Mongolian Beef
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
Experience the savory goodness of Mongolian Beef, a delightful dish featuring tender strips of beef stir-fried with green onions in a rich, flavorful sauce. This quick and easy recipe balances sweet and salty notes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it over steamed rice for a satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.
Mongolian Beef is a beloved dish that combines tender beef with vibrant green onions, all coated in a savory sauce that harmonizes sweet and salty flavors.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
Mongolian Beef is a unique and flavorful dish that brings together several contrasting flavors, creating an unforgettable taste experience. The savory soy sauce, combined with the sweetness of brown sugar, strikes a wonderful balance that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings. This harmony is further enhanced by the optional red pepper flakes, adding just the right amount of heat to elevate the dish. It's this perfect balance that makes Mongolian Beef a favorite among many, transcending simple weeknight meals into dining experiences worthy of any occasion.
The dish is also remarkably versatile; you can easily customize it according to your taste preferences. Add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli for a colorful and nutritious addition. You can adjust the level of sweetness or spice depending on your family's tastes. This adaptability allows you to enjoy Mongolian Beef in multiple ways, ensuring that it never becomes monotonous, and always satisfies your palate.
Quick and Easy Preparation
One of the standout features of Mongolian Beef is how quickly it comes together. In less than 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious and filling meal that rivals takeout options. Ideal for busy weeknights, the simplicity of the preparation means you won’t spend hours in the kitchen. After preparing a straightforward sauce, the beef cooks in just a few minutes, allowing your weeknight dinner to feel like a treat rather than a chore.
To streamline your cooking process, consider prepping your ingredients ahead of time. Slice the flank steak and chop the green onions in advance, making it even easier to throw the dish together after a long day. This method not only saves you time during cooking but also keeps the flavors vibrant and fresh when it's finally served.
Serving Suggestions
Mongolian Beef is often best enjoyed over a bed of fluffy steamed rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce and rounds out the meal beautifully. Pair it with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded dinner experience. To elevate your presentation, garnish with additional chopped green onions or sesame seeds just before serving, giving a fresh touch and enhanced visual appeal.
For a complete dining experience, consider complementing your Mongolian Beef with a refreshing beverage. Iced green tea or a crisp, light white wine can beautifully enhance the savoriness of the dish. Additionally, for those who enjoy experimenting, varying side dishes like noodles, fried rice, or even quinoa can bring a delightful twist to your meal, offering new flavors while maintaining the essence of this beloved dish.
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 1 pound flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Make sure to have all ingredients prepped before you start cooking!
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Cook the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Garlic and Sauce
Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Pour in the sauce mixture and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Finish with Green Onions
Stir in the chopped green onions and cook for another minute before serving.
Serve hot over steamed rice for a delightful meal!
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, you can store Mongolian Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to blend, enhancing the overall taste for your next meal. To prevent the beef from becoming tough when reheating, use a low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the dish moist.
For longer storage, consider freezing the Mongolian Beef. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it gently. This method retains most of the flavors and textures, making it feel like a fresh dish rather than a reheated one.
Nutritional Information
Mongolian Beef can be a satisfying option, but it’s important to keep nutritional content in mind. The flank steak offers a great source of protein, while the green onions add vitamins A and C, and fiber. However, the dish does contain added sugars and sodium from soy sauce, which may be a consideration for health-conscious individuals or those managing dietary restrictions.
To create a healthier version of this dish, consider using low-sodium soy sauce and reducing the amount of brown sugar. Adding in more vegetables can increase the fiber content while keeping the dish delicious and filling. This approach allows you to enjoy all the flavors without compromising on your nutrition goals.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute chicken or tofu for the beef.
→ Is this dish spicy?
The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can adjust the spice level to your preference.
Mongolian Beef
Experience the savory goodness of Mongolian Beef, a delightful dish featuring tender strips of beef stir-fried with green onions in a rich, flavorful sauce. This quick and easy recipe balances sweet and salty notes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it over steamed rice for a satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.
Created by: Evelyn Parker
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Beef
- 1 pound flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
How-To Steps
In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Pour in the sauce mixture and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the chopped green onions and cook for another minute before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 10g