If you’re searching for a satisfying, savory meal that’s packed with flavor and loaded with healthy ingredients, look no further than Mongolian Beef & Vegetable Stir-Fry. This dish combines tender slices of beef with vibrant, nutrient-rich vegetables, all coated in a rich and flavorful sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress your family and friends, this Mongolian Beef stir-fry delivers on both taste and nutrition. In this article, we’ll walk you through each step of the recipe, highlight the benefits of the ingredients, and provide tips for making the dish even more versatile and customizable to suit your preferences.
Why Mongolian Beef & Vegetable Stir-Fry is the Perfect Meal for You
Mongolian Beef & Vegetable Stir-Fry is not just another stir-fry recipe – it’s a delicious fusion of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can easily swap in different vegetables based on your preferences or what you have in your kitchen. Plus, the protein-packed beef and the mix of fresh veggies make this meal not only mouthwatering but also balanced and healthy.
Stir-fry dishes are often chosen for their speed and convenience, making them ideal for busy individuals or families. With the right ingredients, you can prepare this dish in under an hour, making it the perfect solution for a satisfying dinner. Moreover, Mongolian Beef & Vegetable Stir-Fry is a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet, helping you meet your nutritional needs while enjoying bold, rich flavors.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need for this delightful stir-fry.
Ingredients for Mongolian Beef & Vegetable Stir-Fry
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this flavorful dish:
Main Ingredients:
- 1¼ pounds tri-tip steak (or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- ½ cup green onions, coarsely chopped
- 5 cups mixed vegetables, such as carrots, bok choy, cauliflower, bell peppers, snow peas, mushrooms (sliced into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1½ tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1½ tablespoons mirin (or dry sherry)
- 1½ tablespoons chili garlic sauce
- 1½ teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
These ingredients come together to form a balanced stir-fry that is bursting with flavor. Each one plays a key role in ensuring that the dish is savory, slightly sweet, and just the right amount of spicy. Let’s break down the cooking process and make this meal come to life!
How to Make Mongolian Beef & Vegetable Stir-Fry: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce
The first thing you’ll want to do is prepare the sauce for the stir-fry. In a small bowl, whisk together the following ingredients: soy sauce, cornstarch, hoisin sauce, mirin, chili garlic sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Whisk them until smooth and well combined. The cornstarch will help the sauce thicken as it cooks, giving it a glossy, flavorful coating that adheres beautifully to the beef and vegetables. Once the sauce is ready, set it aside for later.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Next, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Avocado oil is ideal for stir-frying because of its high smoke point, which helps prevent it from burning. Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet, and season them with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are lightly browned in spots and tender-crisp.
The beauty of stir-frying is that you can preserve the crisp texture and vibrant color of the vegetables while also enhancing their natural sweetness and flavors. Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, transfer them to a plate and set them aside.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of avocado oil. Add the sliced beef, minced ginger, minced garlic, and coarsely chopped green onions. Stir-fry the beef over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, or until the beef is browned but not yet fully cooked through. The ginger and garlic will release their aromatic flavors, infusing the beef with delicious savory notes.
Be careful not to overcook the beef; it should still be tender and juicy. Once the beef has browned, it’s time to move on to the next step.
Step 4: Combine Everything and Add the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the beef. Stir everything together so that the beef and vegetables are evenly mixed. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, stirring to coat the beef and vegetables evenly. Cook everything together for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the beef is cooked through.
The sauce will thicken as the cornstarch activates, creating a glossy, flavorful coating that enhances each ingredient in the stir-fry. The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and chili garlic sauce gives this dish a perfect balance of umami, sweetness, and a subtle spicy kick.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve your Mongolian Beef & Vegetable Stir-Fry over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Garnish with extra green onions if desired.
Now that you’ve completed all the steps, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! This Mongolian Beef & Vegetable Stir-Fry is bursting with flavor and texture, from the savory beef to the crunchy vegetables and the glossy, slightly spicy sauce. It’s the perfect dish for any night of the week!
Tips for Perfect Mongolian Beef & Vegetable Stir-Fry
To make sure your Mongolian Beef & Vegetable Stir-Fry turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
- Slice the Beef Against the Grain: Cutting the beef against the grain helps ensure it’s tender and easy to chew.
- Use a High-Smoke Point Oil: Avocado oil is a great choice for stir-frying because of its high smoke point, which makes it perfect for high-heat cooking.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on what’s in season or your personal preferences. Bell peppers, snow peas, and mushrooms work particularly well in this stir-fry.
- Control the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce depending on how spicy you like your stir-fry. For a milder version, you can reduce the amount or omit it altogether.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-frying works best when the ingredients have room to cook evenly. If necessary, cook the beef and vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
Nutritional Benefits of Mongolian Beef & Vegetable Stir-Fry
Not only is Mongolian Beef & Vegetable Stir-Fry a delicious and flavorful dish, but it’s also packed with nutrients that promote health and well-being:
- Beef provides a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, as well as maintaining muscle mass.
- Vegetables like carrots, bok choy, cauliflower, and bell peppers are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, which support immune function and digestive health.
- Ginger and garlic have anti-inflammatory properties, while honey adds a natural source of antioxidants.
- The dish is low in carbs when paired with cauliflower rice, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
With its combination of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants, this stir-fry is not only a satisfying meal but also a nutritious one.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mongolian Beef & Vegetable Stir-Fry is a perfect example of a dish that is both healthy and indulgent. It’s quick, easy, and packed with nutrients, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests. The balance of tender beef, crispy vegetables, and the rich, flavorful sauce creates a satisfying meal that can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you serve it over steamed rice or cauliflower rice, this stir-fry is sure to become a family favorite. So, the next time you’re craving something savory and wholesome, give this Mongolian Beef & Vegetable Stir-Fry a try—you won’t be disappointed!