Authentic Mongolian Beef Recipe – A Sweet, Savory, and Spicy Stir-Fry Delight

Mongolian Beef is a beloved Chinese-American dish known for its savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors. This Mongolian Beef recipe brings together tender, crispy beef with a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar. It’s a quick and easy dish that you can enjoy on a busy weeknight or impress your guests at a dinner party. The key to this dish is the balance of sweet and savory, with a slight kick of spice that can be adjusted according to your taste.

In this article, we’ll take you through every step of preparing Mongolian Beef from start to finish. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right beef, making the sauce, and ensuring that each piece of beef is perfectly crispy. Plus, we’ll share a few tips and tricks to elevate the dish, along with ideas for serving it to make the meal even more enjoyable.

Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Beef Recipe

There are so many reasons why Mongolian Beef has become a favorite in Chinese-American cuisine. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. You don’t need any special equipment – just a skillet or wok, and you’re good to go. The second reason is the flavor. The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil gives the dish a rich depth of taste, while the ginger and garlic provide a fresh, aromatic touch. Finally, the crispy beef adds a satisfying texture that makes each bite incredibly satisfying.

Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this Mongolian Beef recipe will be a hit in your kitchen. It’s quick, simple, and can be customized to suit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Mongolian Beef

Before you dive into making this dish, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

• 1 lb flank steak – Thinly sliced against the grain for tender, juicy bites.
• ¼ cup cornstarch – This helps coat the beef and gives it that crispy texture we all love.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – Used for frying the beef to perfection.
• 3 cloves garlic – Minced for a fragrant, aromatic base.
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger – Grated ginger provides a zesty and slightly spicy kick to the sauce.
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce – A must-have for that deep umami flavor.
• ⅓ cup water – Helps to balance the soy sauce and sugar in the sauce.
• ⅓ cup brown sugar – Adds sweetness that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil – Brings a nutty, earthy flavor to the dish.
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For a little heat, but you can adjust this based on your spice preference.
• 4 green onions – Sliced for a fresh, mild onion flavor and to add color to the dish.
• Sesame seeds – For garnish, adding texture and a touch of elegance to your Mongolian Beef.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Mongolian Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

The first step in making Mongolian Beef is preparing the beef. Start by slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain. This will ensure that the beef remains tender and easy to chew. Next, toss the beef slices with cornstarch, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Let the beef sit for about 10 minutes. The cornstarch helps create that crispy texture when the beef is fried in the oil.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches, ensuring that each piece is seared and crispy. Cook the beef for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. This will release the flavors and create the base for your sauce. Next, pour in the soy sauce, water, and brown sugar, stirring well to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked beef to the skillet, making sure to coat each piece thoroughly with the sauce. Add the sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), and sliced green onions. Stir everything together for another 2 minutes, allowing the beef to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the Mongolian Beef is ready, transfer it to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds. You can serve this dish with steamed rice or noodles, and it pairs beautifully with stir-fried vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Perfect Mongolian Beef

• Slice the Beef Thinly: The key to making Mongolian Beef tender and juicy is slicing the beef thinly against the grain. This will help ensure that the beef cooks quickly and evenly.
• Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: If you’re watching your sodium intake, using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of the dish without compromising the flavor.
• Adjust the Spice: If you like your Mongolian Beef on the spicier side, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even some chili paste to the sauce.
• Customize the Vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots. Stir-fry them alongside the beef to add more texture and color.
• Make It Gluten-Free: To make the dish gluten-free, swap out the soy sauce for tamari and check that the cornstarch you’re using is certified gluten-free.

Why Mongolian Beef is a Great Choice for Dinner

Mongolian Beef is not only delicious, but it’s also versatile and quick to make. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor, this Mongolian Beef recipe is the way to go. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or simply preparing a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress. The crispy beef combined with the savory-sweet sauce makes every bite irresistible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for Mongolian Beef?
Yes! While flank steak is the traditional choice for Mongolian Beef, you can substitute it with other cuts like sirloin, skirt steak, or even ribeye. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly for the best texture.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Mongolian Beef in advance. The beef can be cooked and stored separately, and the sauce can be made ahead of time as well. Just combine them when you’re ready to serve, and reheat everything on the stovetop.

3. Can I make Mongolian Beef without cornstarch?
Cornstarch helps give the beef its crispy texture, but if you don’t have any, you can use arrowroot powder or a small amount of flour as a substitute.

4. What can I serve with Mongolian Beef?
Mongolian Beef pairs wonderfully with steamed white or brown rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.

5. How do I make Mongolian Beef spicier?
To add more heat to your Mongolian Beef, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a sliced Thai chili to the sauce. If you prefer a deeper level of heat, you can also incorporate chili paste or hot sauce.

Conclusion

This Mongolian Beef recipe is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a simple stir-fry made with tender beef, a savory-sweet sauce, and a touch of spice. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is easy to follow and will leave you with a dish that’s packed with flavor and texture. Serve it with rice or noodles for a full meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

If you’re looking to elevate your cooking game with a dish that’s sure to impress, Mongolian Beef is the way to go. The combination of crispy beef, savory sauce, and aromatic spices makes this a recipe that everyone will love!

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