Easy Mongolian Beef Recipe: Quick & Delicious

Did you know you can make a delicious Mongolian beef dish in just 20 minutes? This stir fry has become a hit in Chinese-American cuisine, with a 4.95 out of 5 stars from 454 votes. Our easy recipe lets you enjoy a restaurant-quality meal faster than ordering takeout.

This dish combines tender flank steak with a rich, caramelized sauce. It’s sweet and savory, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. This recipe serves 4 and is packed with flavor, rivaling PF Chang’s version.

Key Takeaways

• Prep and cook time total just 40 minutes
• Uses flank steak for optimal tenderness and flavor
• Serves 4 with 342 calories per serving
• High in protein (28g) and moderate in carbs (40g)
• Leftovers keep for 4 days and freeze well
• Recipe rated 4.95/5 stars from 454 votes

Introduction to Mongolian Beef

Mongolian beef is a favorite chinese beef dish loved by many around the world. It’s not actually from Mongolia, though. This tasty dish is a mix of Chinese and American flavors, found in many Asian restaurants.

Origins of the Dish

The story of Mongolian beef starts in Chinese-American restaurants. It’s a twist on other beef dishes from asian cuisine, made for Western tastes. PF Chang’s version made it very popular.

Popularity in Chinese-American Cuisine

Mongolian beef is a hit in Chinese-American restaurants. It’s loved for its mix of flavors and textures. The dish has tender beef in a rich sauce, often served over rice or noodles. It’s quick to make, taking less than 30 minutes.

Key Ingredients and Flavors

The secret to Mongolian beef is its soy sauce marinade and main ingredients. You’ll find:

• Thinly sliced beef (often flank steak or sirloin)
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Garlic and ginger
• Green onions

These mix for a sweet and savory taste. The beef gets coated in cornstarch for a crispy outside. The sauce, made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices, is rich but not too sweet or oily. For a quick meal, consider this chicken bowl recipe instead of Mongolian beef.

Why This Mongolian Beef Recipe Stands Out

This homemade Mongolian beef recipe is a quick dinner idea that changes the game. It has the perfect mix of flavors but uses less sugar and oil than the restaurant versions. You can make a delicious meal for 6 people in just 35 minutes, perfect for family dinners or small gatherings.

The recipe is easy to make. It only takes 20 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. This makes it great for busy weeknights. The dish is full of flavor, thanks to hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. These ingredients create a rich, savory-sweet taste that coats the tender flank steak.

This recipe is also very versatile. You can adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your taste. Serve it over crispy rice noodles or with cooked rice. It has 423 calories per serving, so it’s a fulfilling meal without the guilt.

If you’re into meal prep, this Mongolian beef recipe is a great choice. The flavors get even better over time, making leftovers taste amazing. It’s a nutritious option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, proving homemade can be just as good as restaurant food.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Flavor

To make a tasty Mongolian Beef dish, start with the right ingredients. The secret is mixing savory and sweet flavors with aromatic spices. This mix gives it a unique taste.

Selecting the Right Cut of Beef

For a great flank steak recipe, pick a tender cut like flank steak or New York strip. Cut it thinly against the grain for tenderness. This way, the meat soaks up flavors well and cooks fast.

Soy Sauce and Brown Sugar: The Dynamic Duo

Low-sodium soy sauce and brown sugar are key for Mongolian Beef’s flavor. Soy sauce adds a deep, savory taste. Brown sugar makes the sauce sweet and gives it a glossy look.

Fresh Aromatics: The Heart of Flavor

A strong ginger garlic sauce is the heart of this dish. Fresh ginger and minced garlic add a zesty, pungent flavor. These ingredients boost the taste and are good for you.

With these key ingredients, you’ll make a Mongolian Beef dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant. Remember, the quality of your ingredients affects the taste, so pick the best you can.

Preparation Tips for Tender Beef

Getting tender beef tips for your stir fry starts with the right preparation. It’s all about picking the best cut and using smart methods. These steps help improve the texture and taste.

