Instant Pot Savory Korean Beef and Rice

I love this delicious, savory Korean beef–a riff on traditional Korean bulgogi–and have been making it at home for years. But figuring out how to make it in the Instant Pot (get yours here: https://amzn.to/2QmSPR1), with the rice at the same time was a real game changer! One-pot Korean beef and rice? You’re in the right place!

The secret is pot-in-pot cooking (PIP). While the beef is busy simmering in the bottom of the pot, the rice is getting tender and fluffy in its own dish cooking above it. To accomplish this, you’ll need an oven-proof container that holds at least 6 cups to cook the rice in and, although you can use the steam rack that came with your Instant Pot, a riser like this one keeps everything neat and tidy.

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Oh, and did I mention how delicious this Korean beef recipe is? It’s the perfect blend of salty, sweet and umami. An extra crunch of sesame seeds is the perfect touch at the end. And did we mention this is a one-pot meal? Having a dinner that comes together fast is only half the battle if it dirties every dish in the kitchen. This one-pot wonder is not only fast to prepare, it’s a snap to clean up.

Pro Tip: Different types and brands of rice need slightly different cooking times, so if your rice comes out a bit al dente for your taste, put 2 tbsp of water in the rice pot, close the lid and cook on manual for an additional 2 minutes with a quick release.

It’s the perfect blend of salty, sweet and umami.


Ingredients:

Rice Mixture:

  • 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 2 tbsp butter

Beef Mixture:

  • 1 1/2 lbs ground beef, preferably 93% lean
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp ginger root, grated
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne, or to taste 
  • Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Combine Rice Mixture ingredients in an IP-friendly casserole (we love this one: https://amzn.to/2OXT8Bw). Set aside.
  2. Add ground beef to the Instant Pot. Using the display panel select the SAUTE function.
  3. Brown the meat until no pink remains, breaking up as you go. Drain any liquids.
  4. Add remaining Beef Mixture ingredients and stir to combine.
  5. Insert a steam rack or riser (we like the neater result we get with this riser: https://amzn.to/2xTvP5g), and carefully lower casserole onto the riser.
  6. Turn the pot off by selecting CANCEL, then secure the lid, making sure the vent is closed.
  7. Using the display panel select the MANUAL function*. Use the +/- keys and program the Instant Pot for 8 minutes.
  8. When the time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.
  9. Carefully remove the casserole from the pot and fluff rice with a fork.
  10. Remove the riser and stir the beef mixture. Serve beef over rice garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

*The MANUAL and PRESSURE COOK buttons are interchangeable.