If you're looking to expand your culinary repertoire, Mongolian beef might just be the dish you need. Its combination of tender meat and a savory-sweet sauce offers a delightful balance that works well for various occasions. You could try the classic version or opt for a slow cooker recipe for convenience. Perhaps you're curious about a spicy stir-fry or even a fun taco twist. Each recipe boasts customization options that suit your taste, but there's more to investigate in this flavorful journey ahead.
Classic Mongolian Beef
Classic Mongolian Beef is a savory and satisfying dish that combines tender strips of beef with a sweet and slightly spicy sauce, served over a bed of steamed rice or crispy noodles. This dish is known for its rich flavors, thanks to the combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic, making it a favorite in Asian cuisine.
Prepare to impress your family and friends with this delightful recipe that brings the tastes of Mongolia right to your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced against the grain
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by marinating the sliced flank steak in a mixture of soy sauce and half of the brown sugar for about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine the remaining brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) to create the sauce.
After marinating, toss the beef slices in cornstarch until fully coated.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and cook the beef in batches until browned and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Once all the beef is cooked, add the chopped white parts of the green onions to the skillet, followed by the sauce mixture.
Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with the green parts of the green onions.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor and texture, make sure that you slice the flank steak against the grain to achieve tenderness.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to thicken it further.
You can also customize the dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
Adjust the level of sweetness and spice according to your taste by modifying the amount of brown sugar and red pepper flakes.
Enjoy your homemade Mongolian Beef!
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef is a delicious and easy dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. The tender beef is infused with a savory sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic, creating a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors.
Cooking it in a slow cooker allows the beef to become incredibly tender and allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a go-to recipe for anyone seeking a comforting and satisfying meal. Pair it with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete dinner that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced flank steak, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and beef broth. Stir until well mixed and the beef is coated in the sauce.
Pour the mixture into the slow cooker and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the sauce from the slow cooker to create a slurry, then stir it back into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Serve hot over rice and garnish with sliced green onions.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, choose a good quality flank steak, as it will yield the most tender meat. Make sure to cut the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
If you prefer a bolder flavor, consider adding some sliced bell peppers or broccoli in the last hour of cooking. Additionally, feel free to adjust the level of sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste.
This dish is also great for meal prep; simply store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Spicy Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry
Spicy Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry is a delightful twist on the classic dish that combines tender beef with a fiery sauce, making it a perfect meal for those who love a bit of heat.
This recipe features a balance of sweet and spicy flavors, complemented by crisp vegetables and served over rice or noodles. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it's an ideal weeknight dinner that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons chili paste or Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions:
Start by coating the sliced flank steak with cornstarch and letting it sit for about 15 minutes.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, cooking until browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili paste, stirring well to combine.
Return the beef to the pan along with the bell pepper and broccoli, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Serve the stir-fry over rice or noodles and garnish with chopped green onions.
Extra Tips:
To achieve the best texture with the beef, make certain you slice it thinly against the grain and let it marinate in cornstarch for maximum tenderness.
Adjust the amount of chili paste or Sriracha to suit your heat preference, and feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or carrots for added color and nutrition.
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy your Spicy Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry!
Mongolian Beef Tacos
Mongolian Beef Tacos are a delicious fusion dish that combines the rich flavors of traditional Mongolian beef with the fun, handheld convenience of tacos. This recipe features tender beef, a sweet and savory sauce, and fresh toppings, all wrapped in warm tortillas.
It's a perfect option for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Get ready to impress your taste buds with this unique twist on two classic cuisines!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, cilantro
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil and heat until shimmering.
Add the sliced flank steak and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth, then pour the mixture into the skillet, stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
Fold in the chopped green onions and remove from heat.
Extra Tips:
For a little extra crunch and flavor, consider adding some pickled carrots or jalapeños as toppings.
If you prefer a spicier kick, you can incorporate some sriracha or chili paste into the sauce.
Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of tortillas or wraps to suit your taste.
Don't forget to serve these tacos with a side of your favorite dipping sauce or a revitalizing drink to complement the bold flavors!
Mongolian Beef With Broccoli
Mongolian Beef with Broccoli is a delightful stir-fry dish that combines tender beef and vibrant broccoli in a savory sauce. This recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a special dinner for guests. The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic improves the beef's richness while the broccoli adds a nutritious touch and a pop of color.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Cooked rice for serving
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
To cook Mongolian Beef with Broccoli, start by marinating the thinly sliced flank steak in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch for about 15 minutes.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat and add the marinated beef, cooking until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Return the beef to the skillet, pour in the water and sesame oil, and stir everything together until well combined and heated through. Serve over cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
When preparing Mongolian Beef with Broccoli, confirm that the beef is sliced thinly for ideal tenderness and quick cooking. Marinating the beef not only improves the flavor but also helps to tenderize it.
Feel free to adjust the level of sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your preference. For added texture and flavor, you can include other vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas.
Finally, be careful not to overcook the broccoli; it should remain vibrant and slightly crunchy for the best taste.