Instant Pot Mongolian Beef

Introduction

Instant Pot Mongolian Beef is the answer to takeout cravings on busy weeknights. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll create tender slices of beef coated in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce—all made effortlessly in one pot. This recipe’s biggest appeal is its bold flavor packed into a dish that requires minimal hands-on time, thanks to the magic of electric pressure cooking.

This homemade version rivals your favorite restaurant’s Mongolian beef, but is fresher, healthier, and ready in a fraction of the time.

Why Instant Pot Mongolian Beef Works

The pressure cooker speeds up tough cuts of meat, making them incredibly tender while locking in flavor. A balance of garlic, ginger, and brown sugar brings out an authentic takeout taste, while the sauce thickens to just the right consistency for draping over rice or noodles. It’s a guaranteed hit for family dinners or casual entertaining and reheats perfectly for lunches.

Tips for Perfect Prep

Thin, even beef slices are essential for tenderness and fast cooking. Slice the flank steak against the grain. To make prep even simpler and safer, a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper can be invaluable for quick, uniform chopping of aromatics like garlic and scallions—keeping prep mess-free and efficient.

The Best Instant Pot Mongolian Beef: Step-by-Step

Start by browning the beef briefly to maximize flavor, then pressure cook with your sauce. After cooking, the Instant Pot’s sauté function lets you quickly thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry, making it cling beautifully to each bite of beef.

If you don’t own an Instant Pot, the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart is an ideal model for small to medium families—versatile, reliable, and beginner-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

This dish shines atop steaming white rice (use your Instant Pot to cook the rice first!) or paired with quick-stir-fried vegetables. For easy cleanup, dish up leftovers into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers—they’re airtight, so your Mongolian beef stays saucy and fresh all week.

For gorgeous presentation and convenient slicing, a set of durable Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen is a great investment—protecting your knives and making prep even smoother.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 hearty servings. Each delivering around 430–470 calories, depending on your cut of beef and serving size. Serve with plenty of vegetables or rice to round out the meal.

Instant Pot Mongolian Beef (Recap)

Bold, saucy, and ultra-tender, this Instant Pot Mongolian Beef is a fast and flavorful mealtime centerpiece. Its irresistible sauce, speed, and satisfying texture make it a family favorite that’s easier to create at home than you might expect.

Instructions

1. Lightly coat the beef slices in the 1/4 cup cornstarch. Set aside.
2. Set your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart to “sauté” mode. Add 1 tablespoon oil. When hot, add half the beef and brown (about 1 minute per side). Set browned beef aside and repeat with remaining oil and beef.
3. With the pot still on sauté, add garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
4. Pour in soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir, then add all beef back into the pot with any accumulated juices. Top with most of the scallions (reserve some for garnish).
5. Seal the lid and set manual pressure for 10 minutes. Once complete, allow natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
6. Set the Instant Pot to “sauté” mode. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the pot and cook, mixing constantly, until the sauce thickens (1–2 minutes).
7. Serve hot, garnished with reserved scallions and sesame seeds over steamed rice. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for ultimate convenience and freshness.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Enjoy the bold, restaurant-quality flavor of Mongolian beef at home in less time than it takes for delivery—thanks to your Instant Pot!