Instant Pot Mongolian Beef

This Instant Pot Mongolian Beef is the epitome of quick and flavorful comfort food. The tender beef absorbs all the sweet and savory notes of the sauce, creating a rich, umami-packed dish. Served with fluffy rice, it’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s so easy to prepare, yet it delivers a meal that’s both hearty and delicious. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes, or even add some vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra texture and nutrition. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this Mongolian Beef is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Full Recipe:

1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
1/2 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon green onions, chopped (for garnish)

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions:

Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting and add sesame oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced flank steak and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until browned. Remove the beef and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes to the pot, stirring to combine.

Return the beef to the Instant Pot, stirring to coat it with the sauce mixture.
Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
Once done, perform a quick release to release the pressure.

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the Instant Pot, then set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” again and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve the Mongolian beef over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

History and Origin

Mongolian Beef, despite its name, is not actually from Mongolia. It’s a dish that was popularized in the United States, particularly in Chinese-American cuisine, and has no traditional roots in Mongolian cuisine. The dish likely originated as a western adaptation of Chinese flavors, with a focus on the savory-sweet combination that many Chinese-American dishes are known for.

The concept of Mongolian beef typically involves stir-frying beef slices with scallions and a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and hoisin. The dish became incredibly popular in the late 20th century, particularly with the rise of fast-casual Chinese eateries. As Mongolian Beef became more widespread, many variations began to appear in restaurants and home kitchens. The advent of the Instant Pot has allowed home cooks to recreate this beloved dish in record time, making it more accessible to busy families without compromising on flavor.

While the dish has no direct historical connection to Mongolia, its name may stem from the association of Mongolian cuisine with bold flavors and rich meats. This fusion of Eastern flavors with Western techniques made Mongolian Beef a hit in America and abroad.

Variations and Adaptations

Though the traditional Mongolian beef recipe is relatively straightforward, there are plenty of ways to customize it based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. One popular adaptation is to make it spicier by adding more chili flakes or fresh chili peppers to the sauce. This addition can provide a nice balance to the sweet and salty flavors, making it perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals.

Another variation is to use different cuts of beef. While flank steak is commonly used in the classic recipe, other cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or skirt steak can work just as well. These cuts vary in tenderness and flavor, allowing you to experiment and find your ideal combination. Some people prefer to use pre-cooked or shredded beef for a quicker version, making the dish even more convenient for busy days.

For those who are looking for a lighter or vegetarian option, you can substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh. These plant-based proteins absorb the sauce beautifully, offering a delicious alternative for vegetarians or anyone seeking a more plant-forward meal. Additionally, you can make the dish gluten-free by substituting soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the meal.

In terms of serving options, you can switch up the classic rice base by serving the Mongolian beef over noodles, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also try serving it in lettuce wraps for a fresh, crunchy contrast to the savory beef.

Nutritional Information

Instant Pot Mongolian Beef, like most beef-based dishes, is high in protein, making it an excellent option for muscle repair and growth. A typical serving of Mongolian beef contains about 350 calories, depending on the specific cuts of beef and the amount of sauce used.

Here’s a rough breakdown of the key nutrients per serving:

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 28 grams

Fat: 20 grams (including healthy fats from sesame oil)
Carbohydrates: 15 grams (mostly from the brown sugar and soy sauce)
Fiber: 1-2 grams (if served with vegetables or over a whole grain)

Sodium: 800-1000 mg (depending on the type of soy sauce used)

While the dish is a great source of protein, it’s important to be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you’re watching your salt intake. To lower the sodium levels, you can opt for low-sodium soy sauce or reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.

Additionally, Mongolian Beef is rich in essential minerals such as iron, which is vital for red blood cell production, and zinc, which supports immune function. When served with vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers, the dish becomes even more nutritious, offering a boost in vitamins A and C.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Instant Pot Mongolian Beef is best served over steamed rice, which helps to soak up the delicious sauce. White jasmine rice is a popular choice, but brown rice or quinoa would also make great alternatives, adding a bit more fiber to the meal.

If you’re looking to make the meal more well-rounded, consider adding some sautéed or steamed vegetables on the side. Broccoli, bell peppers, or even snap peas are all excellent options. You could also serve the dish with a light cucumber salad or a tangy Asian-inspired slaw to balance out the richness of the beef.

In terms of drink pairings, a light and crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, would complement the flavors of Mongolian Beef. For non-alcoholic options, try a sparkling water with a splash of lime or a green tea, which adds an earthy note that pairs nicely with the sweet and savory elements of the dish.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Slice the Beef Thinly: For the best texture, slice the beef as thinly as possible against the grain. This will help it cook quickly and become tender in the Instant Pot.

Brown the Beef Well: Don’t rush the sautéing step. Let the beef brown on all sides to develop a deeper flavor that adds richness to the final dish.
Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Fresh ginger and garlic add a burst of flavor that enhances the sauce. Pre-ground versions may work in a pinch, but fresh is always best for the most vibrant taste.
Adjust the Sauce: Taste the sauce before pressure cooking and adjust it according to your preference. If you like a sweeter dish, add a bit more brown sugar. If you prefer a saltier kick, boost the soy sauce or hoisin.

Cornstarch Slurry: For a thicker sauce, don’t skip the cornstarch slurry. It’s the secret to achieving that glossy, restaurant-quality finish.

Potential Health Benefits

Mongolian Beef is a flavorful dish that provides several potential health benefits, particularly when made with lean beef. Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and immune function. It’s also rich in vital nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

While the dish does contain sugar in the form of brown sugar, this is balanced by the savory elements in the sauce, making it a moderate indulgence. The use of sesame oil adds healthy fats, particularly polyunsaturated fats, which support heart health. However, it’s important to keep portion sizes in check, as the dish is relatively high in fat and sodium.

When served with vegetables, the dish becomes even more beneficial by boosting your intake of vitamins and antioxidants, making it a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Mongolian Beef is an incredibly versatile, easy-to-make dish that brings the bold flavors of Chinese-American cuisine into your home kitchen in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner after a busy day or a dish to impress guests, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s savory, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles.

The best part? You can adapt this recipe to suit your dietary needs, making it a family-friendly option for anyone looking for a quick, tasty, and filling meal. Try it today and discover how the Instant Pot can revolutionize your cooking game!