ll love making some Roasted Frozen Broccoli later in the week for a fast and delicious side dish.
Is Rice Vinegar Whole30?
Yes! Here is what the Whole30 people say “nearly all forms of vinegar, including white, red wine, balsamic, apple cider, and rice, are allowed during your Whole30 program”. Source
Doing a Whole30 round and need help getting started off on the right foot? Download my totally free Trader Joe’s Whole30 Shopping List and Whole30 Costco Shopping List. I have done all the work for you with checking ingredients and figuring out safe foods.
What is the Best Beef For Stir Fry?
There are lots of options, some more affordable than others. You can use skirt steak, flank steak, top round, or sirloin
I used a mixture of skirt steak and top round that we got in our monthly Butcher Box order. Butcher Box sources only organic and free-range meat for their customers and ships them to your home once a month. Their Whole30/sugar-free bacon rules.
How to Make Stir Fry Beef Tender
There are three simple tricks to make this paleo beef and broccoli super duper tender:
- Freeze the cut of beef for at least an hour before slicing. This will help make the thinnest cuts possible.
- Slice the beef against the grain. This article from The Kitchn will walk you through how to do that properly.
- Toss your sliced beef with 2 tsp of baking soda and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry prior to adding to the Instant Pot.
What If I’m Not Whole30/Paleo/Gluten-Free?
No problemo! Sub in low sodium soy sauce for the coconut amino and cornstarch for the arrowroot powder.
Can I Make Paleo Beef and Broccoli if I don’t Have an Instant Pot?
Yes! See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for skillet/stovetop instructions. This recipe has not been tested for a slow cooker.
How to Make Paleo Beef and Broccoli
*Printable recipe card available at the bottom of the post
Toss your thinly sliced beef (see how to notes above) in 2 tsp of baking soda. Set aside for 10-15 minutes while you prep the rest of your ingredients.
Combine your pineapple (sustainable/pro tip: if you are using fresh pineapple, use the core for this recipe), sesame oil, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a food processor or blender. Process until mostly smooth. (See recipe notes if you don’t have a food processor or blender).
Rinse your beef and pat dry with paper towels.
Add the pineapple blend to the bottom of the Instant Pot and add the beef on top. Stir to make sure all the beef is coated with the sauce.
Lock the lid into place and set the steam release handle (valve on top) to “Sealing”. Press Manual>High Pressure>8 minutes. <—–If you have any questions about those terms, check out this post on recipes for Instant Pot beginners.
When the Instant Pot is done cooking, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes, and then use a clean kitchen towel and flip the steam release handle to “venting” to remove any additional pressure.
Combine arrowroot powder and cold water in a separate bowl and mix thoroughly.
Press “Keep Warm/Off” button and then “Saute”. Add the arrowroot mixture and stir to incorporate it into the beef mixture. Cook down on Saute for 1 minute.
Add the frozen broccoli to one side of the Instant Pot. Put the lid back on and set the steam release handle to “Sealing”. Press Manual>Adjust>Low pressure>0 minutes. Pro tip: zero pressure means the broccoli is actually getting perfectly cooked while the Instant Pot brings it up to pressure, but it won’t make the meat mushy.
Perform a quick release and serve with cauliflower rice, regular rice (not paleo or Whole30 compliant), or zucchini noodles. Top with sliced green onion and sesame seeds. And hot sauce.
Like an insane amount because you’re worth it.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- If you don’t have fresh pineapple or don’t have a blender or food processor to use, I’ve got you covered. You can use 100% no-sugar-added pineapple juice and combine it with finely minced garlic and ginger.
- If you want to make this ahead of time, it is best to just cook the beef. To prevent mushy veg, steam the broccoli in the microwave just prior to serving.
More Recipes Like This
- Whole30 Pot Roast
- Instant Pot Teriyaki Beef
- Chipotle Instant Pot Turkey Chili {Whole30, Paleo, Gluten-Free}
- Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners
- Asian Pork Meatballs
- Whole30 Beef Stew
- Instant Pot Beef Tips and Gravy
- 22 Whole30 Dinners You’ll Actually Want to Eat
- Instant Pot Orange Chicken (Whole30, Paleo)
Paleo Beef and Broccoli WEIGHT WATCHERS POINTS
One serving has 1 WW Freestyle SmartPoints.
