Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these mouthwatering Instant Pot Korean Meatballs! Bursting with flavor and made in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at your next gathering. With a delightful blend of savory soy sauce, aromatic garlic, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, these meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, the convenience of the Instant Pot means you can whip up this Korean delicacy with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Dive into the recipe below and discover how to create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Korean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of chopped green onions, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of minced ginger, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 16 meatballs from this mixture.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' function and allow it to heat up for a couple of minutes. Once hot, add a small amount of oil to the pot to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the meatballs in the Instant Pot, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to do this in batches. Sauté the meatballs for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are browned. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside on a plate.
- After browning the meatballs, add 1/2 cup of water or broth to the pot to deglaze it, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. This will add flavor to the sauce.
- Return the meatballs to the pot, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer if possible. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position.
- Select the 'Pressure Cook' or 'Manual' setting and adjust the time to 10 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the cooking time begins.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 5 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and check the meatballs to ensure they are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (70°C).
- Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with additional chopped green onions if desired. They can be enjoyed on their own, over rice, or in a lettuce wrap for a delicious Korean-inspired meal.
Tips
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture. This can lead to tough meatballs; a gentle hand will ensure a tender bite.
- Batch Cooking: If your Instant Pot is small, consider sautéing the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. This helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust on each meatball.
- Deglaze for Flavor: After browning the meatballs, don't skip the deglazing step! Scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot adds a depth of flavor to your sauce that elevates the dish.
- Check Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F (70°C) for safe consumption.
- Serving Suggestions: These meatballs are versatile! Serve them over steamed rice, in lettuce wraps, or even as a filling in a Korean-inspired sandwich for a delightful twist.
- Garnish for Presentation: For an extra pop of color and flavor, garnish your meatballs with additional chopped green onions or sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
