Easy Mongolian Beef Recipe | Quick and Delicious Stir-Fry

Mongolian Beef is a popular dish known for its bold, savory flavors and crispy texture. It’s a quick and easy recipe that can be prepared in just under 30 minutes. This simple stir-fry is made with thinly sliced flank steak, coated in cornstarch for that crispy bite, and cooked in a delicious sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and a hint of ginger. If you’re craving something flavorful and satisfying, this is the dish for you! Let’s dive into the recipe and explore how to create this delicious Easy Mongolian Beef.

Ingredients for Easy Mongolian Beef

For this recipe, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Beef:

• 500 g (1 lb) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup water
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions: How to Make Easy Mongolian Beef

Creating Easy Mongolian Beef is a breeze and perfect for anyone who loves a quick and delicious stir-fry. Follow these steps to bring your dish to life!

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by thinly slicing the flank steak against the grain. This is key to ensuring the beef remains tender. Place the slices in a bowl and toss them with cornstarch. The cornstarch will help create that crispy coating on the beef when it’s cooked. Let the beef sit for about 10 minutes to allow the cornstarch to adhere to the meat.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Next, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add half of the beef slices to the pan in a single layer. Let them cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. This step is essential for creating that crispy texture you love in Mongolian Beef.

After the first batch of beef is done, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Add a little more oil if needed and repeat with the remaining beef slices.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same pan, add minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Sauté these ingredients for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step brings out the wonderful aroma and depth of flavor that will infuse the beef.

Now it’s time to prepare the sauce. Add the soy sauce, water, and brown sugar to the pan. Stir well and bring it to a simmer, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the sauce to thicken slightly. If you enjoy a little heat, add red pepper flakes to taste. Simmer the sauce for about 2-3 minutes, making sure all the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Combine the Beef with the Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked beef to the pan. Toss the beef in the sauce to ensure it’s coated evenly. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the beef to absorb all the flavors and become even crispier.

Step 5: Serve the Mongolian Beef

Once the Easy Mongolian Beef is ready, it’s time to serve! Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds to add a bit of freshness and crunch to the dish. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips for Making Perfect Mongolian Beef

While this Easy Mongolian Beef recipe is straightforward, there are a few tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time:

1. Slice the Beef Against the Grain: Cutting the flank steak against the grain will make the meat more tender. This is essential to ensure that your Mongolian beef is not chewy or tough.
2. Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This helps control the salt content, especially if you’re watching your sodium intake. The brown sugar will balance the saltiness of the soy sauce.
3. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, don’t hesitate to increase the red pepper flakes or add a bit of sriracha sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
4. Use Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a more robust flavor than ground ginger, giving the dish a fresh, zesty kick.
5. Make Extra Sauce: If you prefer your Mongolian beef with extra sauce, simply double the sauce ingredients to coat the beef more generously.

Why You Should Try Easy Mongolian Beef

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger creates a savory-sweet sauce that complements the crispy beef beautifully.
• Customizable: You can adjust the spice level and even swap out the beef for chicken or pork if desired. This recipe is versatile and can suit different tastes.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweetness of the brown sugar and the mild heat from the red pepper flakes make it an excellent dish for kids and adults alike.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, Easy Mongolian Beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, you can warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Serving Suggestions for Easy Mongolian Beef

Pairing Easy Mongolian Beef with the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are a few suggestions:

• Steamed Rice: The classic pairing for Mongolian Beef is a bed of fluffy white rice that soaks up all the savory sauce.
• Noodles: You can serve the beef over noodles, whether it’s egg noodles or lo mein, for a heartier dish.
• Vegetables: Serve with some sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or bell peppers to add some color and crunch to your plate.

Conclusion

Easy Mongolian Beef is a flavorful, savory dish that combines tender beef with a rich, sweet-savory sauce. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this recipe will become a favorite go-to for any occasion. Mongolian Beef offers the perfect balance of crispy, tender beef with a rich and tangy sauce that is sure to delight your taste buds.

FAQs About Easy Mongolian Beef

1. Can I use chicken instead of beef for Mongolian Beef?
Yes, you can easily swap the flank steak for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. The cooking method will remain the same.

2. How spicy is Easy Mongolian Beef?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes, but they are optional. If you prefer a milder dish, you can omit them altogether. For more spice, you can add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the beef ahead of time. Just store the cooked beef and sauce separately in the fridge, and then reheat and combine when you’re ready to serve.

4. What is the best way to thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce as it simmers. Stir until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.

5. Can I use a different type of beef?
Flank steak is ideal for this recipe, but you can substitute it with sirloin, ribeye, or skirt steak if desired. Just ensure the beef is thinly sliced for optimal texture.

Now that you have a delicious recipe for Easy Mongolian Beef, why not try it tonight for dinner? With its savory flavors and crispy texture, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

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