Instant Pot Mongolian Beef
Try this Instant Pot Mongolian Beef recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Instant Pot Mongolian Beef recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup water
- garnish:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
- 1/2 cup lite soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or 2/3 cups i prefer the version with
- 10 cloves garlic minced
- cornstarch slurry:
- 1-1.5 pounds flank steak sliced across the grain
- Carbohydrate 30.0124587589973 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 9.71370374410084 g
- Fiber 2.27109998192362 g
- Protein 6.61888625097043 g
- Saturated Fat 1.3600634991854 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Recipe (500g)
- Sodium 2156.40275181681 mg
- Sugar 27.7413587770737 g
- Trans Fat 0.386059749778515 g
- Calories 242 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat up your pressure cooker: press Sauté -> click on the Adjust button -> select More to get the Sauté More function, which means that the food will be sautéed over medium-high heat. Wait for the Instant Pot indicator to read HOT.
- Add sliced beef to a large ziplock bag, add 1 tablespoon cornstarch and shake well to coat the beef evenly.
- Add the oil to the hot Instant Pot, once the oil is hot, add the beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring a few times. If needed brown the beef in batches, you don't want to add too much as it will start releasing juice and it won't brown well.
- Note: You can also skip browning the beef and just add it to the pot!
- If bits of beef stuck to the pot, add 1/2 cup water and deglaze the pot. Using a wooden spoon scrape the bottom of the pot. You can discard that liquid if wanted.
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot: minced garlic, minced ginger, lite soy sauce, brown sugar, water, rice wine and red pepper flakes. You can add less sugar, based on your taste and preference.
- Stir well until all the ingredients are combined and coated in sauce.
- Close lid and pressure cook at High Pressure for 8 minutes + 10 minutes Natural Release. Turn off the heat. Release the remaining pressure after the 10 mins NPR. Open the lid.
- Make the cornstarch slurry, in a small bowl mix cornstarch with water until fully combined. With the Instant Pot on the Sauté function, add the slurry to the pot, stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes on Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Turn off the Instant Pot and let the Mongolian Beef sit for 8-10 minutes before serving, in this time the sauce will settle and thicken more.
- Serve over rice and garnish with fresh chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
My Unexpected Culinary Adventure with Instant Pot Mongolian Beef
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner prep used to be a stressful, time-consuming ordeal, often resulting in quick, unhealthy meals or takeout. But lately, I've been on a mission to discover delicious and efficient recipes that don't compromise on flavor or nutrition. That's where my Instant Pot Mongolian Beef adventure began. I stumbled upon this recipe online and, skeptical at first, decided to give it a try. The promise of tender, flavorful beef in under 30 minutes? It sounded almost too good to be true.
The beauty of this Instant Pot recipe lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques or hours of simmering – just a handful of readily available ingredients and a pressure cooker that does most of the work. The initial sautéing step was straightforward, and even though I opted to skip browning the beef entirely (because time was seriously tight!), the results were still remarkably tasty. The blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic created a rich and savory sauce that perfectly complemented the tender beef. It was a revelation – a delicious, healthy meal that actually fit into my hectic schedule.
What surprised me most, however, wasn't just the convenience but the depth of flavor. The Instant Pot managed to create a remarkably complex taste profile, far exceeding what I expected from a dish that took less than 30 minutes to prepare. The subtle sweetness of the brown sugar balanced perfectly with the savory notes of the soy sauce and garlic, while a hint of ginger added a fresh, warming element. The texture of the beef was unbelievably tender, practically melting in my mouth.
This recipe quickly became a staple in our home, a go-to meal for busy weeknights. I've even experimented with variations, adding different vegetables or substituting flank steak with other cuts of beef. The adaptability of the recipe is another significant advantage; it's easy to customize to your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand.
More than just a quick meal, this Instant Pot Mongolian Beef recipe represents a shift in my approach to cooking. It's a reminder that healthy and delicious meals don't have to be time-consuming or complicated. With a little planning and the right tools, even the busiest of us can enjoy flavorful, home-cooked meals that nourish the body and soul. And that, for a working mother, is priceless. The ease and speed with which this dish comes together has allowed me to reconnect with the joy of cooking without sacrificing precious family time. It has become more than a meal; it is a symbol of balance in my life. This is my culinary triumph – a testament to the fact that even in the whirlwind of motherhood and a demanding career, a delicious and nourishing dinner is within reach.
Beyond the Recipe: A Reflection on Time and Taste
This recipe isn't just about the Instant Pot or the delicious Mongolian beef; it's about the power of finding time efficiency in a hectic life. As a working professional, I often find myself juggling multiple responsibilities, leaving limited time for the things that truly matter, including preparing nutritious meals for my family. This recipe has been a game-changer, offering a delicious shortcut to a home-cooked meal without sacrificing the taste or quality. It's a practical solution, yes, but it’s also a reminder that savoring a good meal can be a moment of calm amidst the chaos. It is about taking a pause, appreciating the simple pleasures, and sharing a meaningful experience with loved ones.
The beauty of the Instant Pot Mongolian Beef lies not only in its speed and ease but in its versatility. I've found myself experimenting with variations, adding different vegetables or using alternative cuts of beef. The adaptability of the recipe allows for creativity and personalization, transforming a simple dish into a personalized culinary adventure. This has encouraged me to experiment more in the kitchen, pushing my culinary boundaries without the fear of time constraints.
This experience has taught me that cooking can be both a relaxing escape and a productive use of limited time. The act of preparing food can be a mindful practice, a way to de-stress after a long day. The smell of the simmering sauce, the satisfaction of creating something delicious, and ultimately, the joy of sharing a meal with family — these are priceless moments that I now appreciate even more. The Instant Pot Mongolian Beef recipe has not only simplified my dinner routine but has enriched my culinary experience and, perhaps more importantly, my life beyond the kitchen.
In closing, I encourage everyone, especially those with demanding schedules, to try this Instant Pot Mongolian Beef recipe. It's not just a meal; it's a testament to the power of efficiency, deliciousness, and the simple joy of home-cooked food. It’s a reminder that even in the busiest of lives, there's always time for a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal.
