Khorkhog Mongolian Stone-Boiled Barbecue
A rustic Mongolian barbecue where tender lamb and vegetables are slow-cooked with hot stones inside a sealed pot, infusing meaty flavors. This mongolian-inspired lamb ready in about 140 minutes pairs peeled and quartered large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks carrots, medium, quartered onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, cut into 2-inch chunks boneless lamb shoulder
- 3, peeled and quartered large potatoes
- 2, peeled and cut into chunks carrots
- 2 medium, quartered onions
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp salt
- 6-8, about 2 inches diameter clean, smooth stones
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the 6-8 clean, smooth stones on a baking tray. Bake the stones for 45 minutes until they are glowing hot.
- Step 2: In a large heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid, layer 2 lbs of lamb shoulder chunks, 3 peeled and quartered potatoes, 2 peeled and chopped carrots, and 2 quartered onions.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 1 tbsp salt and 1 tsp whole black peppercorns evenly over the layers. Pour in 2 cups water.
- Step 4: Using tongs, carefully place the hot stones on top of the ingredients inside the pot to create intense heat.
- Step 5: Seal the pot tightly with the lid and place it on the stovetop over medium heat for 10 minutes, then transfer to the oven.
- Step 6: Roast in the oven for 1.5 hours, allowing the stones to slowly cook the meat and vegetables, infusing a smoky aroma.
- Step 7: Remove carefully, serve the tender lamb and vegetables hot with the flavorful broth.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Khorkhog Mongolian Stone-Boiled Barbecue take to make?
Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Khorkhog Mongolian Stone-Boiled Barbecue?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium, quartered onions from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Khorkhog Mongolian Stone-Boiled Barbecue?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Khorkhog Mongolian Stone-Boiled Barbecue for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Khorkhog Mongolian Stone-Boiled Barbecue?
Mongolian lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The stone-boiled method was perfect for the meat, so flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family gathering, everyone loved the authentic taste!
- ★★★★★
Loved it! My family went crazy for this.