Have you ever craved a dish that combines sweet and savory flavors with a satisfying crunch? Mongolian beef delivers just that! Imagine tender strips of marinated beef stir-fried to perfection, coated in a luscious sauce made from soy sauce and brown sugar. The aroma fills your kitchen, enticing your senses and making your mouth water in anticipation of the first bite.
This incredible recipe is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you’re hosting friends for dinner or simply treating yourself to a delightful meal at home, Mongolian beef promises to impress. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. So grab your ingredients and get ready to dive into a culinary experience that will leave everyone wanting more!
Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Beef
- Quick Preparation: This recipe can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for those hectic evenings when time is limited.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic creates an irresistible glaze that enhances the taste of the tender beef.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a filling meal, or pair it with fresh vegetables for a lighter option.
Ingredients for Mongolian Beef
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Flank Steak: Choose lean flank steak for optimal tenderness; slice it thinly against the grain for the best results.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness while still enjoying the deep umami flavor.
- Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and balances the saltiness of the soy sauce; light or dark brown sugar works well.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic elevates the flavor profile; use about four cloves for maximum taste impact.
- Green Onions: These add freshness; slice them thinly and add them at the end for garnish.
For the Sauce:
- Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce; mix it with water before adding it to ensure even distribution.
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: Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, combine sliced flank steak with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare Vegetables
Chop green onions and mince garlic cloves. This will ensure they are ready when you start cooking.
Step 3: Heat Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. This helps achieve that perfect sear on your meat.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
Add marinated flank steak in batches to avoid overcrowding. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove from skillet.
Step 5: Create Sauce
In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Then add brown sugar and remaining soy sauce mixture. Stir well.
Step 6: Combine & Serve
Return cooked beef back into the skillet. Stir everything together until well-coated and heated through (about another minute). Transfer to plates and drizzle with additional green onions for garnish.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Slice Against the Grain: For tender bites, always slice flank steak against its grain before marinating.
- Control Heat Levels: Adjust stove heat as needed during cooking; too high can overcook meat quickly.
- Make Ahead Option: Marinate the beef overnight for enhanced flavor; just remember to adjust cooking time slightly if using cold meat.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using Tough Cuts of Beef: One common mistake when making Mongolian Beef is choosing tough cuts of meat. Opting for cuts like flank steak or sirloin ensures tenderness and flavor. Tough cuts require longer cooking times, which can lead to chewy results. Always slice the beef against the grain; this technique helps break down muscle fibers, resulting in a more enjoyable texture.
- Inadequate Marinating Time: Skipping the marination process can significantly impact the dish’s flavor. Allowing the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes helps the meat absorb all the flavors from ingredients like soy sauce and garlic. If time permits, marinating overnight in the refrigerator enhances taste even more. Don’t rush this step; it’s crucial for achieving authentic Mongolian Beef.
- Overcooking the Beef: Overcooking is a common pitfall that can ruin your Mongolian Beef dish. Aim for a quick stir-fry over high heat, which cooks the beef in just a few minutes. This method preserves juiciness while creating that perfect sear on the outside. Keep an eye on the beef while cooking; it should be tender yet still slightly pink inside for optimal results.
Ingredients
To prepare delicious Mongolian Beef, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 green onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
– Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your Mongolian Beef:
Start by marinating the sliced flank steak in soy sauce and cornstarch. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes. This helps tenderize the meat and infuse flavor.
In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear until browned on both sides, which should take around 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Then, mix in brown sugar and a splash of water to create a sauce. Return the beef to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Finally, stir in chopped green onions for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Mongolian Beef is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Cooked white or brown rice: This is a classic pairing that balances the savory flavors.
- Stir-fried vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas can add color and nutrition.
- Asian-style noodles: Serve over lo mein or rice noodles for a delightful twist.
FAQs
What does Mongolian Beef taste like?
Mongolian Beef offers a rich blend of sweet and salty flavors. The soy sauce brings umami depth while brown sugar adds sweetness that balances the dish. The ginger and garlic contribute aromatic notes that enhance its overall profile. When cooked properly, the flank steak becomes tender, making each bite enjoyable.
Can I make Mongolian Beef ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Mongolian Beef ahead of time. Cook it as directed and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or microwave until heated through. However, be mindful that reheating may change the texture slightly.
Is Mongolian Beef spicy?
Mongolian Beef is not traditionally spicy; it focuses more on sweet and savory flavors. If you prefer some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or sriracha during cooking. Adjust according to your taste preference for a customized experience.
Can I substitute flank steak?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor absorption, you can use other cuts like sirloin or skirt steak as alternatives. Just ensure they are sliced thinly against the grain for optimal tenderness when cooked.
Conclusion for Mongolian Beef
Mongolian Beef is a flavorful dish that combines sweet and savory elements to create an unforgettable meal. With simple ingredients like flank steak, soy sauce, and brown sugar, this recipe can be made easily at home. Remember to serve it over rice or noodles for a complete dinner experience. Whether you’re preparing it for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table. Enjoy your homemade Mongolian Beef with fresh vegetables or your favorite sides to elevate your dining experience even further!
Mongolian Beef
Mongolian Beef is a mouthwatering dish that expertly balances sweet and savory flavors, making it a perfect choice for any dinner occasion. This recipe features tender flank steak marinated in a rich soy sauce and brown sugar mixture, then stir-fried to perfection with aromatic garlic and garnished with fresh green onions. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish offers a quick yet impressive way to indulge your taste buds. Serve it over fluffy steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal that will delight family and friends alike.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate sliced flank steak in soy sauce and cornstarch for about 15 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add marinated beef in batches; cook until browned (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add brown sugar and a splash of water to create sauce.
- Return beef to skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce. Stir in green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
