If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dish, look no further than Instant Pot 5 Spice Beef Stew. This dish is perfect for chilly nights or when you crave a warm, comforting meal. The combination of tender beef and hearty vegetables, all accentuated by the unique taste of Chinese Five Spice, makes for a delightful stew that will warm your soul.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe stands out for several reasons. It cooks quickly in an Instant Pot, which means you can enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The Five Spice seasoning brings a beautiful depth of flavor that you won’t find in traditional beef stew recipes. Plus, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients like veggies and lean beef, making it a wholesome choice for any family dinner.
How to Make Instant Pot 5 Spice Beef Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil or 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Chinese Five Spice seasoning
- 1 medium sweet yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 32 ounces low-sodium beef broth
- 3 tablespoons Hoisin sauce
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup scrubbed and chopped carrots
- 1 sweet potato (peeled and chopped)
- 2 parsnips (peeled and chopped)
- 2 turnips (peeled and chopped)
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
Directions:
- Sprinkle the stew meat with salt, pepper, and Five-Spice seasoning.
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté. After 1 minute, add the olive oil and sesame oil.
- Place half of the stew meat in the pot and cook it until it has seared on both sides. Transfer the meat to a plate and repeat with the remaining stew meat. Set aside.
- If needed, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the Instant Pot. Add the onion and sauté until it is translucent. Add the minced garlic and stir.
- Add the tomato paste, stir, and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen the brown bits.
- Add the Hoisin sauce and the seared beef. Mix well.
- Add the celery, carrots, sweet potato, parsnips, and turnips.
- Close the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the steam valve is closed.
- Set the manual button to 25 minutes of high pressure and allow the pressure to release naturally.
- When the pressure has released, remove the lid and taste the stew. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve it deliciously on a bed of white rice and with a side of roasted broccoli. Enjoy!
Note: If the stew needs thickening, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and add it to the stew. Stir to thicken.
How to Serve Instant Pot 5 Spice Beef Stew
This stew is best served hot. Place a generous portion over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up all the flavors. Pair it with some roasted broccoli or your favorite green vegetable for a balanced meal. You can also sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for extra flavor.
How to Store Instant Pot 5 Spice Beef Stew
Leftover stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, transfer it to the freezer in a freezer-safe container, where it can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw and reheat.
Tips to Make Instant Pot 5 Spice Beef Stew
- Searing the Meat: Make sure to sear the meat well to enhance the flavor of the stew.
- Adjust Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables according to your preferences.
Variation
You can easily make this stew your own by adding different vegetables such as potatoes or peas. For a spicier version, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can use chicken or pork if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Is the stew gluten-free?
To ensure your stew is gluten-free, use a gluten-free Hoisin sauce and double-check that your beef broth is also gluten-free.
3. Can I prepare this stew in advance?
Absolutely! This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just prepare it and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Instant Pot 5 Spice Beef Stew
Ingredients
Meats and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil or butter toasted sesame oil adds more flavor
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
Seasonings
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Chinese Five Spice seasoning
Vegetables
- 1 medium sweet yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 32 ounces low-sodium beef broth
- 3 tablespoons Hoisin sauce
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup scrubbed and chopped carrots
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped
- 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 2 turnips, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Sprinkle the stew meat with salt, pepper, and Five-Spice seasoning.
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté. After 1 minute, add the olive oil and sesame oil.
- Place half of the stew meat in the pot and cook it until it has seared on both sides. Transfer the meat to a plate and repeat with the remaining stew meat. Set aside.
- If needed, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the Instant Pot. Add the onion and sauté until it is translucent. Add the minced garlic and stir.
- Add the tomato paste, stir, and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen the brown bits.
- Add the Hoisin sauce and the seared beef. Mix well.
- Add the celery, carrots, sweet potato, parsnips, and turnips.
- Close the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the steam valve is closed.
- Set the manual button to 25 minutes of high pressure and allow the pressure to release naturally.
- When the pressure has released, remove the lid and taste the stew. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve it deliciously on a bed of white rice and with a side of roasted broccoli. Enjoy!
