Mongolian Beef

Experience the bold flavors of Mongolian Beef with this easy-to-follow recipe. Tender slices of flank steak are coated in a savory sauce infused with ginger, garlic, and dried red chilis, creating a deliciously satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients :

• ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons water
• 1 ½ pounds flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• About 6 tablespoons vegetable oil (avocado or peanut preferred)
• 2 teaspoons grated ginger
• 5 dried red chilis
• 2 teaspoons garlic, pressed
• 4 green onions, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• Rice, for serving (optional)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and water until well combined. Set aside.
2. Coat and Sear the Steak: Season sliced flank steak with salt and black pepper, then toss with cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat 4 tablespoons of oil in a wok or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat. Sear the steak in batches until browned on both sides. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Prepare Aromatic Ingredients: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining oil to the pan. Stir-fry dried red chilis for 30 seconds, then add grated ginger and pressed garlic. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Combine and Finish Cooking: Return seared beef to the pan. Add sliced green onions and prepared sauce. Toss everything together for about 30 seconds until heated through and well coated.
5. Serve: Serve the Mongolian Beef family-style over white rice or as a standalone dish with noodles.

Serving Tips :

1. Garnish for Flavor: Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped green onions before serving to add a pop of color and extra flavor.
2. Pairing Suggestions: Serve Mongolian Beef with steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles to absorb the delicious sauce. It also pairs well with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers.
3. Family-Style Presentation: Serve Mongolian Beef directly from the pan or transfer to a serving platter for a visually appealing family-style meal.
4. Add Crunch: For added texture, garnish with crispy fried noodles or crushed peanuts just before serving.

Storage Tips :

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Mongolian Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating: To maintain the texture of the beef, reheat Mongolian Beef gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
3. Freezing: While Mongolian Beef can be frozen, the texture of the beef may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Meal Prep Tip: Prepare the sauce and slice the beef in advance to streamline cooking. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to use.
5. Refreshing Leftovers: If reheating leftovers, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or hoisin sauce to revive flavors before serving.

These serving and storage tips will help your readers enjoy Mongolian Beef at its best, whether freshly cooked or as leftovers. They enhance the article’s value by offering practical advice on presentation and preservation, ensuring a delightful dining experience from start to finish.

Variations :

1. Vegetarian Mongolian Tofu: Substitute thinly sliced firm tofu for flank steak. Press and coat with cornstarch before stir-frying. Follow the same recipe, adjusting cooking times for tofu until crispy.
2. Spicy Mongolian Chicken: Swap flank steak with thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh meat. Increase or decrease the amount of dried red chilis to adjust the heat level to your preference.
3. Mongolian Pork Stir-Fry: Use thinly sliced pork tenderloin or pork loin instead of beef. Pork cooks quickly, so reduce the cooking time accordingly to ensure it stays tender.
4. Mongolian Shrimp: Replace beef with large peeled shrimp. Stir-fry the shrimp briefly until pink, then add the sauce and aromatics for a seafood twist on this classic dish.
5. Mongolian Mushroom Medley: Create a vegetarian version by using a mix of mushrooms such as shiitake, oyster, and cremini. Sauté mushrooms until tender, then toss with the sauce and green onions.
6. Extra Spicy Mongolian Beef: Increase the amount of dried red chilis or add a teaspoon of chili paste or Sriracha to the sauce for a fiery kick.
7. Mongolian Beef Lettuce Wraps: Serve the Mongolian Beef mixture in large lettuce leaves (such as butter lettuce or romaine hearts) for a low-carb and gluten-free option.
8. Honey-Soy Mongolian Beef: Add a tablespoon of honey to the sauce mixture for a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
9. Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Vegetables: Stir-fry bell peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, and carrots along with the beef for added crunch and nutrition.
10. Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef: For a hands-off approach, cook the beef and sauce mixture in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours until tender. Add green onions just before serving.

These variations offer diverse ways to enjoy the flavors of Mongolian Beef, whether you prefer meat alternatives, spicier versions, or different proteins altogether. Experiment with these ideas to customize your Mongolian Beef dish according to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

FAQs:

1. What does “Mongolian Beef” mean in culinary terms?
   • Mongolian Beef is a dish that originated in Taiwanese-American cuisine, featuring thinly sliced beef stir-fried with a savory-sweet sauce typically made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and aromatics.
2. Is Mongolian Beef spicy?
   • Mongolian Beef can vary in spice level depending on the amount of dried red chilis used. It typically has a mild to moderate level of heat, which can be adjusted according to personal preference.
3. Can I use a different cut of beef for Mongolian Beef?
   • Flank steak is traditionally used for Mongolian Beef due to its tender texture and ability to absorb flavors. However, you can also use sirloin, ribeye, or even skirt steak if preferred.
4. How should I slice beef for Mongolian Beef?
   • For best results, slice the beef thinly against the grain and at a bias (diagonally) into strips about 1/4-inch thick. This helps to ensure the beef cooks quickly and remains tender.
5. Can I make Mongolian Beef ahead of time?
   • Mongolian Beef is best served fresh for optimal texture and flavor. However, you can prepare the sauce and slice the beef in advance. Cook and assemble the dish just before serving to retain its crispy texture.
6. What can I serve with Mongolian Beef?
   • Mongolian Beef pairs well with steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles such as chow mein or lo mein. It also complements stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas.
7. How do I reduce the sodium content in Mongolian Beef?
   • To reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium soy sauce and hoisin sauce. You can also adjust the amount of salt added during cooking or use a sodium-free seasoning blend.
8. Can I make Mongolian Beef gluten-free?
   • Yes, you can make Mongolian Beef gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce. Ensure all other ingredients, including the cornstarch used for coating, are also gluten-free.
9. What is the difference between Mongolian Beef and Beef with Broccoli?
   • Mongolian Beef typically features a slightly sweeter and more savory sauce compared to Beef with Broccoli, which often includes a thicker sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic.
10. How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough in Mongolian Beef?
    • To keep the beef tender, slice it thinly against the grain and cook it quickly over high heat. Avoid overcooking the beef, as this can result in toughness. Remove the beef from the pan as soon as it reaches your desired doneness.

These FAQs provide helpful information and solutions to common questions about Mongolian Beef, enhancing the article’s value by addressing reader concerns and ensuring a successful cooking experience.

Elevate your dinner with this irresistible Mongolian Beef recipe. Its combination of tender steak, aromatic spices, and savory sauce promises to satisfy your taste buds. Follow our step-by-step instructions to recreate this restaurant-quality dish at home and impress your family and friends with a flavorful Asian-inspired meal.