Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried making Mongolian Beef at home, you’re totally missing out! This dish is like a delicious hug in a bowl—savory, slightly sweet, and oh-so-satisfying. The tender strips of flank steak paired with the crunch of fresh green onions create a flavor explosion that’ll have you coming back for more. And the best part? It’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for those busy weeknight dinners when you want something quick yet impressive. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Mongolian Beef. Trust me, you’ll love how everything comes together!
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
These ingredients work harmoniously to create that mouthwatering flavor profile we all crave. Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go—it’ll make your cooking experience a breeze!
How to Prepare Mongolian Beef
Now, let’s get down to the heart of the matter—preparing your Mongolian Beef! It’s really straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary rock star by the end of this. Each step is designed to keep you on track, and I’ll make sure to highlight the timing so you don’t miss a beat. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
First things first, we need to marinate that beautiful flank steak. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce and brown sugar and give it a good stir. Then, toss in your thinly sliced beef and let it soak up all that flavor for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it helps the sweetness penetrate the meat, making each bite juicier and more delicious. Just imagine how fragrant your kitchen will smell!
Step 2: Coat the Beef
After the beef has marinated, it’s time to coat it with cornstarch. This is an important step for achieving that perfect texture! Grab the marinated beef and toss it in a bowl with the cornstarch until every piece is fully coated. This will not only give the beef a beautiful sear but also help thicken the sauce later on. You’ll want to make sure it’s all evenly coated for the best results!
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Next up, let’s get that pan sizzling! Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers—this is your cue to add the beef. Don’t skip this step; the right temperature is key to that lovely browning we’re aiming for!
Step 4: Cook the Beef
Now, carefully add the coated beef to the hot pan. You’ll hear that satisfying sizzle—music to my ears! Cook the beef for about 3-4 minutes until it’s nicely browned. Keep an eye on it; you want it to be golden, not overcooked. Once it’s looking good, remove it from the pan and set it aside. We’re not done yet!
Step 5: Add Aromatics
In the same pan, toss in the minced garlic, minced ginger, and your chopped green onions. Stir-fry these aromatic beauties for about 2-3 minutes. Wow, the smell is going to be incredible! This step is where the magic happens; the flavors meld together beautifully and create that authentic Mongolian taste.
Step 6: Serve the Dish
Finally, it’s time to bring it all together! Return the beef to the pan and give everything a good toss to combine. Serve your Mongolian Beef hot over a bed of fluffy rice, and don’t forget to garnish with some extra green onions if you like. It’s such a satisfying dish that pairs wonderfully with steamed veggies or a simple salad on the side. Enjoy every last bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Easy cooking method that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Savory and slightly sweet flavor that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Tender beef that’s packed with flavor due to marinating.
- Fresh green onions add a delightful crunch and brightness.
- One-pan cooking makes cleanup a breeze!
- Customizable—add your favorite veggies for extra nutrition.
- Gluten-free option to accommodate different diets.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to make your Mongolian Beef, here are some pro tips to ensure it turns out absolutely perfect every time!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the flavor of your dish exponentially. Trust me, the difference is night and day!
- Adjusting Sugar and Soy Sauce: Don’t be afraid to tweak the amounts of brown sugar and soy sauce to match your taste. If you like it sweeter, add a touch more sugar, or if you prefer it saltier, a splash more soy sauce will do the trick.
- Prep Everything Ahead: Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking will make your life so much easier. This way, you won’t find yourself scrambling when it’s time to toss everything in the pan!
- Serve with Steamed Vegetables: Pairing your Mongolian Beef with some colorful steamed veggies not only adds nutrition but also makes your plate look gorgeous. Plus, the crunch of fresh veggies complements the tender beef perfectly!
- Let It Rest: If you have time, let the cooked beef rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite even more succulent.
With these tips, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with your delicious Mongolian Beef! Enjoy the cooking process and have fun with it!
Variations of Mongolian Beef
If you’re feeling adventurous or want to switch things up, there are so many fun variations of Mongolian Beef you can try! Here are a few ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Veggie-Packed Version: Add in colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just toss them in during the stir-fry step for a delicious crunch and a pop of color!
- Chicken Mongolian: Swap out the flank steak for thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs. It cooks up just as beautifully and absorbs that savory sauce wonderfully!
- Tofu Delight: For a plant-based twist, use firm tofu. Press it to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes and sauté until golden before adding your aromatics.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chilies with the garlic and ginger. It’ll add a delightful kick that elevates the dish!
- Beef and Broccoli: Combine the classic flavors of Mongolian Beef with tender broccoli florets. Just add them to the pan after the beef is browned, and cook until bright green and crisp-tender.
- Sweet and Sour Twist: Mix in some pineapple chunks during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the savory sauce.
These variations not only keep your meals exciting but also allow you to tailor the dish to your personal preferences or dietary needs. So go ahead, mix and match, and make this dish your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of my delicious Mongolian Beef. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this will give you a good idea of what to expect!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 25g
These numbers make it clear that Mongolian Beef can be a satisfying and protein-packed meal option. Whether you’re enjoying it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, it hits the spot without overwhelming your dietary goals!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cut of beef for Mongolian Beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak is my go-to for its tenderness, you can also use sirloin or ribeye. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Is Mongolian Beef spicy?
No, traditional Mongolian Beef isn’t spicy at all. It has a lovely balance of sweet and savory flavors. However, if you like a little heat, feel free to add some red pepper flakes or sliced chilies when you stir-fry!
What can I serve with Mongolian Beef?
Mongolian Beef is fantastic served over fluffy rice, but you can also pair it with noodles or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Adding steamed vegetables on the side makes for a colorful and nutritious meal!
Can I make Mongolian Beef ahead of time?
Yes, you can! The flavors actually deepen if you let it sit for a bit. Just store it in the fridge after cooking and reheat it on the stove when you’re ready to eat. It’s perfect for meal prepping!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it can be gluten-free! Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce. This way, you can enjoy all that delicious flavor without worrying about gluten.
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
For tips on cooking techniques, visit this guide on cooking chicken perfectly!
Print
Mongolian Beef: 7 Reasons This Dish Will Delight You
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A savory and slightly sweet dish featuring tender beef and green onions in a flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Instructions
- Marinate the beef in soy sauce and brown sugar for 30 minutes.
- Toss beef with cornstarch until coated.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add beef and cook until browned.
- Add garlic, ginger, and green onions; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot over rice.
Notes
- Adjust sugar and soy sauce to taste.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for best flavor.
- Serve with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Mongolian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Mongolian Beef, Beef Stir-fry, Asian Cuisine