Instant Pot Mongolian Drumsticks
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
5 mins
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Additional Time
10 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
5 drumsticks
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Calories
374 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Instant Pot Mongolian Drumsticks
Description
This recipe uses chicken drumsticks cooked in an Instant Pot with a sauce combining soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. The sauce has a balanced profile of sweetness, acidity, and umami with a touch of heat. After pressure cooking the chicken, it is broiled briefly to get a crispy, caramelized exterior while keeping the interior moist and tender.
The use of cornstarch slurry to thicken the leftover sauce is optional and helps achieve a glossy coating on the drumsticks. Garnishing with sesame seeds and chopped scallions adds texture and fresh flavor.
This dish is suitable as a main course served with rice or steamed vegetables. The slow pressure cooking allows flavors to meld and the chicken to tenderize without drying out.
Marinating chicken in acidic marinades should be limited to 1–4 hours to avoid textural problems. Use skin-on drumsticks for better crisping. Adjust cooking time for thicker drumsticks. Let cooked chicken rest after pressure cooking to redistribute juices. The recipe can be prepared in advance and frozen with the sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. or about 5-6 drumsticks skin on
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup soy sauce or gluten-free Tamari sauce, low sodium
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger freshly grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Cornstarch Slurry:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish:
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- scallions chopped
Instructions
- Add all the sauce ingredients to a medium bowl and whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Now, you have a few options:
- Option 1: Add the sauce and the chicken drumsticks to the Instant Pot and cook.
- Option 2: Add the chicken to the sauce and marinate for a few hours.
- Option 3: Add the chicken and the sauce mixture to a freezer-friendly Ziplock bag and freeze.
Cook:
- Add the sauce mixture to the instant pot when you are ready to cook the meal.
- Add the chicken drumsticks in one layer to the pot.
- Close the lid, seal the valve, and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once the Instant Pot beeps, let the pressure naturally release for 5-10 minutes.
- In the meantime, turn on the oven broiler and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Gently remove the chicken drumsticks from the Instant Pot and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush them with some sauce from the pot and put them under the broiler for 2-5 minutes on each side. Watch them closely so as not to burn.
- In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water until thoroughly combined.
- In the meantime, turn the Sauté button on, and add the cornstarch slurry to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Let it stand; the sauce will thicken.
- Serve the chicken over rice and pour the sauce on the chicken.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Enjoy!
Notes
- Marinate chicken drumsticks for 1 to 4 hours maximum to prevent mushy texture from acid in the marinade.
- Use skin-on drumsticks for a crispier result after broiling.
- Adjust Instant Pot cooking time up to 6 minutes for extra thick drumsticks.
- Allow chicken to rest at least 10 minutes after cooking to let juices redistribute.
- Cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce is optional and can be omitted if preferred.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 5drumsticks
Amount Per Serving
Calories 374 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 374kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 27g | 9% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 125mg | 42% |
| Sodium | 1004mg | 42% |
| Potassium | 387mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugar | 21g | 42% |
| Vitamin A | 120IU | 2% |
| Calcium | 54mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1.8mg | 10% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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