Instant Pot Korean Beef Recipe

Instant Pot Korean Beef is a quick and flavorful dish that takes inspiration from traditional Korean BBQ. Using the Instant Pot, you can create tender, juicy beef in a fraction of the time it would typically take, with bold flavors from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for serving over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.

Instant Pot Korean Beef Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs beef chuck or flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for browning)
• ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
• ⅓ cup brown sugar (or honey)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tsp sriracha (optional, for spice)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tbsp water (for mixing with cornstarch)

Garnishes:

• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• 2-3 green onions, sliced

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Beef:
   • Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
   • Once hot, add the thinly sliced beef in batches and brown it on both sides. You don’t need to cook it all the way through, just get a good sear for flavor. Remove and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha (if using), and black pepper.
3. Pressure Cook:
   • Add the beef back to the Instant Pot, then pour the sauce over the top.
   • Close the lid, ensuring the valve is set to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is done, let it naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
   • If you’d like a thicker sauce, turn the Instant Pot to “Sauté” again.
   • In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
   • Stir the slurry into the sauce and simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle the beef with sesame seeds and green onions.
   • Serve the Korean beef over steamed rice, with vegetables, or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Variations:

• Spicy: Add more sriracha or red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
• Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli during the sauté process for extra veggies in the dish.
• Ground Beef: You can use ground beef instead of sliced beef for a quicker version.

Enjoy!

This Instant Pot Korean Beef is a perfect combination of savory, sweet, and spicy. The beef turns out tender and flavorful, making it a delicious, easy-to-make meal for weeknights or any time you’re craving a taste of Korean-inspired cuisine!