Mongolian Beef Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with flavor, Mongolian Beef should be at the top of your list. This savory, slightly sweet dish is a staple in many Asian-inspired restaurants, and for good reason. The tender beef is coated in a rich, flavorful sauce that combines soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic, then garnished with green onions for that perfect finishing touch. In this article, you will learn how to make Mongolian Beef at home, along with tips for customizing the recipe and serving it to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mongolian Beef is a beloved dish for its combination of tender, thinly sliced beef, rich sauce, and savory notes that make it irresistible. The balance of sweetness from brown sugar and the umami flavor from soy sauce creates a sauce that’s both comforting and complex. When cooked, the beef absorbs the sauce, making each bite incredibly flavorful.

What makes this dish so special is how quick and easy it is to prepare. You can have restaurant-quality Mongolian Beef ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. The beef is seared to perfection, then simmered in a delicious sauce, resulting in tender, juicy pieces coated in a glossy glaze that’s truly mouthwatering.

This recipe also offers flexibility. You can adjust the sweetness or spice level to your liking, and feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrients. Whether you serve it over steamed rice or noodles, Mongolian Beef makes a complete, satisfying meal.

Recipe Details

The origins of Mongolian Beef are often debated, but it is most commonly associated with Chinese-American cuisine rather than authentic Mongolian dishes. Despite its name, this dish is beloved for its sweet, savory sauce that’s thickened and served with tender beef. The use of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger helps to create a flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for those who enjoy bold, savory flavors.

In this recipe, you’ll be working with flank steak or another similar cut of beef, thinly sliced to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly. The sauce is the star of this dish, combining soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger for a balance of salty and sweet flavors. The key to Mongolian Beef is to sear the beef quickly at high heat to lock in flavor and tenderness before finishing it off in the sauce, which thickens to create that glossy, flavorful glaze.

Mongolian Beef is typically served over a bed of white rice, which helps soak up the flavorful sauce. You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your taste by adding chili flakes for heat or swapping out ingredients to cater to dietary preferences, making this dish as versatile as it is delicious.

Nutritional Information

Mongolian Beef is a hearty, flavorful dish that provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, but it’s also rich in fats and sugars due to the soy sauce, brown sugar, and oil used in cooking. A typical serving of Mongolian Beef contains around 400-500 calories, depending on portion size and specific ingredients used. The beef itself is an excellent source of high-quality protein, providing essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and overall health.

The sauce, made with soy sauce and brown sugar, provides a fair amount of sodium and sugar. For those concerned with sodium intake, using low-sodium soy sauce can help reduce the sodium content of the dish. The brown sugar adds sweetness, but if you’re watching your sugar intake, consider using a sugar substitute or reducing the sugar for a less sweet version.

Mongolian Beef also contains healthy amounts of iron and zinc, which are important minerals for immune health and energy production. The dish is typically paired with rice, which provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy. For a lighter version, you could serve it with steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice to reduce the calorie count while still enjoying the rich flavors of the dish.

If you prefer a lower-fat or lower-sugar option, you can use lean cuts of beef and reduce the amount of sugar or substitute it with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit. For a more balanced dish, add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or snap peas to increase the fiber content and add extra vitamins and antioxidants.

Ingredients for Mongolian Beef

To make Mongolian Beef, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound flank steak (or sirloin steak), thinly sliced against the grain
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
• ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
• 3-4 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

These ingredients create a balanced sauce that coats the beef and gives it its characteristic sweetness and savory depth. The cornstarch is used to coat the beef, giving it a crispy, golden exterior when seared. The hoisin sauce adds additional umami, while the ginger and garlic provide fragrant aromatics that enhance the overall flavor.

Equipment Needed for Mongolian Beef

To prepare Mongolian Beef, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:

• Sharp knife: For slicing the beef thinly against the grain.
• Cutting board: For prepping the ingredients.
• Large skillet or wok: For searing the beef and cooking the sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately measuring the sauce ingredients.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: For stirring the beef and sauce during cooking.

These tools will help ensure you achieve perfectly cooked, tender beef and a beautifully glossy sauce.

Pro Tips for Success

To make sure your Mongolian Beef turns out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips:

1. Sear the Beef in Batches: For the best sear, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Sear the beef in batches to ensure each piece gets that crispy, golden crust.
2. Use High Heat: Cooking the beef at high heat ensures it gets a nice caramelization and prevents it from overcooking. Quick, high-heat searing locks in the juices and keeps the beef tender.
3. Balance the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce by adding more or less brown sugar and soy sauce. Taste the sauce before adding the beef and tweak it to suit your preference.
4. Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the green onions! They add a fresh, vibrant crunch that balances the richness of the sauce and beef.
5. Serve with the Right Side Dishes: Mongolian Beef is perfect when served with steamed white rice, but you can also pair it with noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

Instructions for Mongolian Beef

• Prepare the Beef: Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. Place the sliced beef in a bowl and toss with cornstarch until evenly coated.
• Sear the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, searing each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
• Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and hoisin sauce (if using). Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Combine the Beef and Sauce: Return the seared beef to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the beef is well coated and heated through.
• Serve: Transfer the beef to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions and red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice or your favorite side dish.

Recipe Variations for Mongolian Beef

1. Add Vegetables: For added nutrition and texture, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or snow peas to the sauce. These vegetables absorb the flavors of the sauce while adding color and crunch to the dish.
2. Spicy Mongolian Beef: If you love spice, add extra chili flakes, fresh chilies, or a splash of sriracha to the sauce. You can also serve the dish with a side of spicy pickled vegetables to enhance the heat.
3. Make it with Chicken: Swap out the beef for chicken breast or thighs. Chicken will absorb the flavors of the sauce just as well and offers a lighter protein alternative.
4. Gluten-Free Version: To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative and ensure that the hoisin sauce is also gluten-free.

Storage & Serving Guide

Mongolian Beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If you have leftovers, the sauce may thicken slightly, so you can add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.

For serving, Mongolian Beef is best enjoyed with a side of steamed rice, fried rice, or even noodles. You can also serve it alongside sautéed vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish.

FAQs About Mongolian Beef

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
   Yes! You can use sirloin, ribeye, or even flank steak for this recipe, depending on your preference.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes! You can cook the beef and sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
3. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
   You can use a slow cooker, but be

aware that the beef may become slightly less crispy than when seared. If using a slow cooker, cook the beef on low for 4-6 hours with the sauce.

4. How can I adjust the spice level?
   If you want a spicier dish, add more chili flakes, fresh chilies, or a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes! This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and leftovers taste even better the next day.

Conclusion

Mongolian Beef is a savory, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a weekend feast. The tender beef, sweet-savory sauce, and aromatic spices make it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or veggies, it’s a dish that will leave everyone asking for more. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious, homemade version of your favorite takeout dish!

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