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Make my Instant Pot steak recipe the next time you need juicy, perfectly cooked steaks FAST. It’s hands-off and works with any cut of steak!
In the mood for more Instant Pot recipes? Try my Instant Pot beef brisket, Instant Pot pork tenderloin, or Instant Pot whole chicken next.
Friends, if you thought I was Mr. smarts for making air fryer steak, just WAIT until you try it in my pressure cooker.
I know what you’re thinking, but just trust me on this. You’re basically searing and steaming the steak at high pressure, which leaves you with tender, fall-apart meat that’s juicy and doesn’t taste of fire or smoke.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Works with all types of steak. I used sirloin steak, but so long as it’s 2 inches in thickness, you can use any cut you prefer.
- Hands-off. Yes, you have to sear the steaks, but after that, the pressure cooker takes over.
- Healthier. With a smidge of butter, this recipe uses a fraction of the fat and yields equally mouthwatering results.
- An easy weeknight dinner. You don’t have to preheat anything or marinate the steak hours in advance.
Ingredients needed
- Steak. As I mentioned, I used sirloin, but ribeye steak, flank steak, and skirt steak are all good options. Whichever you choose, make sure they’re at least 2 inches thick.
- Garlic powder and onion powder. For flavor and aroma.
- Salt and black pepper. To taste.
- Olive oil. To sear the steak.
- Butter. Mixed with oil to sear the steak. Use unsalted butter so the steak isn’t too salty.
- Water. The essential liquid for steaming the steak.
How to cook steak in the Instant Pot
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Season the steak. Stir the seasonings in a small bowl and rub over both sides of the steaks.
Step 2- Sear. Melt butter and oil in the Instant Pot on the Sauté setting. Sear the meat on all sides until browned, then set it aside.
Step 3- Pressure cook. Add the water, place a trivet inside, and place the steaks on the trivet. Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 3 minutes.
Step 4- Rest and serve. Let the pressure naturally release, then let the steaks rest briefly before serving.
Ideal cooking times
This recipe has the steaks cooked to medium rare, but if you prefer a different level of doneness, I tested several different times:
- Rare: 2 minutes (120F internal temperature)
- Medium: 4 minutes (135F)
- Medium well: 6 minutes (140F)
- Well done: 8 minutes (150F)
Note that all of these times do not include the 5 minutes of natural pressure release at the end of the cooking process.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Don’t use the quick release! The key to getting juicy, ultra-tender steaks is not just the cooking time but also the slow release of pressure. This helps the meat to relax and seal in its juices.
- Make a brown gravy. Swap the water for beef broth and cook as directed. Then, remove the steaks from the pot, turn on the Sauté function, and add a cornstarch slurry (1 part cornstarch to 3 parts water). Let the sauce simmer until thickened, then pour over the steaks and serve.
- Cook it with onions and garlic. After you sear the steaks, add sliced onions and garlic and sauté until caramelized, then add the steaks and cook as directed.
- Garnish the steaks with fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary, for color and fresh flavor.
Side dishes ideas
- On a bed of basmati rice or egg noodles
- Cauliflower mashed potatoes
- With roasted root vegetables or sautéed broccolini
- Or any of my side dish recipes
Storage instructions
To store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
To freeze: Let the steaks cool completely, place them in a freezer bag, and freeze for 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat the steaks on the stovetop or oven until warm.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! By pressure cooking steak, the muscle fibers are quickly broken down, resulting in very tender meat.
Yes, like any cooking method, steaks can be overcooked in the Instant Pot. I prefer to pull them from the Instant Pot after 3 minutes. Then, if they’re not at your preferred level of doneness, you can finish them on the stovetop.
More foolproof ways to cook steak
Instant Pot Steak
Ingredients
- 2 steaks 2-inch thickness * See notes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Season the steak with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on all sides.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in an Instant Pot. Once the oil is sizzling, sear the steak on all sides until browned, around one minute.
- Remove the steak from the Instant Pot and pour in the water.
- Place a trivet inside and place the steaks on it. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high for 3 minutes for a medium-rare steak (135F). For medium, aim for 4 minutes (145F); for medium-well done, aim for 5 minutes (155F); and for well done, cook for 6 minutes (165F).
- Release the pressure from the Instant Pot and remove the steaks. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
