Mongolian beef is a delightful dish that brings a rush of savory flavors and a hint of sweetness, all wrapped up in tender strips of beef. The aroma wafting from the skillet is enough to make anyone’s mouth water, promising an unforgettable dining experience.
Picture this: you’re hosting a dinner party, and as you serve this delicious dish, your friends’ eyes widen with anticipation. They can’t wait to dig in. Mongolian beef isn’t just food; it’s a memory-maker, perfect for cozy family dinners or lively gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Mongolian beef is quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight meals
- Its rich umami flavor satisfies every palate while being visually appealing on the plate
- Plus, it pairs well with various sides like rice or vegetables for a complete meal
Sharing this dish with my friends always results in raving reviews and second helpings. It’s become my go-to recipe for impressing guests.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Flank Steak: A great choice for its tenderness and ability to absorb flavors; slice it against the grain for the best texture.
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Green Onions: Use fresh green onions for garnish; they add a lovely crunch and bright color to the final dish.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the flavor; don’t skimp on it for that aromatic punch!
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Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep salt levels controlled while still delivering that savory goodness.
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Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances out the salty soy sauce; use light brown sugar for a milder flavor.
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Ginger: Fresh ginger enhances the flavor profile and adds a warm spice kick to your dish.
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Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way; it adds depth and richness that complements the beef perfectly.
For the Sauce:
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Cornstarch: This helps thicken the sauce, giving it that perfect velvety consistency which clings beautifully to the beef.
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Water: Just enough to mix into your sauce ingredients, ensuring everything blends smoothly together.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and slicing the flank steak into thin strips against the grain. This ensures tenderness in each bite.
Create Your Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Let this marinade work its magic while you get cooking.
Sear the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of sesame oil. Sear the beef strips until browned and slightly crispy—about 3-4 minutes—flipping occasionally for even cooking.
Add Aromatics & Sauce: Toss in sliced green onions and pour your marinade over the seared beef. Stir well until everything is coated evenly, cooking until thickened—about 2-3 minutes.
Finish & Serve!: Remove from heat once thickened to your liking. Serve hot over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables for an amazing meal that looks as good as it tastes.
Enjoy your homemade Mongolian beef! Each bite promises savory delight that’ll have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe thirds!
You Must Know
- Mongolian beef is not just a meal; it’s an experience
- With its savory sauce and tender beef, this dish makes even the busiest weeknight feel special
- The aroma fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste before serving
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the beef; then, sear it until caramelized before adding vegetables. This sequence ensures maximum flavor and tenderness in every bite.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap broccoli for bell peppers or add crushed red pepper for a spicy kick. Personalizing this dish lets you make it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain that delicious sauce.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your Mongolian beef shine, slice the meat against the grain for tenderness
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor, and use high heat for a good sear
- Don’t forget to add fresh scallions at the end for brightness!
Cooking Mongolian beef always brings back memories of my friends gathering around my table, raving about how they could eat it every day without getting bored.
FAQ
Can I use chicken instead of beef in Mongolian beef?
Yes, chicken works wonderfully and still absorbs all those rich flavors.
How can I make Mongolian beef spicier?
Add fresh ginger or chili flakes for an extra kick of heat.
What should I serve with Mongolian beef?
Serve over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Mongolian Beef
Mongolian beef is a savory, sweet dish featuring tender strips of flank steak, bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. This quick-to-prepare recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, effortlessly creating memorable moments around the table. With its rich umami taste and beautiful presentation, Mongolian beef makes every meal feel special. Enjoy it over steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced against the grain
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and slice the flank steak into thin strips.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef strips for about 3-4 minutes until browned.
- Add green onions and pour the marinade over the beef. Stir to coat evenly and cook until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
- Serve hot over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
