Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly tender, sticky-sweet chicken drumsticks that are bursting with bold Mongolian-inspired flavors - all prepared in under 40 minutes with minimal effort! These Instant Pot Mongolian Drumsticks are about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner sensation, promising restaurant-quality taste without the complicated cooking process. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or a culinary enthusiast, this recipe will revolutionize your meal prep and impress everyone at the dinner table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mongolian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Sesame oil
- Green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken drumsticks by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and sesame oil to create a rich marinade.
- Pour half of the marinade into the Instant Pot, reserving the remaining sauce for later glazing.
- Arrange the chicken drumsticks in a single layer inside the Instant Pot, ensuring they are coated with the marinade.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select the Manual/Pressure Cook setting on High Pressure for 15 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for remaining pressure.
- Remove drumsticks and place on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the reserved marinade over the drumsticks and broil for 3-4 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and creates a glossy finish.
- Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and serve hot with steamed rice or vegetables.
Tips
- Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry before seasoning to ensure better marinade absorption and caramelization.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for the most robust flavor profile - avoid pre-minced versions if possible.
- When broiling, watch the drumsticks closely to prevent burning, as the sugar in the marinade can quickly caramelize.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider marinating the drumsticks for 1-2 hours before cooking if time permits.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
- If you prefer less sauce, you can reduce the marinade by simmering it in a small saucepan after cooking the chicken.
- Serve immediately after broiling to maintain the crispy, glossy exterior of the drumsticks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 120mg
