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My family absolutely loves Asian cuisine, and whenever I whip up a dish that fills the kitchen with the fragrant aromas of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, I know dinner is going to be a hit. Mongolian Beef is one such dish that never fails to satisfy our cravings.
What is Mongolian Beef?
Mongolian Beef is a delightful Chinese-American dish that features thinly sliced beef coated in a savory brown sauce. The sauce typically includes hoisin sauce, soy sauce, chili peppers, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. The result is a perfectly caramelized glaze that tickles the taste buds.
This dish brings back memories of classic Chinese restaurants, often served with broccoli. Although I haven’t tried it yet, I’m planning to add some broccoli the next time I make it. Trust me, it’ll be a great addition to the meal.
Finding the Perfect Cut of Beef
To make Mongolian Beef, look for shaved beef steak or sandwich steak. These thin slices of beef can come from various parts of the cow and are sometimes labeled as shabu-shabu beef, Pho, or braciole beef. If you have a friendly butcher, ordering this cut of meat can lead to an interesting conversation about the different ways to cook it.
But don’t worry if you can’t find shaved beef steak. You can use flank steak as well. Simply place it in the freezer until firm but not completely frozen, and then slice it thinly across the grain. As it defrosts, the meat will be ready to hit the hot pan, allowing the glaze to coat every delicious morsel.
Coat the Beef with Cornstarch
Before sautéing the beef, dust the slices with cornstarch. This simple step helps the beef brown evenly and creates a delectable coating when combined with the sauce.
Sauté the Beef Quickly
The beef only needs a few minutes in the pan to achieve a beautiful brown color. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become tough.
Add the Sauce
Once all the beef is nicely browned, return it to the pan and pour in the sauce. Toss everything together until the sauce thickens and creates a mouthwatering glaze.
Serving Suggestions
When serving Mongolian Beef, I like to pair it with some hot rice. The classic choice is white rice, which complements the flavors perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try adding a little duck sauce on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
To add some freshness to the dish, sprinkle some fresh sliced scallions on top. They add a touch of spiciness and a vibrant green color to the otherwise brown dish.
Vegetarian Twist
If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can replace the beef with a mixture of broccoli florets, sliced carrots, and snow peas. Just treat the vegetables as you would the beef, sauté them with cornstarch, and coat them in the sauce.
Recommended Side Dishes
To complete your Mongolian Beef meal, here are some perfect side dish options:
- Rice
- Simple Stir-Fried Vegetables
- Simple Stir-Fried Broccoli
- Blistered Green Beans with Miso Butter
Other Asian Beef Recipes
If you’re in the mood for more Asian-inspired beef dishes, try these:
- Slow Cooker Teriyaki Beef Tip Steaks
- Spicy Stir Fried Beef and Vegetables
- Asian Beef Mushroom Burgers
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With this recipe, you can bring the flavors of Mongolian Beef to your own kitchen. Give it a try, and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Bon appétit!
