Name: Instant Pot Mongolian Beef
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound flank steak (sliced very thin, 1/4 inch); 3 tablespoons cornstarch; ½ cup soy sauce; ½ cup water; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon grated ginger; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups small broccoli florets; ¼ cup sliced green onions (for garnish); 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

When I think of comfort food, the first dish that comes to mind is Instant Pot Mongolian Beef. It’s rich, savory, and has just the right amount of sweetness that makes it so addictive. I remember the first time I made this dish—it was a chilly evening, and I had friends over. As the aromas filled my kitchen, I could hardly wait to serve it. Everyone gathered around the table, eagerly anticipating the first bite, and I was thrilled to see their faces light up with delight. There’s something special about sharing a delicious meal with loved ones, and this recipe has become a staple in my household.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
35 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
360 kcal

Protein:
32 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
14 g

Tools Used:
Instant Pot

The Charm of This Instant Pot Mongolian Beef

Quick and Simple

One of the reasons I adore making Instant Pot Mongolian Beef is how quick and simple it is. With just a few ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal in no time. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on enjoying the company of your friends and family instead of spending all evening in the kitchen.

Flavor Explosion

The flavors in this dish truly shine. The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger creates a beautiful balance of sweet and savory. Each bite is packed with flavor, making it impossible to resist going back for seconds (or thirds!).

Versatile Dish

Another reason I love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Want it spicier? Just add more red pepper flakes. Prefer it sweeter? A touch more brown sugar will do the trick. This adaptability makes it a fantastic choice for any gathering.

Perfectly Tender Beef

Thanks to the pressure cooking method, the beef comes out tender and juicy every time. There’s nothing worse than tough beef, and with the Instant Pot, you can be assured that your meat will be melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I love that it practically cooks itself, allowing me to spend more time enjoying the meal rather than worrying about whether the beef is cooked through.

Great Leftovers

If you’re like me and enjoy meal prepping, you’ll be thrilled to know that this dish makes fantastic leftovers. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even better the next day. I often make a double batch to ensure I have enough to last through the week.

What Goes Into Instant Pot Mongolian Beef

When it comes to creating the perfect Instant Pot Mongolian Beef, the ingredients are essential. Each component plays a critical role in building the dish’s rich flavor profile. From the tender beef to the sweet and savory sauce, everything works harmoniously together to create a meal that is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the key players!

1 pound flank steak, sliced very thin, 1/4 inch – The star of the show! Flank steak is lean, yet when cooked properly, it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.
3 tablespoons cornstarch – This helps to create a nice coating on the beef, giving it a tasty texture and helping to thicken the sauce.
½ cup soy sauce – Adds a savory depth that is essential for the dish. Choose low-sodium if you want to control the saltiness.
½ cup water – Balances out the soy sauce and creates the perfect sauce consistency.
¼ cup brown sugar – This provides the dish’s signature sweetness, balancing the salty soy sauce beautifully.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses the dish with a wonderful aromatic flavor.
1 teaspoon grated ginger – Adds a fresh, zesty note that complements the beef perfectly.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes – For those who like a little heat, this helps to spice things up.
2 tablespoons olive oil – Used for sautéing the beef to perfection.
2 cups small broccoli florets – Adds color, crunch, and nutritional value to the dish.
¼ cup sliced green onions, for garnish – A fresh garnish that adds a lovely bite.
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, for garnish – Adds a nutty flavor and a touch of elegance.

How to Prepare Instant Pot Mongolian Beef

Getting ready to cook Instant Pot Mongolian Beef is a breeze. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be on your way to a delicious meal. Follow along closely, and let’s get started!

Begin by adding the flank steak and cornstarch to a medium bowl or a plastic bag. Toss everything together well to ensure the beef is evenly coated. This step is crucial as it helps to tenderize the meat and create a crispy exterior once it’s cooked.
Allow the beef to sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. This helps to bring the meat to the right temperature and enhances its tenderness.
While the beef rests, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes until well combined. This sauce is where all the magic happens, so make sure it’s mixed thoroughly.
Next, heat your Instant Pot using the saute function and drizzle in the olive oil. Wait for the oil to become hot and shimmer slightly—this helps to achieve a good sear on the beef.
Once the oil is hot, add the beef to the pot. Be careful not to overcrowd it. If necessary, cook it in batches to ensure that each piece gets a nice sear. Sear the beef for about 2 minutes, then flip it to sear the other side for an additional 2 minutes. You want a nice golden color on the outside.
After searing, pour the prepared sauce over the beef. Stir gently to combine everything, ensuring every piece of meat is coated in that flavorful sauce.
Now, carefully place the broccoli on top of the beef. It’s important not to mix it into the sauce at this point, as the broccoli will steam beautifully on top during cooking.
Seal the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to the sealing position. Set the pot to pressure cook on manual for 1 minute. Yes, just 1 minute! The pressure cook time is extremely quick, which is part of the beauty of this dish.
When the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the valve to venting. Be cautious as steam will escape. This process is essential to prevent overcooking the beef.
Once the pressure has released, open the lid and garnish with the green onions and sesame seeds. Serve your delicious Instant Pot Mongolian Beef over rice for a complete meal. Enjoy immediately, and be prepared for everyone to ask for seconds!

Things Worth Knowing

Let it rest: Allowing the beef to rest after coating it with cornstarch helps in tenderizing it even further.
Searing: Make sure the oil is hot before adding the beef to get a nice sear and develop flavor.
Cooking times: The quick cooking time in the Instant Pot is designed to keep the beef tender and juicy.
For best results: Always use flank steak for the best texture and flavor in this dish.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

There are countless ways to make Instant Pot Mongolian Beef your own. Here are some tips to help you customize this dish to suit your taste:

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days to maintain freshness.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked beef for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Pairing: Try serving this dish with steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance.
Cooking Method: If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can adapt this recipe for the stovetop. Just simmer everything until cooked through.

What Goes Well With This Instant Pot Mongolian Beef

Serving Instant Pot Mongolian Beef is a delight as it pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes and beverages. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:

Steamed Rice: Serve it over fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: A side of stir-fried mixed vegetables can add freshness and crunch to your meal.
Salad: A light salad with a tangy dressing complements the richness of the beef nicely.
Asian Noodles: Try pairing it with lo mein or rice noodles tossed in sesame oil for a delightful twist.
Occasions: This dish is perfect for casual family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests.
Seasonal Pairings: Enjoy it during the colder months for a warming meal or during gatherings for a crowd-pleasing dish.

FAQ

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as sirloin or ribeye, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Flank steak is recommended because it is lean and becomes tender quickly when cooked under pressure. Just be sure to slice it thinly to ensure tenderness regardless of the cut you choose.

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can still make Instant Pot Mongolian Beef on the stove. Simply follow the same steps but cook the beef in a skillet or Dutch oven. Just be sure to simmer the sauce for a longer time to allow the flavors to meld and the beef to cook through. It may take about 20 to 25 minutes on the stovetop.

Absolutely! Adding more vegetables is a fantastic way to enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the Instant Pot Mongolian Beef. Feel free to include vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or even carrots for added color and crunch. Just toss them in when you add the broccoli and adjust the cooking time if necessary.

Yes! To make Instant Pot Mongolian Beef gluten-free, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. This will keep the dish friendly for those with gluten sensitivities while still maintaining great flavor.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Mongolian Beef is a delightful dish that brings together tender beef and a burst of savory flavors in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. I encourage you to try this recipe; you won’t be disappointed!