Treat yourself to the rich and savory flavors of this Quick & Easy Mongolian Beef. This dish features tender, crispy beef coated in a delectable sauce, making it a perfect option for a speedy and satisfying dinner. Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe brings the taste of takeout to your home kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb flank steak (or substitute with sirloin steak or skirt steak)
- ½ cup cornstarch (or substitute with potato starch to coat beef)
- 5-6 thin slices of ginger, peeled or unpeeled
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red chili pepper, sliced (optional)
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or any neutral tasting oil for frying beef)
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnishing
Beef Marinade:
- 2 teaspoons regular soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (do not skip this!)
Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons regular soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark brown sugar will work)
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or substitute with potato starch)
- ½ cup cold water
Instructions:
- Marinate the Beef:
- Slice the flank steak into thin strips against the grain.
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, black pepper, and baking soda. Combine the beef strips with the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Allow them to sit for a minimum of 15 minutes.
- Coat the Beef:
- After marinating, toss the beef strips in cornstarch (or potato starch) until well coated.
- Fry the Beef:
- Warm the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok set to medium-high heat.
- Fry the beef strips in batches until crispy and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the beef and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and cold water.
- Stir thoroughly until the cornstarch is completely incorporated.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
- Add the ginger slices and minced garlic. Stir-fry until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the red chili pepper, if using.
- Combine Beef and Sauce:
- Return the crispy beef strips to the skillet.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and stir to coat evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beef is heated through.
- Serve:
- Transfer the Mongolian beef to a serving dish.
- Garnish with finely chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite noodles.
Conclusion:
This Quick & Easy Mongolian Beef is a delightful and flavorful dish that brings the taste of your favorite restaurant to your home kitchen. With its crispy beef and savory sauce, this recipe is sure to become a go-to for busy evenings when you crave something delicious and satisfying. Enjoy this homemade classic with family and friends!