Mongolian Beef is a delightful dish that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. This recipe combines tender strips of beef with a savory soy and brown sugar sauce, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The balance of flavors and the ease of preparation make this dish a standout choice for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Asian cuisine at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This Mongolian Beef recipe takes just 35 minutes from start to finish, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic creates a rich flavor that enhances the tender beef.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this dish over rice or noodles, allowing you to customize your meal based on preference.
- Family-Friendly: With its savory taste and appealing presentation, Mongolian Beef is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
- Easily Customizable: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and texture.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Below are some essential items you’ll need to prepare this Mongolian Beef dish efficiently.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet or wok: Essential for evenly cooking the beef and allowing the sauce to simmer perfectly.
- Mixing bowl: Used for marinating the beef, ensuring that every piece is coated well with cornstarch.
- Knife: A sharp knife helps in slicing the flank steak thinly, which is crucial for tenderness in this recipe.
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Mongolian Beef
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, combine the sliced flank steak and cornstarch. Mix well to coat the beef evenly. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the garlic and bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
Return the cooked beef to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Stir in chopped green onions; adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with extra green onions. Enjoy!
How to Serve Mongolian Beef
Mongolian Beef is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your Mongolian Beef dish.
Over Rice
- Serve Mongolian Beef over steamed white or jasmine rice for a classic pairing that absorbs the delicious sauce.
With Noodles
- Toss the beef with stir-fried noodles for a hearty meal that combines flavors and textures in every bite.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Spoon the beef mixture into fresh lettuce leaves for a light, refreshing option that’s perfect for appetizers or a fun dinner.
As Part of a Stir-Fry Platter
- Include Mongolian Beef on a platter with other stir-fry favorites like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots for a colorful feast.
Topped with Sesame Seeds
- Garnish the dish with toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor that complements the savory sauce.
Accompanied by Green Onions
- Sprinkle extra chopped green onions on top before serving to bring freshness and color to your plate.
How to Perfect Mongolian Beef
To achieve the best results when making Mongolian Beef, consider these helpful tips that can elevate your dish even further.
- Choose Quality Beef: Select flank steak or sirloin for tenderness and flavor. Thinly slicing against the grain ensures each bite is juicy.
- Marinate Properly: Letting the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes allows it to absorb flavors from the cornstarch and enhances its tenderness.
- Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking the beef. This helps achieve a nice sear and prevents steaming, keeping it flavorful.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Incorporate fresh garlic and green onions to enhance the overall taste profile of your Mongolian Beef dish.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer after adding the beef until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Experiment with Heat: Adjust cooking temperature based on your stove’s performance. Medium-high heat usually works best for achieving that perfect sear without overcooking.
Best Side Dishes for Mongolian Beef
Mongolian Beef pairs well with many side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider when planning your meal.
- Steamed Rice
A classic choice, steamed rice absorbs the savory sauce beautifully and balances the dish’s richness. - Vegetable Stir-Fry
A mix of colorful vegetables sautéed quickly in soy sauce provides both nutrition and crunch alongside your beef. - Fried Rice
Flavorful fried rice with peas, carrots, and eggs makes an excellent base or side that enhances your meal’s Asian theme. - Egg Rolls
Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables or meat offer a delightful crunch that contrasts well with tender Mongolian Beef. - Sesame Noodles
Cold sesame noodles tossed in peanut sauce serve as a refreshing contrast to warm beef, making for an appealing combination. - Cucumber Salad
A cool cucumber salad dressed lightly in vinegar adds brightness and pairs well with the richness of Mongolian Beef. - Miso Soup
A light miso soup can cleanse the palate between bites while adding warmth and comfort to the meal. - Pickled Vegetables
Tangy pickled vegetables provide an acidic contrast that helps cut through the sweetness of the sauce in Mongolian Beef.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s important to avoid common pitfalls when preparing Mongolian Beef to ensure the best results.
- Skipping the Marinade: Neglecting to marinate the beef can lead to a less flavorful dish. Always allow at least 15 minutes for marinating.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too much beef at once can result in steaming rather than browning. Cook in batches for even cooking and a nice sear.
- Using Low-Quality Soy Sauce: Poor-quality soy sauce can negatively affect the flavor. Use a good brand for the best taste.
- Not Adjusting Seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can leave your dish bland. Always taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Ignoring Cooking Times: Overcooking the beef makes it tough. Keep an eye on cooking times and remove it from heat as soon as it’s browned.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Mongolian Beef in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Let it cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing Mongolian Beef
- Freeze Mongolian Beef in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Make sure to label the container with the date for easy reference.
Reheating Mongolian Beef
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place beef in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place beef in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, and warm the beef while stirring until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mongolian Beef?
Mongolian Beef is a popular Asian dish made with tender strips of beef cooked in a savory soy sauce with brown sugar and green onions.
How do I make Mongolian Beef more spicy?
To add spice, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or fresh sliced chilies into the sauce during cooking.
Can I use a different cut of beef for Mongolian Beef?
Yes, while flank steak is traditional, you can substitute sirloin or ribeye for similar results.
Is Mongolian Beef gluten-free?
To make Mongolian Beef gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
How should I serve Mongolian Beef?
Mongolian Beef pairs well with rice or noodles and can be garnished with additional green onions or sesame seeds.
Final Thoughts
Mongolian Beef is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for various customization options. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special, this recipe fits perfectly. Give it a try and enjoy its rich flavors!
Mongolian Beef
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Mongolian Beef is a mouthwatering Asian-inspired dish that combines tender strips of flank steak with a rich and savory sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. This delightful recipe balances sweet and salty flavors, creating an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. In just 35 minutes, you can serve up this comforting dish over rice or noodles, making it a versatile favorite among families. Easy to customize with your choice of vegetables, Mongolian Beef promises to impress your guests while satisfying your cravings for authentic Asian cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the beef by tossing it with cornstarch in a bowl. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated beef in batches until browned (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (30 seconds).
- Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl. Pour into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Return cooked beef to the skillet and toss to coat in sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in chopped green onions and season to taste before serving over rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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