why make this recipe
Mongolian Beef is a flavorful dish that brings the perfect balance of sweet and savory to the table. It’s not only delicious but also quick to make, making it a great option for busy weeknight dinners. The tender strips of flank steak coated in a rich sauce are sure to impress both family and friends. Plus, this dish pairs perfectly with fluffy rice, allowing you to soak up every drop of its tasty sauce.
how to make Mongolian Beef
Ingredients
- Flank steak
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Scallions
- Vegetable oil
- Rice (for serving)
Directions
Prepare the Beef: Start by slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain. Aim for slices that are about ¼ inch thick. This helps ensure that the beef stays tender during cooking.
Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir the mixture well until the brown sugar dissolves completely. This sweet-savory marinade will give the beef its wonderful flavor.
Marinate the Beef: Toss the sliced beef into the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let the beef sit in the marinade for about 15 minutes to absorb all the delicious flavors.
Heat the Oil: In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to sear the beef nicely.
Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the hot skillet. Stir-fry the beef for about 2-3 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Remember to keep the beef moving in the pan to ensure even cooking.
Add Scallions: Once the beef is cooked, toss in the sliced scallions. Cook for an additional minute, just until the scallions are slightly wilted but still vibrant in color.
Serve: Serve the Mongolian beef hot over a bed of cooked rice. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce, making each bite heavenly.
how to serve Mongolian Beef
Serve Mongolian Beef immediately after cooking for the best flavor and texture. Plate it over a generous serving of fluffy white or brown rice. You can also sprinkle some additional sliced scallions over the top for a fresh garnish. Pair it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal. This dish also goes well with a side of egg rolls or fried rice for a delightful feast.
how to store Mongolian Beef
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Mongolian Beef should be consumed within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and quality. When reheating, you can use a skillet over medium heat to warm it up gently. Add a splash of water or a bit more soy sauce to keep it moist. If you prefer to save it for a longer period, you can freeze the cooked beef. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it will last for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
tips to make Mongolian Beef
Choose the Right Cut: Flank steak is ideal for this dish due to its flavor and tenderness. However, you can also use sirloin or skirt steak if you prefer.
Marinating Time: If you have time, marinate the beef for longer than 15 minutes. An hour or even overnight in the fridge can enhance the flavor further.
High Heat Cooking: Make sure your skillet is hot enough when you add the beef. Cooking on high heat helps sear the meat quickly, locking in its juices and flavor.
Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce to your liking. If you want it sweeter, increase the brown sugar, or add a bit of chili sauce for some heat.
Serve with Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or sesame seeds as a garnish can elevate the dish’s presentation and flavor.
variation
While the traditional Mongolian Beef recipe is delicious on its own, you can also try a few variations to mix things up:
For a Spicy Kick: Add some sliced red chilies or a dash of chili oil to the marinade or during cooking for some heat.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the flank steak with firm tofu or seitan. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before marinating.
Add More Vegetables: For extra nutrition, consider adding bell peppers, broccoli, or baby corn to the stir-fry. Just add these veggies when you toss in the scallions.
FAQs
What can I serve with Mongolian Beef?
Mongolian Beef is commonly served with steamed rice, but it also pairs well with fried rice, noodles, or a simple salad.
Can I make Mongolian Beef ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the beef ahead of time, even the night before. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
How do I make Mongolian Beef less sweet?
If you find the dish too sweet for your taste, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the marinade. You can start by cutting it in half and adjust to your preference.
With its robust flavors and satisfying texture, Mongolian Beef is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy this quick and tasty dish that is equally easy to make and enjoyable to eat!
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Mongolian Beef
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Regular
Description
A quick and flavorful dish that balances sweet and savory, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 4 scallions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain, about ¼ inch thick.
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger, stirring well until the sugar dissolves.
- Toss the sliced beef into the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated. Let sit for about 15 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef to the skillet and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add the sliced scallions and cook for an additional minute until slightly wilted.
- Serve the Mongolian beef hot over cooked rice.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add red chilies or chili oil to the marinade. Serve with fresh herbs for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg