If you are craving a comforting, hearty dish bursting with rich and aromatic flavors, this Instant Pot 5 Spice Beef Stew Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender beef with warming Chinese Five Spice seasoning and a medley of colorful root vegetables, this stew transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant, soul-satisfying meal. What makes it extra special is how quickly and easily the Instant Pot brings everything together, guaranteeing melt-in-your-mouth beef and perfectly cooked veggies in under an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, but each one is essential in building the stew’s complex depth and hearty texture. From the robust beef broth to the sweet notes of hoisin and fresh cilantro, every item plays a vital role in turning this stew into a standout dish.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth base for searing the beef and sautéing vegetables, enriching flavors.
- Toasted sesame oil or butter: Adds a nutty aroma and richness that complements the five-spice blend.
- Beef stew meat: The star protein, cut for tender bites after pressure cooking.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the savory notes throughout the stew.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Gives a subtle spicy kick to balance the sweet and aromatic flavors.
- Chinese Five Spice seasoning: The key highlight that brings warmth and complexity with star anise, cloves, cinnamon, fennel, and Sichuan peppercorns.
- Sweet yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic: Infuses a fragrant punch that awakens the palate.
- Tomato paste: Provides a rich umami boost and thickens the stew slightly.
- Low-sodium beef broth: Creates a savory, hearty cooking liquid without overwhelming saltiness.
- Hoisin sauce: Brings a luscious sweetness and slight tang that elevates the stew’s flavor profile.
- Celery: Adds subtle crunch and a fresh, green note balancing the root vegetables.
- Carrots: Contribute color, sweetness, and a tender texture.
- Sweet potato: Introduces a creamy sweetness that contrasts the beef beautifully.
- Parsnips: Offer a gentle earthiness and a lovely alternative to regular potatoes.
- Turnips: Bring a mild peppery bite, enhancing the stew’s complexity.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds an herbal brightness at the end, lifting the entire dish.
How to Make Instant Pot 5 Spice Beef Stew Recipe
Step 1: Season the Beef
Start by generously sprinkling the stew meat with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the fragrant Chinese Five Spice seasoning. This initial seasoning ensures that each bite of beef carries the core flavors of the dish.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. After a minute, add olive oil and toasted sesame oil. Sear half of the beef until it develops a caramelized crust, then transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining meat. This step locks in flavor and texture, forming a savory foundation.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
If the pot looks dry, drizzle in an additional tablespoon of olive oil. Add diced sweet onion and cook until translucent, then stir in minced garlic. These aromatics build the stew’s rich, savory base and add subtle sweetness.
Step 4: Enhance with Tomato Paste
Stir in tomato paste and cook it for a minute to deepen its flavor. This ingredient helps thicken the stew and infuses a gentle tang that complements the beef and spices.
Step 5: Add the Broth and Hoisin Sauce
Pour in the low-sodium beef broth, carefully scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits packed with flavor. Next, mix in hoisin sauce for a luscious, sweet-savory element that harmonizes all the ingredients.
Step 6: Combine Meat and Vegetables
Return the seared beef to the pot. Then add all the prepared vegetables to the mixture — celery, carrots, sweet potato, parsnips, and turnips. This colorful combination enriches your stew with texture and natural sweetness.
Step 7: Pressure Cook the Stew
Seal the Instant Pot lid and ensure the steam valve is set to closed. Use the manual setting to cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, letting the magic of pressure cooking tenderize the beef and meld the flavors beautifully.
Step 8: Release and Final Seasoning
Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for the best texture. Open the lid and taste the stew, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Now your Instant Pot 5 Spice Beef Stew Recipe is ready to enjoy!
Step 9: Optional Thickening
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the hot stew. This simple trick gives you a luscious, velvety finish.
How to Serve Instant Pot 5 Spice Beef Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle minced fresh cilantro over each serving for a pop of herbal brightness that cuts through the comforting richness of the stew. You can also add a few thinly sliced green onions for a mild sharpness that complements the Five Spice flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This stew shines when spooned over fluffy white rice, soaking into every tender morsel. For a green contrast, serve with roasted or steamed broccoli. The crisp vegetables offer textural balance and a fresh counterpoint to the stew’s warmth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, serve the stew inside hollowed-out sweet potatoes or alongside steamed bao buns to soak up the juices. Another fun idea is to turn it into a stew bowl layered with jasmine rice and a drizzle of spicy chili oil for extra heat and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Instant Pot 5 Spice Beef Stew Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-friendly containers, leaving space for expansion, and store for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Rewarm the stew gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or water if it looks too thick. Garnish fresh after reheating for best flavor.
FAQs
Can I substitute the beef with another protein?
Absolutely! You can swap beef stew meat for lamb or even chicken thighs, but adjust the cooking times accordingly. Lamb works well with the Five Spice flavor, while chicken will cook faster in the Instant Pot.
Is Chinese Five Spice seasoning spicy?
Chinese Five Spice is more aromatic and warm rather than spicy hot. It combines star anise, cloves, cinnamon, fennel, and Sichuan peppercorns, which provide a mix of sweet, earthy, and slightly numbing sensations without intense heat.
Can I make this stew without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can simmer it on the stovetop in a heavy pot, but it will take longer—around 2 to 3 hours—to get the beef tender and flavors melded. Alternatively, use a slow cooker for several hours on low.
What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
If you can’t find hoisin sauce, a mix of soy sauce, a little honey or brown sugar, and a dash of five-spice powder can mimic its sweet-savory richness. Adjust quantities based on taste to balance the stew.
Can I omit any vegetables in the recipe?
Definitely. Feel free to substitute with vegetables you prefer or have on hand, such as potatoes, peas, or mushrooms. Just aim for a good balance of root vegetables and something that adds color and texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way this Instant Pot 5 Spice Beef Stew Recipe brings together bold flavors with effortless cooking. It’s the kind of dish that warms both your kitchen and your soul, perfect for sharing with family and friends any day of the week. Give it a try and discover your new favorite stew that’s as comforting as it is exciting!