Instant Pot Paleo Beef and Broccoli {Whole30, Paleo, GF}
Ingredients
- 2 lbs skirt steak thinly sliced
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup pineapple
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tsp ginger
- 1/3 cup coconut aminos
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 4 cups broccoli florets frozen
- 2 tbsp arrowroot powder
- 1 1/2 tbsp cold water
Instructions
Instant Pot Instructions
- Toss your thinly sliced beef (see how to notes above) in 2 tsp of baking soda. Set aside for 10-15 minutes while you prep the rest of your ingredients.
- Combine your pineapple (sustainable/pro tip: if you are using fresh pineapple, use the core for this recipe), sesame oil, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a food processor or blender. Process until mostly smooth. (See recipe notes if you don't have a food processor or blender).
- Rinse your beef and pat dry with paper towels.
- Add the pineapple blend to the bottom of the Instant Pot and add the beef on top. Stir to make sure all the beef is coated with the sauce.
- Lock the lid into place and set the steam release handle (valve on top) to “Sealing”. Press Manual>High Pressure>8 minutes.
- When the Instant Pot is done cooking, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes, and then use a clean kitchen towel and flip the steam release handle to “venting” to remove any additional pressure.
- Combine arrowroot powder and cold water in a separate bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Press "Keep Warm/Off" button and then "Saute". Add the arrowroot mixture and stir to incorporate it into the beef mixture. Cook down on Saute for 1 minute.
- Add the frozen broccoli to one side of the Instant Pot. Put the lid back on and set the steam release handle to "Sealing". Press Manual>Adjust>Low pressure>0 minutes. Pro tip: zero pressure means the broccoli is actually getting perfectly cooked while the Instant Pot brings it up to pressure, but it won't make the meat mushy.
- Perform a quick release and serve with cauliflower rice, regular rice (not paleo or Whole30 compliant), or zucchini noodles. Optional: top with sliced green onion and sesame seeds, and hot sauce.
Skillet Instructions
- Follow steps 1-3 above.
- Heat 1 tsp of coconut or avocado oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok. Add half of the beef and cook for about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Heat another 1 tsp of oil and cook the rest of the beef. Transfer to a plate.
- Add the pineapple sauce to the skillet and increase the heat to high. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often. Add in the arrowroot mixture and stir to combine. Cook for another 3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
- Add the beef to the sauce and toss to combine. Serve with cauliflower rice, regular rice (not paleo or Whole30 compliant), or zucchini noodles. Optional: top with sliced green onion and sesame seeds, and hot sauce.
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What would you suggest as a substitution to accommodate a pineapple allergy? An apple maybe?
Sarah (great name!), an apple would work. But if you have frozen peaches in your freezer, those would work great too.
would mango work?
Like as an addition to the dish or for the sauce? Either way, I *think* so but I haven’t tried it myself. If you make it, please do report back and let me know how it goes!
I really wanted to love this recipe. It was ok. I was super excited to use the pineapple core! I made it in the instant pot & all the steps were a bit annoying. I made it just as the recipe stated except for the baking soda on the meat & I used fresh broccoli. It was kinda bland. If I make it again I will use liquid aminos instead of coconut aminos because that’s what I had to put on top to make it taste better. I do feel that for the most part my instant pot sucks the flavor out of food, like everything seems to always come out bland. I don’t get it. Does anyone else have this problem??
Sarah you know I love your recipes, this one fell short for me. Maybe I’ll try the skillet version.
Ah, well not recipes will be a winner with everyone, but I’m glad you tried this one for yourself!
Liquid aminos would be great (but saltier) so I would dial it back a bit. You can also add more in but it’s hard to make something less salty!
Great recipe! We made it for supper tonight. I was a little hesitant on the pineapple as it’s not my favourite but the meal was really good and not at all ‘pineapplely’ We ended up adding a little salt right at the end but definitely as a personal preference. I’m super excited for the leftovers tomorrow!
So glad you liked it, Angela! The pineapple is mainly to bulk up the sauce and add just a touch of sweetness. Glad it passed your non-pineapple love test!
Skirt stank. A typo for sure but perfectly Sarah.
Bwahaaaa! I fixed it. But I was so tempted to leave it.
Hi Sarah,
This looks lovely.
Can I swap coconut aminos for soy sauce? Same amount?
Ta
Yes absolutely, but do make sure you use a low sodium soy sauce! 1:1 ratio so yes, same amount.
Ta Sarah. When i looked back I noticed you had already mentioned this in the non- whole 30 notes. Doh….