Classic Mongolian Beef: A Flavorful and Simple Stir-Fry to Satisfy Your Cravings

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When it comes to easy weeknight dinners that are bursting with flavor, Classic Mongolian Beef is a dish that never disappoints. The crispy beef, savory sauce, and aromatic vegetables come together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that’s both comforting and bold. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple to follow and guarantees impressive results every time. So, if you’re looking for a flavorful stir-fry that feels like an indulgence yet is simple enough to whip up at home, this Classic Mongolian Beef recipe is for you.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Mongolian Beef Recipe

Quick and Easy

This recipe is a dream come true if you’re short on time but still want a delicious, restaurant-quality meal. With just 20 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a hearty dish on the table in just 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy nights when you need something tasty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Flavor-Packed

One of the reasons Classic Mongolian Beef is such a hit is because of its rich, savory flavor profile. The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sesame oil creates a deeply flavorful base that perfectly complements the beef. The marinade tenderizes the meat while enhancing the overall taste, and the sauce coats every bite in a deliciously sweet and savory glaze. Add a sprinkle of fresh green onions on top, and you’ve got a meal that’s bursting with flavor.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Customizable

Want to add your personal touch to the dish? Classic Mongolian Beef is incredibly customizable. You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your tastes, or throw in some extra vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. You can even make the dish spicier by adding a bit of chili flakes or fresh chilies for that extra kick.

Ingredients for Classic Mongolian Beef

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. Don’t worry if some of these items sound unfamiliar—you’ll likely find most of them at your local grocery store or Asian market.

Marinade Ingredients

• 1 pound flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Sauce Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Mongolian Beef Preparation Ingredients

• ⅓ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 large white onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 4 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Table: Ingredients for Classic Mongolian Beef

Ingredient	Amount
Flank Steak	1 pound, thinly sliced
Cornstarch	3 tablespoons
Baking Soda	¼ teaspoon
Shaoxing Wine	1 tablespoon
Soy Sauce	1 tablespoon (for marinade) & 2 tablespoons (for sauce)
Oyster Sauce	2 tablespoons
Granulated Sugar	4 teaspoons
Chicken Bouillon	2 teaspoons
Sesame Oil	2 teaspoons
Ground Black Pepper	1 teaspoon
Vegetable Oil	⅓ cup
White Onion	1, halved and sliced
Garlic	4 teaspoons, minced
Fresh Ginger	1 teaspoon, minced
Green Onions (for garnish)	As needed

Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic Mongolian Beef

Ready to make this mouthwatering dish? Follow these simple steps for Classic Mongolian Beef and impress your family or guests with your culinary skills.

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

First, you’ll want to make sure the beef is properly marinated to get that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Here’s how to do it:

• In a medium-sized bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak, cornstarch, baking soda, Shaoxing wine, and soy sauce. Stir everything together to ensure the beef is evenly coated.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes to 1 hour. The longer the steak marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

While your beef is marinating, take the time to prepare the sauce. This is where all the rich, savory flavors come together.

• In a small bowl, combine oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, chicken bouillon, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
• Set the sauce aside until you’re ready to add it to the beef in the next step.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Now comes the fun part! The key to crispy beef is cooking it in batches and ensuring the meat is cooked until golden and crispy.

• Heat ⅓ cup of vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in an even layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, work in batches.
• Cook the beef for 2-3 minutes per side until it’s crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside. Keep it warm while you prepare the vegetables.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

Next, you’ll want to bring out the fragrant flavors of garlic and ginger while softening the onions.

• In the same skillet, add 2-3 tablespoons of the reserved oil and heat over medium heat.
• Add the sliced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they’re slightly softened.
• Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine and Heat Through

Now it’s time to bring everything together.

• Add the cooked beef back into the skillet with the onions, garlic, and ginger.
• Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well to coat everything evenly.
• Let everything cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the beef is heated through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

To add a burst of freshness and color, garnish your dish with freshly chopped green onions.

Serve your Classic Mongolian Beef over steamed rice, noodles, or even with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Classic Mongolian Beef

While this dish is easy to make, there are a few tips that can elevate it even further.

1. Slice the Beef Against the Grain

This may sound like a small detail, but it’s crucial for ensuring the beef stays tender. By slicing the flank steak against the grain, you’re cutting the muscle fibers shorter, which helps the meat stay tender when cooked. The result is a more enjoyable texture in every bite.

2. Use Shaoxing Wine for Authentic Flavor

Shaoxing wine is a traditional Chinese rice wine that adds depth and complexity to your dish. It gives the Mongolian beef an authentic flavor that can’t be replicated with other types of wine or substitutes. If you can’t find Shaoxing wine, dry sherry can work in a pinch, though the flavor will differ slightly.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

If you add too much beef to the skillet at once, it will release moisture and steam rather than crisp up. For the best crispy texture, cook the beef in batches, allowing each piece to get golden and crispy.

4. Adjust the Sweetness to Your Taste

If you prefer a sweeter flavor profile, feel free to increase the sugar by a teaspoon or two. You can also reduce the sugar if you like a more savory version of this dish.

Nutritional Information for Classic Mongolian Beef

If you’re watching your calorie intake or keeping an eye on nutritional values, here’s a quick breakdown of Classic Mongolian Beef:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories: 300 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Other Cuts of Beef for Mongolian Beef?

Yes! While flank steak is the traditional choice for this recipe, you can substitute it with other cuts like sirloin, skirt steak, or rib-eye. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for the best texture.

How Can I Make Mongolian Beef Spicier?

If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can easily spice up this dish. Try adding a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce or toss in some fresh sliced chilies during the cooking process. For an extra spicy kick, add a spoonful of Sriracha or chili paste.

Can I Prepare Mongolian Beef Ahead of Time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time! You can marinate the beef and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The sauce can also be prepared and stored in an airtight container. Just reheat everything together when you’re ready to serve.

Can I Make Mongolian Beef Without Shaoxing Wine?

While Shaoxing wine is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute it with dry sherry or white wine. While it won’t be exactly the same, it will still deliver a delicious result.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Classic Mongolian Beef

There’s no denying that Classic Mongolian Beef is a favorite for many, and it’s easy to see why. With its tender beef, rich sauce, and perfect balance of flavors, this dish will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try, and you’ll see why Mongolian Beef is loved by so many.

Ready to Make Classic Mongolian Beef Tonight?

Don’t wait! Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delicious meal in just 30 minutes. Happy cooking!

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