Instant Pot Mongolian Beef: The Ultimate Mongolian Beef Recipe
Introduction to Instant Pot Mongolian Beef
Mongolian Beef is a delightful dish known for its sweet and savory flavors, making it a favorite in many households. Using an Instant Pot, this recipe transforms a classic into a quick, convenient meal without sacrificing taste. You can whip it up in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet impressive!
A Personal Story Behind My Instant Pot Mongolian Beef Journey
Growing up, my family often enjoyed takeout from our local Chinese restaurant, and Mongolian Beef was always a hit. It wasn’t until I got my Instant Pot that I realized I could recreate this beloved dish at home. The first time I made it, my family couldn’t believe how similar it tasted to our favorite restaurant version! Now, it’s a staple in our dinner rotation, and I love sharing it with friends and family.
What Makes This Instant Pot Mongolian Beef Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out because of its simplicity and the depth of flavor achieved in such a short time. The combination of flank steak, brown sugar, soy sauce, and a hint of spice creates a deliciously sticky sauce that clings to the beef. Plus, using the Instant Pot ensures that the beef is tender and juicy, making every bite melt in your mouth. You can also customize it by adding your favorite vegetables for a complete meal!
The Full Instant Pot Mongolian Beef Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds flank steak, cut into thin strips
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅔ cup water
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: In a large bowl, toss the flank steak strips with cornstarch. Let them sit for 5 minutes to allow the cornstarch to penetrate the beef, which helps create a nice crust when seared.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, water, minced garlic, minced ginger, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Whisk well and set aside.
- Sear the Beef: Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add half of the sesame oil to the pot. Once hot, add half of the flank steak and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to brown. Remove the beef and repeat with the remaining sesame oil and beef. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Return all the beef to the pot and press the cancel button on your Instant Pot. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and stir well to combine.
- Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot (refer to your manufacturer’s guide for instructions). Set it to the Manual (high pressure) setting and set the timer for 10 minutes. This will ensure your beef is perfectly tender.
- Release Pressure: Once cooking is complete, use a quick release to depressurize the pot carefully and safely.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped green onions and garnish with sesame seeds. Serve the delicious beef stir-fry over rice for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Instant Pot Mongolian Beef
This Instant Pot Mongolian Beef dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or fluffy jasmine rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce. For added nutrition, consider tossing in some colorful veggies like bell peppers or broccoli during the cooking process. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a more balanced meal. If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding more red pepper flakes or even a dash of Sriracha to the sauce!
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Mongolian Beef
Can I use other cuts of beef? Yes, while flank steak is preferred for its tenderness, you can use sirloin or ribeye as alternatives.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time, store them separately in the refrigerator, and combine them when you’re ready to cook.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Enjoy this flavorful beef stir-fry that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 350
- Servings: 6
Instant Pot Mongolian Beef
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds flank steak, cut into thin strips
- 0.5 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 0.67 cup water
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the flank steak strips with cornstarch. Let them sit for 5 minutes to allow the cornstarch to penetrate the beef, which helps create a nice crust when seared.
- In a medium bowl, combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, water, minced garlic, minced ginger, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Whisk well and set aside.
- Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add half of the sesame oil to the pot. Once hot, add half of the flank steak and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to brown. Remove the beef and repeat with the remaining sesame oil and beef. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Return all the beef to the pot and press the cancel button on your Instant Pot. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and stir well to combine.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot (refer to your manufacturer’s guide for instructions). Set it to the Manual (high pressure) setting and set the timer for 10 minutes. This will ensure your beef is perfectly tender.
- Once cooking is complete, use a quick release to depressurize the pot carefully and safely.
- Stir in the chopped green onions and garnish with sesame seeds. Serve the delicious beef stir-fry over rice for a complete meal.