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Instant Pot Mongolian Beef: A Quick and Delectable Dish

If you’re looking for a quick yet satisfying dish that encapsulates robust flavours and tender meat, look no further than Instant Pot Mongolian Beef. This delightful recipe marries the rich, savoury notes of soy sauce and the sweetness of brown sugar with the unmistakable tenderness of stir-fried beef, all made effortlessly in your Instant Pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is not only uncomplicated but also guarantees to get your taste buds dancing.

A Brief History

Mongolian Beef is a dish often associated with American Chinese cuisine rather than traditional Mongolian fare. Its origins can be traced back to Chinese-American restaurants in the 1990s, where chefs sought to create a dish that combined the flavours of soy sauce with carrots and green onions. This modern interpretation has since become a favourite for its delicious simplicity and the comforting umami taste.

Why Use an Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot revolutionises cooking by reducing preparation and cooking times significantly. With its multifunctionality, you can sauté, pressure cook, and even slow cook, making it incredibly versatile. In this recipe, the pressure cooker feature helps to tenderise the beef, allowing the flavours to meld beautifully in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.

Ingredients

To prepare Instant Pot Mongolian Beef, you will need:

• 1.5 pounds (680g) of flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
• ¼ cup (60ml) of soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
• ¼ cup (50g) of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 cup (150g) of sliced green onions
• ½ cup (120ml) of water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Sesame seeds for garnish

Preparation Method

1. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with half of the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating for a few hours or overnight in the fridge will enhance the flavours.

2. Sauté: Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ mode. Add the vegetable oil and allow it to heat. Add the marinated beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until browned. Once done, remove the beef and set it aside.

3. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the water and scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. This step is crucial to avoid the ‘burn’ warning.

4. Pressure Cook: Return the browned beef to the pot, and add the remaining soy sauce and brown sugar. Stir to combine. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to ‘Pressure Cook’ for 10 minutes. Ensure that the valve is set to ‘Sealing’.

5. Release the Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for about 5 minutes before switching the valve to ‘Venting’ to release any remaining steam. Carefully remove the lid.

6. Add Green Onions: Stir in the sliced green onions. You can allow them to wilt for a minute, or enjoy them fresh for added crunch.

7. Serve: Your Mongolian Beef is now ready! Serve it hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. For an extra touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top.

Tips for Success

• Flank Steak: This cut of meat is ideal for this recipe due to its flavour and tenderness when cooked properly. If flank steak is unavailable, sirloin or ribeye also work well.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, consider using tofu or seitan, marinating and cooking them similarly.
• Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preferences; more sugar will yield a sweeter sauce!

Conclusion

Instant Pot Mongolian Beef is a delightful dish that combines simplicity with mouth-watering flavour. With minimal effort, you can prepare a meal that feels like a treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a family dinner or a craving for flavourful beef, this recipe has got you covered. Enjoy the wondrous blend of spices and sauces that are sure to impress your guests—and yourself! Happy cooking!

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