Why You’ll Love this Mongolian Beef Recipe
You’re going to love this Mongolian Beef recipe for its perfect balance of flavors and ease of preparation.
It’s quick to whip up, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The tender sirloin, combined with garlic and ginger, creates a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen.
Plus, the slight sweetness from the sugar enhances the savory soy sauce, giving every bite a satisfying taste.
I appreciate how versatile it is; you can easily add your favorite veggies for extra nutrition.
Trust me, once you try it, this dish will become a staple in your household. You won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients of Mongolian Beef
When it comes to whipping up a delicious Mongolian Beef dish, the ingredients aren’t only simple but also the kind that you might already have in your pantry. Trust me, once you gather everything, you’ll find yourself wondering why you ever thought takeout was the easier option.
The beauty of this recipe is that it doesn’t require a ton of fancy ingredients, yet it delivers a mouthwatering taste that will make your taste buds dance. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create this savory meal.
Ingredients for Mongolian Beef:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, trimmed and sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil or vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 dashes white pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil or vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 (8 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
- 6 green onions, sliced lengthwise
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (for stir-frying)
Now, let’s chat about these ingredients for a moment. If you’re like me, you might find yourself staring at the grocery store aisle, wondering if that fancy oil is really worth it. Spoiler alert: both sesame oil and vegetable oil work just fine, so don’t sweat it if you can’t find one or the other.
Also, feel free to get creative with the veggies! I mean, who doesn’t love a little crunch from some bell peppers or a pop of color from broccoli? Just remember, the key is to keep it quick and simple, so you can savor the satisfaction of making this dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to Make Mongolian Beef
Alright, let’s plunge into the delicious world of Mongolian Beef! First things first, you need to get that 1 lb sirloin steak. Trim it up and slice it thin—think super thin, like you’re trying to impress a chef on a cooking show.
Once you’ve got that sorted, toss it into a bowl with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 1/2 tablespoons of either sesame oil or vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and a couple of dashes of white pepper. Give it all a good mix and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. Why? Because marinating is like giving your meat a spa day; it gets all tender and flavorful.
Now, while that’s chilling in the fridge, you can prepare the rest of your ingredients. Grab 4 garlic cloves and mince them finely—feel free to pretend you’re a ninja while doing this, just watch those fingers.
You’ll also need 2 teaspoons of ground ginger, an 8-ounce can of sliced water chestnuts (drained, of course), and 6 green onions sliced lengthwise. Cut those green onions like you’re preparing a salad for the Queen, because presentation matters, right?
Once your marinade time is up, heat up a wok to 375 degrees. Add a tablespoon of oil and toss in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking them for about 3-5 minutes until they’re fragrant. I mean, who doesn’t love the smell of garlic wafting through the kitchen?
Then, add the beef mixture along with the water chestnuts and green onions. Stir fry everything together for about 5-10 minutes until the meat is cooked through.
And there you have it—a beautiful, savory Mongolian Beef that looks like it came straight from your favorite restaurant. Remember to breathe in the delicious aroma before you dig in, because trust me, it’s worth it. Enjoy!
Mongolian Beef Substitutions & Variations
After whipping up that mouthwatering Mongolian Beef, you might find yourself wanting to switch things up a bit.
I love experimenting with different proteins like chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. If you’re out of soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos work great too.
You can also toss in veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for added crunch and nutrition. For a spicy kick, try adding red pepper flakes or sriracha.
Don’t hesitate to play around with the seasonings to suit your taste. It’s all about making this dish your own and enjoying every bite!
What to Serve with Mongolian Beef
To elevate your Mongolian Beef experience, consider pairing it with a few delicious sides that complement its bold flavors.
I love serving it alongside steamed jasmine rice, as it soaks up that savory sauce beautifully. You can also add stir-fried bok choy or broccoli for a fresh and crunchy contrast.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, crispy egg rolls are a fantastic choice. Don’t forget a simple cucumber salad to balance the richness of the beef.
Each of these sides enhances the meal, creating a delightful dining experience that you’ll want to savor again and again!
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing your Mongolian Beef, keep in mind a few tips to enhance the dish’s flavor and texture.
First, let the beef marinate longer than an hour if you can; overnight is even better for tender meat.
When stir-frying, don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lead to steaming instead of browning.
I also recommend using fresh ginger and garlic for a more vibrant taste.
For added crunch, toss in some sliced bell peppers or snap peas.
Finally, serve it over steamed rice or noodles to soak up that delicious sauce.
Enjoy your cooking adventure!