Mongolian Beef is a dish that dances on your taste buds, bringing together the savory sweetness of soy sauce, the tender embrace of beef, and the aromatic tickle of ginger. Imagine biting into juicy strips of beef coated in a glossy sauce that glistens like a sunset over a calm sea—each mouthful is an explosion of flavor that leaves you craving more.
As I remember my first attempt at making Mongolian Beef, it was an adventure filled with laughter and a little chaos. The kitchen turned into a battlefield with soy sauce splatters and ginger peels everywhere. But oh, the joy when we finally sat down to enjoy this delightful dish! It’s perfect for those cozy weeknight dinners or when you want to impress friends during a casual gathering. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be dreaming about it at midnight!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Mongolian Beef recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile bursts with sweet and savory notes that delight every palate
- With its vibrant colors and enticing aromas, it’s sure to impress your dinner guests
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal
Ingredients for Mongolian Beef
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Flank Steak: Choose tender flank steak for the best texture; slice it against the grain for maximum tenderness.
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Fresh Ginger: Use fresh ginger root for an aromatic kick; avoid dried ginger as it lacks vibrancy.
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Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth to the sauce; mince them finely to release their bold flavor.
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Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce so you can control the saltiness of your dish.
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Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and balances out the savory flavors beautifully.
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Vegetable Oil: Use this for stir-frying; it has a high smoke point, perfect for searing the beef.
For the Sauce:
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Cornstarch: A little bit thickens up the sauce perfectly while coating the meat nicely.
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Green Onions: Sliced green onions add freshness and color; they’re like confetti on your plate!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Mongolian Beef
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by slicing your flank steak into thin strips against the grain—this ensures tenderness in each bite. Once sliced, toss it with cornstarch in a bowl until evenly coated.
Step 2: Heat Up That Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot enough (you want that sizzle!), add the beef strips in batches so they sear rather than steam.
Step 3: Stir-Fry Like a Pro
Cook each batch of beef until browned but not fully cooked through—about two minutes should do it. Remove from pan and set aside while you work your magic on that glorious sauce.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger; sauté just until fragrant—don’t let them burn! Pour in soy sauce and brown sugar, stirring until dissolved.
Step 5: Combine & Cook
Add back your beef to the skillet along with sliced green onions. Toss everything together in that sweet-savory goodness until heated through—this should take another minute or two.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Transfer your beautiful Mongolian Beef onto plates with rice or noodles as a base. Drizzle any leftover sauce over top for that finishing touch!
And there you have it—seriously delicious Mongolian Beef ready to tantalize your taste buds! Enjoy every bite as if you’re feasting at an upscale restaurant without ever leaving home.
You Must Know
- This delightful Mongolian beef recipe combines tender strips of beef with a sweet and savory sauce
- The dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at a dinner party
- Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create mouthwatering Mongolian beef, start by marinating the beef while you prepare your vegetables. Sear the beef in a hot pan, then cook your aromatics before adding the sauce. Finally, bring everything together for a delicious finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Mongolian beef! Swap out soy sauce for tamari if you prefer gluten-free options. Add some sliced bell peppers or broccoli for extra crunch and color. Spice it up with red pepper flakes to kick things up a notch!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium heat until heated through, ensuring your beef remains tender and flavorful.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly tender Mongolian beef, slice against the grain to maximize tenderness
- Use high heat when searing to achieve that delicious caramelization
- Always taste your sauce before serving; adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed for balance
When I first made Mongolian beef for my family, they were skeptical about trying something new. But after the first bite, they were hooked! Now it’s our go-to dish for family gatherings—who knew sweet soy could unite us all?
FAQs:
What is Mongolian Beef?
Mongolian beef is a popular dish that originates from Chinese cuisine. It typically consists of tender strips of beef stir-fried with scallions and soy sauce. While it may not have originated in Mongolia, the dish features rich flavors and a slightly sweet and savory sauce. It’s commonly served over rice or noodles, making it a satisfying meal for many.
How do I make Mongolian Beef at home?
To make Mongolian beef at home, start by marinating sliced beef in soy sauce, cornstarch, and a bit of oil. Next, stir-fry the beef in a hot pan until browned. Then add garlic, ginger, and scallions along with a sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Cook until the sauce thickens before serving over rice or noodles for a delicious homemade meal.
Can I use other meats instead of beef for Mongolian dishes?
Yes, you can easily adapt Mongolian recipes by using other meats such as chicken or pork. Simply follow the same preparation method and adjust cooking times accordingly. The sweet and savory sauce works well with different proteins, allowing you to customize the dish to your taste preferences.
Is Mongolian Beef healthy?
Mongolian beef can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. It contains protein from the beef and essential nutrients from vegetables like scallions. To make it healthier, consider using lean cuts of meat and increasing the vegetable content. You can also control the amount of sugar used in the sauce to reduce calories.
Conclusion for Mongolian Beef:
In conclusion, Mongolian beef is a flavorful dish that brings together tender beef and aromatic ingredients in a delightful stir-fry. By preparing this dish at home, you can enjoy a delicious meal that’s both satisfying and customizable to your preferences. Whether you stick to traditional recipes or experiment with different meats and vegetables, Mongolian beef remains a favorite choice for many food lovers around the world. Enjoy cooking this quick and easy recipe! For more inspiration, check out this main dish recipes recipe.
Mongolian Beef
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Mongolian Beef is a mouthwatering stir-fry featuring tender slices of beef coated in a sweet and savory sauce. Enhanced with fresh ginger and garlic, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. Serve it over rice or noodles to create a satisfying meal that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- 1. Toss sliced flank steak in cornstarch until evenly coated.
- 2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef strips in batches until browned (about 2 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- 3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add soy sauce and brown sugar; stir until dissolved.
- 4. Return beef to the skillet along with green onions; toss to combine and heat through (1-2 minutes).
- 5. Serve over rice or noodles, drizzling any remaining sauce on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For a gluten-free option, substitute tamari for soy sauce. Add bell peppers or broccoli for extra veggies. Spice things up with red pepper flakes if desired.