If you’re a fan of Chinese-inspired dishes, there’s a good chance you’ve tried or heard of Mongolian beef. It’s a popular stir-fry dish known for its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavours. Whether you’ve had it at your favourite Chinese restaurant or are looking to make it at home, there’s no better way to enjoy this dish than with a homemade mongolian beef recipe that’s tailored to your taste.
In this blog, we’ll show you how to make a Mongolian beef stir-fry from scratch. We’ll cover everything from the ingredients you’ll need, to the best method for cooking it, along with some tips to ensure your beef is perfectly tender and your sauce is just right.
For a truly premium Mongolian beef dish, it’s crucial to use high-quality beef. Gingin Beef provides grass-fed beef that enhances the flavour of this dish, so be sure to check out their selection for the freshest cuts delivered right to your door.
Let’s dive into the recipe!
What is Mongolian Beef?
Mongolian beef is a stir-fried dish typically made with tender beef, green onions, and a sauce made of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and garlic. The dish is characterised by its sweetness from sugar and hoisin sauce, combined with the savory depth of soy sauce and aromatics like garlic and ginger.
Contrary to what the name suggests, Mongolian beef isn’t necessarily traditional Mongolian cuisine. It is thought to be inspired by Chinese-American cooking, with its origins rooted in the more modern fusion of flavours.
Despite its name, the flavours are rich and complex, combining sweet, salty, and a touch of spicy heat, making it a favourite at home or at your local Chinese restaurant.
Ingredients for the Perfect Mongolian Beef Stir Fry
To get started, here are the ingredients you’ll need for the perfect Mongolian beef recipe:
For the Beef:
- 500g of beef (sirloin, flank, or rump steak) – Thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (to coat the beef and help it crisp)
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce (use a low-sodium version if preferred)
- 1/4 cup of hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup of water (to thin the sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional for added spice)
For Garnish:
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Sesame seeds for added crunch and flavour
By using quality beef like Gingin Beef, the dish becomes richer, offering more flavour and a better texture, which is essential for getting the perfect stir-fry.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Mongolian Beef Stir Fry
Now, let’s break down how to make this mongolian beef recipe step by step. It’s easy to make but requires a few key techniques to get the right flavours and textures.
Step 1: Slice the Beef
Start by thinly slicing the beef against the grain. Cutting against the grain helps break down the muscle fibres, making the meat more tender. Aim for thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick, so that they cook quickly and evenly.
If you’re using frozen beef, allow it to thaw in the fridge before slicing. Alternatively, you can use emergency frozen deliveries from Gingin Beef for high-quality, fresh beef that arrives at your door.
Step 2: Coat the Beef in Cornstarch
In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with cornstarch. This step is important as it helps give the beef a crispy texture when fried, which adds to the overall bite of the dish. Once evenly coated, set the beef aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, water, garlic, and ginger. Taste the sauce and adjust the sugar or soy sauce to your liking. For a sweeter dish, add more sugar; for a saltier one, increase the soy sauce. If you like a bit of heat, you can also add the red pepper flakes here.
Step 4: Fry the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s crispy and golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan – if needed, cook the beef in batches.
Once the beef is crispy, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 5: Cook the Sauce
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary, and pour in the sauce mixture. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking or burning. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the simmering sauce.
Step 6: Combine the Beef and Sauce
Add the crispy beef back into the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Stir well to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the sweet and savory sauce. Let it cook for an additional minute or so, just to heat everything through and allow the sauce to infuse into the beef.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with chopped green onions. For an added crunch, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top. Serve the Mongolian beef over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Mongolian Beef
Now that you have the basic steps down, let’s cover a few tips to make your Mongolian beef even better:
- Use high-quality beef: The better the beef, the better your dish will taste. Gingin Beef provides premium, grass-fed beef that will enhance the flavour and tenderness of your stir-fry.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the beef in batches if necessary to ensure it crisps up and cooks evenly.
- Balance the sauce: If the sauce is too sweet, add a splash of soy sauce. If it’s too salty, balance it out with more sugar or water.
- Try different vegetables: Feel free to add in bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas to make the dish even more colourful and nutritious.
How to Serve Mongolian Beef
Mongolian beef is traditionally served over steamed rice or noodles, but there are other ways to serve it that can elevate your meal:
- Serve with jasmine rice for an aromatic base.
- Pair it with fried rice if you want something more substantial.
- Noodles: If you’re craving something a bit heartier, serve the beef over egg noodles or rice noodles for a twist on the classic.
- As a side dish: Serve the Mongolian beef as a side with other Chinese-inspired dishes, like sweet and sour chicken or a vegetable stir-fry.
No matter how you serve it, this Mongolian beef recipe is sure to impress.
Why Choose Grass-Fed Beef for Your Stir Fry?
The quality of beef you use can make or break your stir-fry. Grass-fed beef tends to have a cleaner taste and is leaner than grain-fed beef. It also contains more nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, and has a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals.
For the best Mongolian beef stir-fry, consider using premium grass-fed beef from Gingin Beef. Their beef is not only of the highest quality but is also sustainably sourced, making it the ideal choice for your dish. Visit Gingin Beef to order top-quality beef today.
Conclusion
This mongolian beef recipe is an easy, flavour-packed dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. By following these simple steps and using quality ingredients, you can recreate this popular dish at home and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavours.
If you’re looking for high-quality beef to make your Mongolian beef even better, be sure to check out Gingin Beef for premium, grass-fed beef delivered right to your door. For more information or to place an order, head over to their contact page.
FAQs
- Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use different cuts like flank steak or sirloin. Just ensure the beef is sliced thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, Mongolian beef can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently before serving.
- Is Mongolian beef spicy?
Mongolian beef is mildly spicy, but you can adjust the level of heat by adding or removing red pepper flakes based on your preference.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of Mongolian beef.
- Can I freeze Mongolian beef?
Yes, you can freeze Mongolian beef. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.