Instant Pot Sesame Ginger Beef & Rice

Tender Beef, Savory Sesame, and Zesty Ginger in a Quick, Flavorful Meal

Inspired by Asian cuisine, this Instant Pot Sesame Ginger Beef & Rice delivers rich, slow-cooked flavors in a fraction of the time. With sesame oil, ginger, and soy sauce, it’s a quick, restaurant-style dish perfect for busy nights.

Tender Instant Pot Sesame Ginger Beef & Rice – Quick and Flavorful One-Pot Beef & Rice Recipe

DifficultyMedium

Servings4

Prep time15 minutes

Cook time30 minutes

Total time45 minutes

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Ingredients:

For the Beef:

• 1 lb beef stew meat or flank steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch, (optional, for thickening)

For the Rice:

• 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth or water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Sesame Ginger Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water, (optional for thickening)

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoon chopped green onions
• Red Pepper Flakes, (optional for heat)

Instructions:

• 1

  Sauté the Beef:
  

  • Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add sesame oil to the pot. Once hot, add the cubed beef and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir well to coat the beef in the sauce. Turn off the sauté function.
• 2

  Prepare the Rice:
  

  • Add the rinsed jasmine rice, beef broth (or water), and salt to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine with the beef mixture.
• 3

  Pressure Cook:
  

  • Seal the Instant Pot and set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high for 15 minutes. Once the cook time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before using the quick release to let out any remaining pressure.
• 4

  Make the Sesame Ginger Sauce:
  

  • While the rice and beef are cooking, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), grated ginger, and garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
• 5

  Combine and Serve:

  • Once the Instant Pot is ready, fluff the rice with a fork and stir to combine with the beef. Pour the sesame ginger sauce over the beef and rice and stir gently to coat.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Sauté spoon or tongs
• Small saucepan
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Fork for fluffing rice

Recipe Notes and Variations:

Substitutions:

• Beef option: You can substitute beef stew meat or flank steak with chicken breast or tofu for a different protein.
• Rice variety: Feel free to use basmati rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
• Sweetener swap: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan alternative.

Pro Tips:

• Browning the beef: Make sure to brown the beef well to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
• Thickening the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use the cornstarch slurry as directed or add more cornstarch for a thicker consistency.
• Rice consistency: If you like your rice less sticky, rinse it thoroughly before adding it to the pot.

FAQs:

Can I use frozen beef?

• It’s best to use thawed beef for this recipe, but if using frozen beef, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

How do I store leftovers?

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.

Storage & Reheating Instructions:

• Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition

Calories	450
Carbohydrates	55g
Cholesterol	60mg
Fat	14g
Fiber	2g
Protein	28g
Saturated Fat	4g
Sodium	950mg
Sugar	11g
Trans Fat	0g
Unsaturated Fat	9g

History, Evolution, and Inspiration

Instant Pot sesame ginger beef & rice combines the rich, tender flavors of beef with the vibrant, tangy sweetness of sesame and ginger. This dish draws inspiration from Asian cuisine, where sesame oil, ginger, and soy sauce are key flavor components in many beloved dishes. Using an Instant Pot to prepare the dish makes it incredibly quick and convenient, while still maintaining the deep, savory flavors that take traditional slow-cooked dishes hours to develop. It’s a perfect way to bring restaurant-style flavors to your own kitchen in a fraction of the time.

The Art of Cooking Parts of the Recipe

The art of this dish lies in balancing the bold flavors of ginger and sesame with the tender beef and fluffy rice. The Instant Pot beef rice method locks in the flavors and moisture, ensuring that the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and the rice absorbs all the savory goodness of the sauce.

Interesting Things About the Recipe

This one-pot sesame ginger beef dish is a quick and easy way to enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal without the hassle of multiple pans. It’s packed with protein and full of vibrant flavors, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner.

Overview of the Parts of the Recipe

• Beef: Tender and flavorful beef cooked in a tangy sesame-ginger sauce.
• Rice: Soft and fluffy jasmine rice that absorbs all the savory sauce.
• Sauce: A sweet, spicy, and tangy sesame-ginger sauce that ties everything together.

What Occasions It’s Good For

• Dinner: Perfect for a quick, weeknight dinner that feels like a special treat.
• Meal Prep: This recipe is ideal for meal prep, making it easy to pack lunch or dinner for the next few days.
• Comfort food: If you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal, this Instant Pot sesame ginger beef & rice will hit the spot.

Why It’s the Perfect Recipe

This sesame ginger beef & rice recipe is the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, with the convenience of a one-pot meal. It’s easy to prepare, packed with protein, and full of bold flavors. Plus, it’s made in the Instant Pot, making it a quick and efficient dinner option for busy nights.