Easy Mongolian Beef Recipe

‍In just a few simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering dish that rivals your favorite takeout. Tender strips of beef are marinated in a rich and flavorful sauce, then stir-fried with green onions for a burst of freshness. The result is a dish that is both tender and sticky, with the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up this delicious Mongolian beef in no time.

So, put down the phone and skip the takeout. With this easy Mongolian beef recipe, you can enjoy the flavors of your favorite restaurant dish right at home.

History and Origin of Mongolian Beef

Mongolian beef is a popular Chinese-American dish that has its roots in traditional Mongolian cuisine. However, despite its name, Mongolian beef is not actually a traditional Mongolian dish. The dish was first introduced in the United States in the 20th century and quickly gained popularity for its bold flavors and tender meat.

The name “Mongolian beef” is believed to have originated from the cooking style used to prepare the dish. In traditional Mongolian cuisine, meat is often cooked quickly over a high heat, which is similar to the cooking method used in this recipe.

Easy Mongolian Beef

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Mongolia (East Asia)

Servings 4 People

Calories 46 kcal

In just a few simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering dish that rivals your favorite takeout. Tender strips of beef are marinated in a rich and flavorful sauce, then stir-fried with green onions for a burst of freshness.

Kitchen equipment list

• 1 Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  

123

• ▢ 1 lb Flank steak, thinly sliced
• ▢ ¼ cup Cornstarch
• ▢ ¼ cup Low-sodium soy sauce
• ▢ 2 tbsp Hoisin sauce
• ▢ 2 tbsp Brown sugar
• ▢ 2 tbsp Rice vinegar
• ▢ 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• ▢ 1 tsp Ginger, grated
• ▢ ¼ tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
• ▢ 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
• ▢ 4 Green onions, sliced
• ▢ Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions 

• In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch and sliced flank steak. Toss until the steak is coated evenly. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the cornstarch to adhere to the meat.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). This will be the marinade for the beef.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
• Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced green onions and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until they become slightly tender.
• Return the beef to the skillet and pour the marinade over the top. Stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly.
• Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

❋ Kitchen Chaos Unlocked Tips

Tips for Perfecting Your Mongolian Beef Recipe

• For extra tender beef, you can marinate the sliced flank steak in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking. This will help to break down the proteins and make the meat more tender.
• To add a touch of heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of Sriracha sauce to the marinade.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the skillet during the stir-frying process. This will help to thicken the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 28 gCalories: 46 kcalCarbohydrates: 1.6 gProtein: 5.4 gFat: 2 gCholesterol: 15 mgSodium: 136 mg

Keyword Beef, Mongolian Beef

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Variations and Substitutions for Mongolian Beef

While this easy Mongolian beef recipe is delicious as is, you can also customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

• Swap the flank steak for thinly sliced sirloin or ribeye steak.
• Add your favorite vegetables to the stir-fry, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
• For a gluten-free version, use tamari sauce or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• For a vegetarian or vegan option, you can replace the beef with tofu or seitan.

Get creative and make this Mongolian beef recipe your own!

Serving Suggestions for Mongolian Beef

Mongolian beef is typically served over steamed rice or noodles, but you can also enjoy it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. The sticky and flavorful sauce pairs well with a bed of fluffy rice or the chewy texture of noodles.

For an authentic touch, you can garnish your Mongolian beef with sesame seeds and additional sliced green onions. This will add a pop of color and extra freshness to the dish.

Health Benefits of Mongolian Beef

While Mongolian beef is a delicious indulgence, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Here are a few potential health benefits of this dish:

• High in protein: Beef is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
• Rich in iron and zinc: Beef is also a good source of iron and zinc, which are important for maintaining healthy blood and supporting immune function.
• Contains vitamins and minerals: The green onions used in this recipe are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like potassium and calcium.

Remember to pair your Mongolian beef with plenty of vegetables and whole grains to create a well-rounded meal.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mongolian Beef

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: While Mongolian beef is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the marinade and slice the beef in advance to save time.

Q: Can I freeze Mongolian beef? A: Yes, you can freeze Mongolian beef. However, it’s best to freeze the beef and sauce separately to maintain the quality and texture. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef? A: Yes, you can use a different cut of beef if you prefer. Just make sure to slice it thinly to ensure quick and even cooking.

Q: Is Mongolian beef spicy? A: This recipe does not call for a significant amount of spice, but you can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to make it spicier.

Q: Can I make this recipe without cornstarch? A: Cornstarch helps to create a thick and sticky sauce. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can try using arrowroot powder or potato starch as a substitute.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Mongolian Beef

In conclusion, this easy Mongolian beef recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that you can easily make at home. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can enjoy the bold and savory flavors of this Chinese-American classic.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. So, put your culinary skills to the test and whip up a batch of homemade Mongolian beef. Your taste buds will thank you!

Remember to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make this recipe your own. And don’t forget to serve your Mongolian beef with steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade Mongolian beef!