Delicious Mongolian Beef and Broccoli Recipe – Easy and Flavorful!

Mongolian Beef and Broccoli is an iconic dish that offers a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy combination of flavors. If you’ve ever craved a meal that perfectly balances tender beef, crisp vegetables, and rich sauce, then this dish is exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this homemade version of Mongolian Beef will undoubtedly impress your family and friends.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the detailed steps of making Mongolian Beef and Broccoli, explaining everything from the ingredients to the cooking technique, ensuring that your dish turns out delicious every time. We’ll also emphasize key tips to help you create a meal that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant. So, let’s dive into the world of Mongolian Beef, where tender beef and fresh broccoli come together in perfect harmony.

What is Mongolian Beef and Broccoli?

Mongolian Beef and Broccoli is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine. Despite the name “Mongolian,” the dish doesn’t originate from Mongolia but was inspired by Chinese flavors. It typically consists of thinly sliced beef, broccoli florets, and a savory soy-based sauce with garlic, ginger, and other key seasonings. The result is a delightful stir-fry that’s both comforting and flavorful, with a perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and umami.

Why You Should Try Making Mongolian Beef and Broccoli at Home

While you might enjoy Mongolian Beef at a local restaurant, preparing this dish at home offers several advantages:

  • Fresh Ingredients: You can control the freshness and quality of the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more flavorful meal.
  • Customizable to Taste: Whether you like your sauce sweeter, spicier, or saltier, making it at home allows you to tailor it to your specific preferences.
  • Cost-effective: This recipe is an affordable alternative to ordering takeout. Plus, you’ll get multiple servings for a fraction of the price.
  • Satisfying and Filling: It’s a hearty meal that can easily feed the whole family, with tender beef and nutritious broccoli.

Now that we understand what this dish is all about and why it’s worth making at home, let’s take a look at the ingredients and the step-by-step process for crafting this irresistible Mongolian Beef and Broccoli.


Ingredients for Mongolian Beef and Broccoli

Creating a flavorful Mongolian Beef and Broccoli dish is all about using the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Beef Marinade:

  • 2 pounds of beef tenderloin, thinly sliced – Beef tenderloin is the best cut for this dish because it is tender and cooks quickly.
  • 2 tablespoons of water
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce – Use low-sodium soy sauce for a more controlled salt level.
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing Chinese wine (or rice wine vinegar) – Shaoxing wine adds a complex flavor that enhances the depth of the dish.
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch – This helps create a silky texture for the beef when cooking.

For the Sauce:

  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce – Essential for the base of the sauce.
  • ⅔ cup water
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar – The brown sugar gives the sauce a nice caramelized sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce – Adds sweetness and umami.
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce – Brings an additional depth of flavor.
  • ¾ tablespoon ground white pepper – For a little heat and subtle spice.

For Cooking:

  • ¼ cup oil – Vegetable or canola oil works best for stir-frying.
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil – Adds a rich, nutty flavor.
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is a key aromatic in this dish.
  • ½ tablespoon ginger, minced – Fresh ginger adds a zingy warmth.
  • 1 head broccoli, cut into florets – The broccoli provides a crunch and freshness that contrasts the rich beef.
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced – Green onions not only add flavor but also a bit of color and freshness.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water – This mixture will help thicken the sauce and create a glossy finish.

Now that we have all the ingredients prepared, it’s time to move on to the directions.


Directions for Making Mongolian Beef and Broccoli

Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering dish of Mongolian Beef and Broccoli. Be sure to follow each step carefully to get the best possible results.

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

The first step in making Mongolian Beef and Broccoli is marinating the beef to ensure it’s tender and full of flavor.

  1. In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch.
  2. Mix the ingredients well until the beef is fully coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This step is crucial for enhancing the beef’s tenderness and ensuring the sauce adheres to it when cooked.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

While the beef is marinating, prepare the flavorful sauce that will coat the beef and broccoli.

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce, ⅔ cup water, ⅓ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, and ¾ tablespoon ground white pepper.
  2. Set the sauce mixture aside. The brown sugar and hoisin sauce will provide the dish with its signature sweet and savory flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Once the beef is properly marinated, it’s time to cook it.

  1. Heat ¼ cup oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
  2. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. This allows the beef to cook evenly and achieve crispy edges.
  3. Stir-fry the beef for about 2 minutes until it develops golden, crispy edges. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

Now, let’s add some aromatic ingredients to infuse the dish with fragrance and flavor.

  1. In the same pan, add 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Once heated, add the minced garlic and minced ginger.
  2. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Step 5: Add the Broccoli

Next, we’ll introduce the broccoli, which will add color and texture to the dish.

  1. Add the broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes, or until the broccoli becomes vibrant green and just tender.
  2. The broccoli should retain a slight crunch, adding a satisfying contrast to the tender beef.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Now that the broccoli is ready, it’s time to bring everything together.

  1. Return the cooked beef to the pan with the broccoli.
  2. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. This allows the beef to absorb the sauce flavors.
  3. Stir in the cornstarch mixture (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy finish.
  4. Add the sliced green onions and cook for an additional minute.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is cooked and coated in the rich, flavorful sauce, it’s time to serve.

  1. Transfer the Mongolian Beef and Broccoli to a serving dish.
  2. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy this savory, sweet, and satisfying dish with your loved ones.

Key Tips for Perfect Mongolian Beef and Broccoli

To ensure that your Mongolian Beef and Broccoli turns out as delicious as possible, here are a few helpful tips:

  1. Use Beef Tenderloin: Beef tenderloin is the best cut for this recipe because it’s tender and cooks quickly. If you can’t find beef tenderloin, flank steak is a good alternative.
  2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the beef, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This allows the beef to brown properly and ensures a crispy texture.
  3. Customize the Sauce: If you prefer a sweeter or spicier sauce, feel free to adjust the sugar or add more white pepper. Taste the sauce as you go to get the perfect balance.
  4. Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli will give you a better texture than frozen, so opt for fresh florets when possible.

Conclusion: Savor the Taste of Mongolian Beef and Broccoli

Mongolian Beef and Broccoli is a dish that brings together the perfect balance of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and flavorful sauce. By following the simple steps outlined in this recipe, you can recreate this classic dish right in your own kitchen, and customize it to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving it to family or friends, Mongolian Beef and Broccoli will quickly become a favorite in your home.

With its combination of satisfying flavors, simple ingredients, and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is sure to impress. So, next time you’re craving a delicious, savory dish, give Mongolian Beef and Broccoli a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy your meal, and happy cooking!

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