If you're looking for a quick yet satisfying dinner that delivers restaurant-style flavors in the comfort of your own home, Instant Pot Mongolian Beef is your answer. This dish is a fusion of sweet and savory flavors, with tender strips of beef simmered in a sticky garlic-ginger soy sauce. Thanks to the Instant Pot, what typically takes hours of cooking can come together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Whether you're trying to impress dinner guests or feed your family, this easy recipe will become one of your go-to favorites. Plus, you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Let's get started!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make Instant Pot Mongolian Beef:
For the beef:
- 1 ½ lbs flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- ¼ cup cornstarch
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- ½ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium for less salt)
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Instant Pot Mongolian Beef:
Step 1: Prep the Beef
Slice the flank steak into thin strips against the grain. This keeps the beef tender and easy to chew. Toss the sliced beef with cornstarch until evenly coated. The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and gives the beef its signature velvety texture.
Step 2: Saute Garlic and Ginger
Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" mode and add vegetable oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Step 3: Add the Sauce Ingredients
Pour in the soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to deglaze and pick up any flavorful bits stuck from sautéing. If you like a bit of heat, add red chili flakes at this stage.
Step 4: Add the Beef
Gently add the cornstarch-coated beef strips into the Instant Pot, making sure the sauce covers the meat. Do not stir too much at this point.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Choose the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" setting and cook for 8 minutes on high pressure. Once the cooking time is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. After that, carefully turn the valve to "Venting" to release any remaining pressure.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (if needed)
If the sauce is thinner than you'd like, switch back to the "Sauté" mode and simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your preference. Stir occasionally.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the Mongolian Beef to a serving dish, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Instant Pot Mongolian Beef pairs wonderfully with steamed white or brown rice, but you can also serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Add a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas to round out the meal with some color and crunch.
Tips for Customization
- Spice it up: Toss in some sriracha or extra chili flakes to give the dish more heat.
- Add veggies: Bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli can be added after pressure cooking. Simply sauté them in the sauce until tender.
- Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Keto-friendly: Swap the brown sugar for a sugar-free alternative like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
With this recipe, you'll have a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that's quick, easy, and endlessly adaptable. The Instant Pot takes care of all the hard work, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your meal. Give it a try tonight—you won't be disappointed!
Post a Comment