Certainly! Here’s an easy recipe for Mongolian Beef along with some helpful notes:
Mongolian Beef Recipe
Ingredients:
For the beef marinade:
- 1 pound (450g) flank steak or sirloin, sliced thinly against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the sliced beef, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
- While the beef is marinating, prepare the sauce by combining 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup water, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, red pepper flakes, and hoisin sauce in a separate bowl. Mix until the sugar is dissolved.
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce later.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the prepared sauce. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for a couple of minutes until it starts to thicken.
- Add the cooked beef back to the skillet and toss to coat it with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook for another minute or so until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve the Mongolian Beef over rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions.
Notes:
- Meat Slicing: For tender beef, make sure to slice it thinly against the grain. This helps to break down the muscle fibers and results in a more tender texture.
- Marinating: Marinating the beef helps to infuse it with flavor and tenderize it. Be sure not to over-marinate, as the soy sauce can start to break down the meat’s texture.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. You can omit them if you prefer a milder dish.
- Thickening Sauce: The cornstarch slurry is added to thicken the sauce. Make sure to mix the slurry well before adding it to the hot sauce to avoid lumps.
- Vegetables: You can add sliced onions, bell peppers, or other vegetables for extra flavor and color. Just stir-fry them before cooking the beef and set them aside until it’s time to combine everything.
Enjoy your homemade Mongolian Beef!
Of course, here are some additional tips and variations to consider when making Mongolian Beef:
Additional Tips:
- Wok or Skillet: While using a wok is traditional, a large skillet works well too. Make sure the skillet or wok is hot before adding the meat to get a good sear.
- High Heat: Cooking over high heat is essential for achieving that slightly crispy texture on the beef. Keep the heat high throughout the cooking process.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick while cooking, you can add a bit more water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Garnishes: Along with sliced green onions, you can also add sesame seeds or chopped cilantro as garnishes for added flavor and presentation.
Variations:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: For a vegetarian or vegan version, you can substitute the beef with sliced tofu, seitan, or tempeh. Follow the same marinating and cooking process.
- Chicken: If you prefer chicken, you can use thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs instead of beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Spicy Mongolian Beef: To make it spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add chopped fresh chili peppers to the sauce.
- Broccoli or Snap Peas: Add blanched broccoli florets or snap peas for a crunchy and nutritious addition.
- Nutty Flavor: Consider adding toasted sesame oil to the sauce for a nutty undertone.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Low-Sodium: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of added salt to make the dish lower in sodium.
Remember, cooking is about experimentation and adapting recipes to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to tweak the ingredients and methods to create your perfect Mongolian Beef recipe. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
