Name: Instant Pot Flank Steak
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound flank steak (about 1-inch thick); 2 teaspoons steak seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ¾ cup beef broth

Instant Pot flank steak is the ultimate busy weeknight dinner. It is full of flavor, an economical cut of beef, and dinner is on the table in mere minutes.

My family loves beef, especially steak. But let’s be honest, steak is not exactly an inexpensive meal these days. Instant Pot flank steak is so easy, it is one of my favorite weeknight meals. The trick is to cook it hot and fast, making sure to finish the center of the flank steak at medium rare for tenderness and flavor.

Typically, flank steak is cooked on the grill or on the stovetop. But the hot and fast requirement for tender flank steak makes it perfect for pressure cooking. And the Instant Pot will save you lots of time in washed dishes and grill prep!

This braised flank steak recipe takes advantage of the convenience of the IP. With the time you save, you’ll be able to make your potatoes and gravy too!

Flank steak in the Instant Pot is an amazing main dish when sliced and served with your favorite veggie side dish. But it also works great for other recipes! Serve it sliced thin or shredded for tacos, fajitas, or steak sandwiches. Or grab your favorite Asian veggies — Instant Pot Flank Steak makes great stir fry.

Next time your family says they are craving steak for dinner, don’t hide your wallet. Pressure cooker flank steak is perfect for family meals. Delicious, quick, and affordable!

And if you haven’t already, try making flank steak in the air fryer or slow cooker flank steak too!

I made this recipe using my Instant Pot 6-Quart Duo Nova. It’s the perfect size for my family of four and makes releasing the steam so much easier than the standard Instant Pot.

Ingredients needed to prepare flank steak in the instant pot.

How to Make Instant Pot Flank Steak

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Heat the Instant Pot on Sauté More mode, then add the olive oil.

Seasoning flank steak to prepare it to be cooked.

STEP TWO: Season both sides of the steak with steak seasoning and sear it for a minute per side after the display reads Hot.

Searing a seasoned flank steak in an instant pot.

STEP THREE: Move the flank steak to a plate and hit Cancel on your pressure cooker.

Deglazing an instant pot after searing a flank steak.

STEP FOUR: Pour in the beef broth and deglaze the pan. Place flank steak in the Instant Pot again.

STEP FIVE: Seal the lid on the pot and cook on Manual High for 2 minutes. Do a quick pressure release, then transfer flank steak from the pressure cooker to the cutting board. Allow to rest for 5 minutes.

Slicing a flank steak on a wooden cutting board.

STEP SIX: Slice the steak against the grain and serve!

Slices of flank steak on a wooden cutting board.

What to Serve With Flank Steak in the Instant Pot

Variations for Pressure Cooker Flank Steak

Add extra flavor. Top your finished Instant Pot flank steak with compound butter. It is easy to make yourself — just soften your butter, add minced herbs and garlic, roll the butter in wax paper, and pop it back in the fridge. Once it is solid, slice up pieces and pop them on top of your hot flank steak from the pressure cooker.
Use a marinade. Find a good deal at the grocery store? Grab a couple of flank steaks and pop them into gallon freezer bags with different marinades. It makes prepping for dinner really easy when the steak is flavored and ready to be cooked!
Thinly slice your leftovers for steak quesadillas later in the week.
Make steak sandwiches. Toast a hoagie with cheese and top with sliced pressure cooker flank steak.

Slices of prepared flank steak cut into slices on a white plate.

What is the Best Way to Cook Flank Steak?

Grilling is the most common way to cook flank steak. But any method that minimizes cooking time is a winner! We love the instant pot for weeknight meals because it is just so darn easy. Just sear it on either side, simmer it a few minutes, and serve it medium rare for flank steak pressure cooker style.

How do you Cook Flank Steak so it’s not Chewy?

Flank steak should always be cooked to medium rare. I know you may be tempted to cook it longer, but you’ll lose that tenderness you’re looking for. Flank steak is a very lean cut of meat, which means if you cook it well done, you are not going to enjoy it as much.

Does the Instant Pot Tenderize Meat?

Your Instant Pot is a great tool for making sure your meat comes out tender and delicious. But, how you slice it matters too! Cut leaner cuts of meat like flank steak and skirt steak against the grain for a more tender mouthfeel. Look for the lines that run through the meat, then cut across them instead of parallel to them. This breaks up those tough fibers so the meat is easier to chew.

More Instant Pot Steak Recipes

More Instant Pot Recipes

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