For your Mongolian beef, choose flank steak. It’s lean, tasty, and works well when sliced thin against the grain. You’ll need 1 1/2 pounds of flank steak to feed four people.

To make the meat tender, mix up a marinade with these items:

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes. But, for even better results, marinate it for 1-2 hours. The baking soda makes the meat more tender by changing its pH level.

When cooking, use a hot wok or cast-iron skillet. Sear the beef in small batches to prevent overcrowding. This way, you get a crispy outside and a juicy inside. Your beef tips will be perfectly tender.

The Secret to a Perfectly Balanced Sauce

Making the perfect Chinese sauce for Mongolian Beef is an art. It’s all about balancing sweet and savory flavors. The soy sauce marinade is the heart of this tasty dish.

Balancing Sweetness and Umami

The secret to Mongolian Beef sauce is the right mix of soy sauce and brown sugar. Use both light and dark soy sauce for depth. Mix brown sugar with hot water before adding it to the sauce. This makes the flavor rich and complex, not too sweet or salty.

Achieving the Ideal Consistency

Simmer your sauce for a few minutes to blend the flavors. This makes it taste like it’s from a restaurant. Use a cornstarch slurry to get the right thickness. Add it slowly until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. This ensures your beef will be perfectly glazed.

The best Mongolian Beef has a sauce that sticks to the meat but isn’t too thick. It should be just right. Follow these tips to make a sauce that’s as good as any restaurant’s.

Step-by-Step Mongolian Beef Recipe

Make easy Mongolian beef at home with this simple recipe. It’s a favorite Chinese dish that takes only 30 minutes to make, great for busy nights. Let’s get started with the cooking steps.

Begin by cutting flank steak into thin strips against the grain. Then, marinate the beef in a mix of oil, soy sauce, and cornstarch. This makes the meat tender and flavorful.

While the beef marinates, get the sauce ready. Combine brown sugar, water, low-sodium soy sauce, and a bit of Sriracha for spice. Add fresh ginger and garlic for more flavor.

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Coat the marinated beef in cornstarch and sear until it’s crispy. Take the beef out and set it aside. Then, stir-fry ginger, garlic, and green onions in the same pan.

Next, add the sauce to the pan and simmer. If it’s too thin, thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. Put the beef back in and toss until the sauce coats the meat well.

Enjoy your homemade Mongolian beef over steamed rice right away. For a full meal, add steamed veggies or spring rolls. Enjoy your tasty dish!

Cooking Techniques for Optimal Results

Mastering stir fry techniques is key to making perfect Mongolian beef. This dish needs quick cooking methods to keep the beef tender and flavorful.

High Heat Stir-Frying Method

The secret to great Mongolian beef is the high-heat stir-fry. Use a wok or large skillet over high heat for a crispy beef exterior. Slice the Flat Iron Steak thin against the grain in small batches.

This ensures each piece sears quickly, about 1 minute on one side and 30 seconds on the other.

Timing is Everything

Timing is key when cooking beef. After searing, take the beef out of the wok. This stops it from overcooking while you make the sauce.

The sauce cooks for 2 minutes after adding a cornstarch slurry. Then, put the beef back in the wok. This keeps the meat tender and juicy.

The whole cooking process is fast. The sauce reduces by half in 15 to 20 minutes. This quick method saves time and keeps the ingredients’ nutritional value. Each serving has 26g of protein and only 458 calories, making it a healthy meal choice.

Customizing Your Mongolian Beef

Mongolian beef can be made your way with endless options. Add veggies like broccoli or bell peppers for more nutrition and crunch. For a spicy kick, use dried chili peppers or red pepper flakes in your stir fry.

Try different proteins instead of beef. Chicken or firm tofu can be used for a lighter version. Adjust the sauce by changing the brown sugar and soy sauce amounts to your taste.

Change up your Mongolian beef by serving it over different bases. Rice is classic, but noodles or cauliflower rice can be a fun twist. Here are some popular variations:

The secret to great Mongolian beef is finding the right balance of flavors and textures. Don’t hesitate to try new things and make it your own!

