When you think of a dish that dances on your taste buds, Mongolian beef comes to mind. This delightful stir-fry is packed with tender strips of beef, tossed in a sweet and savory sauce that will have your mouth watering at the mere thought. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen, as garlic and ginger mingle with soy sauce to create an irresistible fragrance.
Now picture yourself gathering around the dinner table, laughter filling the air as everyone digs into this flavorful dish. It’s perfect for those cozy weeknight dinners or when you’re trying to impress guests without breaking a sweat in the kitchen. With every bite, you’ll experience an explosion of flavors that brings joy to your palate.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Mongolian beef is quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy nights
- The flavor profile combines a perfect balance of sweetness and savory elements
- Its vibrant colors create an eye-catching presentation on any plate
- This dish is versatile enough for serving over rice or noodles, adapting to your preferences effortlessly
I remember the first time I made Mongolian beef for my family; they devoured it and begged for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Tender Beef Flank Steak: Select a nice cut of flank steak for optimal tenderness; slicing against the grain makes all the difference.
Fresh Ginger: Use fresh ginger over powdered for a zesty kick that adds depth to the flavor.
Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic enhances the aroma and flavor; it’s a must-have ingredient.
Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to allow better control over saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar caramelizes beautifully and balances out the salty soy sauce with its rich sweetness.
Green Onions: These not only add color but also give a fresh crunch that complements the dish perfectly.
Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil at the end adds nutty flavors that elevate this dish to new heights.
Vegetable Oil: For frying, choose vegetable oil or canola oil with a high smoke point to achieve that perfect sear.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
First things first: Gather all your ingredients and get ready for some serious culinary magic.
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by thinly slicing your flank steak against the grain into bite-sized strips. Chop garlic and ginger finely; these two are going to work their flavor magic.
Marinate That Beef: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger. Toss in your sliced beef until fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes; this step maximizes flavor infusion.
Sizzle Time!: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add marinated beef strips in batches so they sear instead of steam—this gives you beautiful browning.
Add Those Aromatics!: Once the beef is browned (about 3-4 minutes), toss in chopped green onions. Sauté them briefly until they become fragrant; this takes just about 1 minute.
Thicken That Sauce!: Pour any leftover marinade into the pan with the beef. Allow it to bubble away for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly—this creates that glossy finish we all love.
Sesame Finish Touch!: Drizzle sesame oil over your stir-fry before serving; its nutty fragrance will elevate your dish instantly! Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles; enjoy every last bite!
And there you have it—a simple yet extraordinary Mongolian beef recipe that’s sure to impress everyone at your table!
You Must Know
- The secret to great Mongolian beef is marinating the meat properly
- This adds flavor and tenderness, making each bite a savory delight
- The rich aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone questioning why they ever considered takeout
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the beef in a hot pan until browned, then stir-fry vegetables while the sauce simmers for an efficient cooking sequence.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the beef for chicken or tofu, and add extra veggies like bell peppers for a colorful twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly tender Mongolian beef, cut against the grain and marinate it for at least 30 minutes
- Always use high heat when stir-frying to lock in flavors
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary for even cooking
Memories of my first attempt at Mongolian beef still bring a smile. Friends devoured it, declaring me a culinary genius, which definitely boosted my confidence in the kitchen.
FAQ
What is Mongolian beef?
Mongolian beef is a stir-fried dish made with tender beef, soy sauce, and green onions.
Can I make Mongolian beef spicy?
Yes! Add chili flakes or sriracha for an extra kick in flavor.
How do I make Mongolian beef healthier?
Reduce sugar and serve it over brown rice or steamed vegetables for a lighter option.
Mongolian Beef
Mongolian beef is a savory stir-fry that combines tender flank steak with a luscious blend of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also delivers an unforgettable flavor experience that will impress your family or guests. Perfect for busy weeknights, Mongolian beef can be served over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that brings joy to the dinner table.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate the beef: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger. Add sliced flank steak and coat well. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Sear the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated beef in batches to avoid steaming; cook until browned (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add aromatics: Stir in chopped green onions and sauté for about 1 minute.
- Thicken the sauce: Pour leftover marinade into the pan and simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
- Finish with sesame oil: Drizzle sesame oil over the stir-fry before serving hot over rice or noodles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
