Instant Pot Mongolian Beef

The combination of savory, sweet, and umami flavors makes Instant Pot Mongolian Beef an absolute winner. The tender beef slices are bathed in a rich, flavorful sauce that thickens perfectly as it cooks under pressure, creating a comforting and satisfying dish. This quick recipe brings the mouthwatering taste of Mongolian-style cooking to your home in no time.

What’s more, this dish is incredibly versatile and easy to make, especially with the help of an Instant Pot. Perfectly tender beef and a sauce that balances sweetness with depth of flavor make this a deliciously indulgent meal. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually impressive. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, this Instant Pot Mongolian Beef delivers on both flavor and convenience.

Full Recipe:

• 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

• 1/2 cup beef broth

• 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Directions:

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add vegetable oil.

2. Add sliced beef and brown it for 3-4 minutes.

3. In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and beef broth.

4. Pour the sauce mixture over the browned beef in the Instant Pot.

5. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.

6. After cooking, perform a quick release of the pressure.

7. Stir the beef in the sauce until it’s thickened and well coated.

8. Serve the Mongolian beef over steamed rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

History and Origin

Mongolian beef, despite its name, does not originate from Mongolia. It is a dish that was popularized in Chinese-American restaurants, particularly in the United States. The flavor profile of the dish draws from traditional Chinese cooking, using soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and ginger, but it was adapted for Western palates. This dish evolved into a sweet and savory stir-fry, making it a popular choice in Chinese take-out restaurants.

The recipe we know today—flank steak cooked in a tangy, sweet sauce—has no direct roots in Mongolia. Instead, it represents a fusion of American and Chinese culinary influences, particularly from the flavors typically found in Mongolian-style cooking. The Mongolian Beef dish became widely popular in the late 20th century and continues to be a beloved choice for many home cooks today.

Variations and Adaptations

Instant Pot Mongolian Beef is a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. While the traditional recipe calls for flank steak, you can substitute other cuts of beef like sirloin or skirt steak for a different texture. Additionally, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or broccoli to the dish for a more colorful and nutritious meal.

If you’re looking to adjust the sweetness of the dish, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or opt for a sugar substitute, making the dish more suitable for those on lower-sugar diets. For a spicy kick, adding red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers can enhance the flavor and bring a bit of heat to the otherwise sweet sauce.

You can also play around with the sauce ingredients. Some recipes add garlic and scallions for extra depth, or a dash of sesame oil to create a nutty flavor. These variations offer endless possibilities for making Mongolian Beef your own while still keeping true to the dish’s core flavors.

Nutritional Information

Instant Pot Mongolian Beef provides a well-rounded balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. A typical serving contains approximately 350 calories, with the majority of the calories coming from the beef and the sugar-based sauce.

• Protein: Each serving provides around 30 grams of protein, thanks to the beef, which makes this dish a great source of muscle-building nutrients.

• Fat: The beef provides about 15 grams of fat per serving. The amount of fat will vary depending on the cut of beef used. Lean cuts like flank steak will have less fat compared to fattier cuts.

• Carbohydrates: The sauce contributes around 15-20 grams of carbohydrates per serving, most of which come from brown sugar. While not a carb-heavy dish, it’s important to note the sugar content if you’re on a low-carb or keto diet.

In terms of micronutrients, beef is an excellent source of iron, which is easily absorbed by the body. The dish also contains sodium, which comes from the soy sauce and hoisin sauce, so if you’re watching your salt intake, it’s worth considering using low-sodium versions of these ingredients.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

While Instant Pot Mongolian Beef is traditionally served over steamed white rice, you can get creative with your choice of accompaniments. For a healthier option, try serving the beef over cauliflower rice or quinoa. These alternatives offer a lower-carb option while still providing a satisfying base for the rich sauce.

To add more texture and nutrition to the meal, consider pairing the beef with sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. You can also serve it with a side of steamed edamame or sautéed bok choy for an authentic Asian-inspired meal.

As for drink pairings, a crisp, refreshing iced green tea can help balance the richness of the dish. If you prefer alcohol, a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of Mongolian beef. For a more casual pairing, a cold beer or even a Moscow Mule can complement the sweet-savory notes of the dish.

Tips and Tricks for Success

1. Searing the Beef: While the Instant Pot is fantastic for cooking under pressure, don’t skip the step of browning the beef. Searing the beef first helps create deeper flavors and caramelizes the sugars, adding richness to the dish.

2. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, simply reduce the amount of brown sugar used in the sauce. You can also substitute with a lower-calorie sweetener, like stevia or monk fruit, if you’re watching your sugar intake.

3. Use a Lean Cut of Beef: To keep the dish lighter, opt for a lean cut of beef like flank steak or sirloin. These cuts will still be tender when cooked in the Instant Pot, but they will contain less fat.

4. Thicken the Sauce: If your sauce is too thin after cooking, use the sauté function to reduce the sauce further. This will concentrate the flavors and give you that perfectly thick, sticky texture that makes Mongolian beef so irresistible.

5. Low-Sodium Options: If you’re watching your sodium intake, use low-sodium soy sauce and hoisin sauce. This can reduce the overall salt content of the dish without sacrificing too much flavor.

Potential Health Benefits

While Instant Pot Mongolian Beef may not be the lowest-calorie or low-sodium dish, it does offer some potential health benefits. Beef is a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It also provides iron, which is crucial for energy production and oxygen transport in the body.

Additionally, the ginger and garlic in the sauce offer anti-inflammatory properties and may aid in digestion. Garlic has been linked to heart health, while ginger can help with nausea and inflammation. If you’re looking for a more health-conscious version of this dish, consider adjusting the amount of sugar and sodium to fit your dietary preferences.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Mongolian Beef is a fantastic dish that combines bold, savory, and sweet flavors with the convenience of a pressure cooker. The tender beef and rich sauce are the perfect pair, making this a go-to meal for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try your own variations, this dish is sure to satisfy and impress. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal right at home. Give it a try and let your taste buds enjoy the delicious, mouthwatering goodness of Mongolian Beef!