Nutritional Benefits of This Dish

Mongolian Beef is a great choice for a healthy stir fry. It’s packed with nutrients and has a good balance of protein and carbs. Let’s look at why it’s a smart pick for those who care about their health.

Protein Powerhouse

The main ingredient in Mongolian Beef is ground beef. This recipe makes 4 servings, each with 27.3g of protein. That’s almost all the daily protein most adults need! Protein helps with muscle repair, keeps the immune system strong, and helps you feel full.

Moderate Carbohydrate Profile

This homemade Mongolian Beef has fewer carbs than the takeout version. Each serving has only 4.9g of carbs, with 0.4g of fiber. It’s perfect for those on a low-carb diet or watching their carb intake.

This version of Mongolian Beef has less sugar than the restaurant kind. It uses low-sodium soy sauce and keeps sugars in check. This way, you can enjoy its great taste without hurting your health goals.

Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal

Make your Mongolian beef meal complete with tasty asian side dishes. The right pairings turn this dish into a memorable feast.

Begin with steamed white rice or brown rice to soak up the sauce. For a lighter choice, cauliflower rice is a great option. Stir-fried veggies like broccoli, bok choy, or green beans add crunch.

Noodles are perfect with Mongolian beef. Try garlic noodles or chow mein for a nice texture contrast. For something different, serve the beef over crispy fried cellophane noodles.

• Steamed dumplings
• Hot and sour soup
• Crispy spring rolls
• Pickled vegetables

Add a refreshing touch with a cucumber salad or pickled vegetables. These light, tangy sides balance the rich beef, making the meal well-rounded.

For drinks, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or an off-dry Riesling pairs well with Mongolian beef. These wines enhance the dish’s sweet and savory flavors.

With these tips, you can make a complete chinese meal that will impress. The secret to a great Asian dinner is mixing different flavors, textures, and colors.

Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks

Creating a quick dinner idea like Mongolian Beef doesn’t have to be hard. With some meal prep tips, you can make this tasty dish even on your busiest days. Let’s look at ways to make cooking easier and quicker.

Prep-ahead Strategies

Save time by prepping ingredients early. Slice your flank steak thinly and keep it in the fridge for up to a day. Also, mix the sauce early and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. These steps can greatly reduce your cooking time.

• Slice beef and store in the fridge (up to 1 day)
• Prepare sauce and refrigerate (up to 5 days)
• Use pre-minced garlic and ginger
• Chop green onions and store in an airtight container

Quick Cleanup Tricks

Here are some ways to make cleanup easier:

1. Use a large skillet or wok for easy stirring
2. Clean as you go to reduce final cleanup time
3. Line your cutting board with parchment paper for easy disposal
4. Use disposable gloves when handling raw meat

Doubling the recipe can save you time later. You can use leftovers for future meals, reducing cooking time. With these tips, you’ll have a delicious Mongolian Beef dinner ready in just 20 minutes!

Comparing Homemade vs. Restaurant Versions

Many food lovers wonder how homemade Mongolian beef compares to what they get at their favorite restaurants. Let’s look at the main differences between making it at home and eating it out.

Homemade Mongolian beef often tastes fresher and lets you control what goes into it. It costs about S$7 for 1/2 kg of beef, serving 6-7 people. You can add veggies like green beans, mushrooms, and paprika. Adjust the sauce with spices like black pepper and five-spice powder to suit your taste.

Restaurant versions, like the PF Chang’s copycat recipe, are usually sweeter and oilier. Even without special equipment, home cooks can make it taste great. High-heat stir-frying and searing the beef for a minute on each side makes it tender and the sauce perfectly balanced.

Both homemade and restaurant versions have their good points. Homemade Mongolian beef is flexible and healthier. Restaurants offer convenience and a consistent taste. Whether you’re making a PF Chang’s copycat recipe or your own version, this dish is sure to hit the spot for Chinese-American food lovers.