4.6 from 24 votes

Over the last two years, as a full-time food content creator and recipe developer, one of the most common requests I get across every platform is simple and consistent. More Instant Pot recipes that are easy to put together, require minimal prepwork, and only rely on a handful of ingredients. Busy weeknights call for recipes that work hard for you, not the other way around. That is exactly why we are making this Instant Pot soy braised beef today. It is flavorful and savory, perfectly tender, and built almost entirely from pantry staples you likely already have in your kitchen. With minimal hands-on time and maximum payoff, this is the kind of recipe you can confidently add to your regular rotation and trust every single time. This recipe delivers rich soy-forward flavor, melt-in-your-mouth beef, and a glossy sauce that begs to be spooned over a bowl of hot white rice.

The Two Key Components of Soy Braised Beef

This recipe is built around two main components. The beef and the sauce. When both are done right, the result is something truly special.

Overhead Shot of Soy Braised Beef in a bowl with green onions and sesame seeds

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

For my recipe today, I’m using beef chuck. It is, hands down, one of the best cuts for pressure cooking and braising. Beef chuck offers the ideal balance of affordability, rich, beefy flavor, and an optimal meat-to-fat ratio. When cooked under pressure, the connective tissue breaks down beautifully, resulting in beef that is fork-tender and incredibly juicy. It also shreds easily, making it perfect for serving over rice or in bowls.

Chuck Roast with marbling to use for instant pot soy braised beef

Other excellent alternatives include beef brisket and beef shank. Beef brisket is slightly leaner than chuck but still has enough fat to stay moist during a long cook. It develops a deep, concentrated flavor and slices or shreds well once fully tender. This is a great option if you prefer a cleaner bite with less visible fat. Beef shank is the most collagen-rich of the three options. It produces incredibly succulent meat and adds extra body to the sauce thanks to the natural gelatin released during cooking. While it can be slightly more expensive and requires trimming around the bone, the payoff is unmatched richness. No matter which cut you choose, pressure cooking transforms these tougher cuts into something luxurious.

Cut Up Pieces of Chuck Roast for Instant Pot Soy Braised Beef

Building a Flavorful Savory Sauce

The sauce for this Instant Pot soy braised beef relies almost entirely on pantry staples. Soy sauce forms the savory backbone, while dark soy sauce adds depth of color and a subtle richness. Brown sugar balances the saltiness with a rounded sweetness, creating a glossy finish. One of my favorite additions here is Coco Rico. It adds a mild natural sweetness and extra depth while also helping tenderize the beef during cooking. It is subtle but incredibly effective.

For aromatics, fresh minced garlic and grated ginger bring warmth and fragrance that round out the sauce. If you are short on time, powdered garlic and ginger can be substituted. While the flavor will not be quite as layered, the convenience is hard to beat. Finally, cornstarch is added directly to the sauce to thicken it as it cooks, resulting in a rich, coating-like consistency that clings beautifully to the shredded beef.

How To Make Instant Pot Soy Braised Beef

This recipe is straightforward and forgiving, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced home cooks.

Prep the Beef

Start by cutting the chuck roast into smaller sections. This helps the beef cook evenly and absorb more flavor. Season the cut-up pieces of beef generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

Seared Beef for Instant Pot Soy Braised Beef

Turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode on high. Add the oil, then sear the beef in batches for a couple of minutes per side until lightly browned. This step builds flavor and adds depth to the final dish. Do not rush it. Once all the beef is seared, return it to the pot.

Make the Sauce

In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, Coco Rico, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.

Instant Pot Soy Braised Beef with Sauce in an Instant Pot

Cook the Soy Braised Beef

Pour the sauce directly over the seared beef in the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 50-60 minutes. Once the cook time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 20 minutes before opening the lid. This slow release helps keep the beef tender and juicy. Carefully remove the beef and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.

Instant Pot Soy Braised Beef in a mixing bowl

Shredded beef in a bowl / soy braised beef

Serve

Spoon freshly cooked white rice into a bowl, top with a generous amount of shredded soy-braised beef, and drizzle with plenty of sauce. Finish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for freshness and texture. Enjoy!