Instant Pot Taiwanese-Inspired Beef Stew with Star Anise

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant beef stew infused with warm star anise and soy-free coconut aminos, cooked quickly in an Instant Pot for tender, flavorful results. This asian fusion-inspired instant pot (whole30) ready in about 65 minutes pairs pounds beef stew meat, 1-inch cubes, large yellow onion, chopped, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 5, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 5 Asian Fusion cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add 2 pounds beef stew meat cubes and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes until deeply caramelized; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large chopped yellow onion, 5 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon minced ginger. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
  3. Step 3: Return the beef to the pot along with 3 sliced carrots, 1/4 cup coconut aminos, 3 cups beef broth, 3 star anise pods, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Step 4: Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
  5. Step 5: Remove star anise pods and cinnamon stick. Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Instant Pot Taiwanese-Inspired Beef Stew with Star Anise take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Instant Pot Taiwanese-Inspired Beef Stew with Star Anise?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large yellow onion, chopped from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Instant Pot Taiwanese-Inspired Beef Stew with Star Anise?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Instant Pot Taiwanese-Inspired Beef Stew with Star Anise for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Instant Pot Taiwanese-Inspired Beef Stew with Star Anise whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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