Mongolian beef stir-fry; Chinese cuisine treasures Mongolian beef for its tender beef slices, aromatic garlic and rich savory sauce. This stir-fry is quick and easy to make which makes it a perfect option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of marinated beef, stir-fried vegetables and a flavorful sauce creates a dish that is both satisfying and bursting with flavor.

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Mongolian Stir-fry Beef Ingredients Breakdown

To make Mongolian beef, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a delicious and aromatic dish.

Onion and Green Onion: These vegetables add a mild, sweet flavor that complements the richness of the beef. The green onion, also known as scallion, adds a fresh crisp texture.

Garlic: 5 cloves of garlic provide a robust, pungent flavor that is essential in Chinese stir-fries. The garlic infuses the dish with its distinctive aroma, enhancing the overall taste.

Dried Chili: The dried chili adds a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of the sauce. It’s optional, but recommended if you enjoy a bit of spice.

Sesame Seeds: These tiny seeds are important during garnishing and add a nutty flavor and a pleasant crunch to the dish.

Oil for Frying: You’ll need oil for frying the beef and stir-frying the vegetables. A neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil works best.

Beef Marinade

Marinating the beef is a crucial step that helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. The marinade ingredients are:

Beef: 300 grams of beef, thinly sliced. The best cuts for this dish are flank steak or sirloin as they are tender and absorb the marinade well.

Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons of soy sauce add a savory umami flavor to the beef.

Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar provides a slight tanginess that helps balance the richness of the beef.

Baking Soda: 1 tablespoon of baking soda to tenderize the meat ensuring it remains soft and juicy.

Cornstarch: 4-6 tablespoons of cornstarch create a light coating on the beef which helps it achieve a crispy exterior when fried.

Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon of sesame oil adds a rich nutty flavor to the beef, enhancing its depth.

Water: 2-3 tablespoons of water to help the marinade penetrate the meat evenly.

Sauce Ingredients

The sauce is the heart of this dish, bringing all the flavors together. The sauce ingredients are;

Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons of soy sauce provide the base of the sauce adding a deep savory flavor.

Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce adds a rich flavor with a hint of sweetness.

Sweet Soy Sauce: 2-3 tablespoons of sweet soy sauce contribute a balanced sweetness that contrasts the salty and savory elements.

Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon of sesame oil imparts a nutty aroma and flavor to the sauce.

Salt: 1 teaspoon of salt enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.

Chicken Seasoning Powder: 1 teaspoon of chicken seasoning powder adds a subtle depth of flavor, often used in Chinese cooking.

Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon of black pepper adds a touch of spice and complexity to the sauce.

Mongolian Stir-fry Beef Preparation

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s go through the preparation process step by step. This Mongolian beef recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.

1. Preparing the Ingredients: Begin by thinly slicing the vegetables and beef. Slice the onion, green onion, and garlic into thin strips. This ensures that they cook evenly and quickly during the stir-frying process. Thinly slice the beef as well cutting against the grain to keep the meat tender.

2. Marinating the Beef: In a bowl, combine the beef with the marinade ingredients: 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 4-6 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 2-3 tablespoons of water. Mix well to ensure that each piece of beef is evenly coated. Let the beef marinate for at least 20 minutes. This step helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with a rich flavor.

3. Preparing the Sauce: While the beef is marinating, prepare the sauce by combining 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 2-3 tablespoons of sweet soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of chicken seasoning powder, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper in a bowl. Stir well to mix all the ingredients. Set the sauce aside until needed.

4. Frying the Beef: Heat a large pan over high heat and add enough oil for frying. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in batches depending on the size of your pan and fry until the beef is half-cooked. This should take about 2-3 minutes per batch. Make sure the beef is brown on the outside but still tender on the inside. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

5. Stir-Frying the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the sliced onions and green onions. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and slightly softened. Add the garlic and dried chili, and continue to stir-fry until the garlic becomes fragrant, this should take about 1-2 minutes.

6. Combining the Beef and Sauce: Return the fried beef to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together making sure the beef and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce. Let the mixture cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef.

7. Garnishing and Serving: Once the beef is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, garnish the dish with sesame seeds and additional green onion slices. Serve the Mongolian beef hot, paired with warm steamed rice.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Best practices for slicing beef: Always slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. This also helps the beef cook quickly and evenly.

Adjusting the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the amount of sweet soy sauce or add a teaspoon of sugar.

Substitutes for oyster sauce: If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce as a substitute though it will add a slightly different flavor.

Making ahead and storage: Mongolian beef can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in a pan over low heat before serving.

Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, you can substitute chicken for beef in this recipe. Chicken thighs work best as they stay moist and tender.

What can I use as a substitute for cornstarch? Potato starch or arrowroot powder can be used as alternatives to cornstarch for coating the beef.

How can I make the dish spicier? Add more dried chilies or a dash of chili oil to increase the heat of the dish.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Mongolian beef is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides enhancing the overall dining experience.

Steamed Rice: Steamed jasmine or white rice is perfect for soaking up the rich sauce of the Mongolian beef.

Fried Rice: For a more flavorful option, serve the beef with fried rice. The combination of stir-fried vegetables, eggs, and rice complements the savory beef dish beautifully.

Vegetable Stir-Fry: A side of stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers or peas adds a fresh and crunchy contrast to the tender beef.

Noodles: If you prefer noodles over rice, try serving the beef with a simple noodle dish. The noodles will absorb the sauce, making every bite delicious.

Salad: A light cucumber salad with a tangy dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Mongolian beef.

Beverages: To balance the savory flavors, pair the dish with a light refreshing beverage such as iced tea.

Garnishing and Presentation Ideas

Garnishing and presentation are key to making your Mongolian beef dish look as good as it tastes.

Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the dish for a nutty flavor and a visually appealing garnish.

Green Onion: Thinly sliced green onions add a pop of color and freshness, making the dish look vibrant and appetizing.

Dried Chili: For those who love spice, garnish with additional dried chilies to enhance the dish’s heat and visual appeal.

Serving Dish: Serve the Mongolian beef in a shallow wide dish to showcase the vibrant colors and textures. Pair it with a side of neatly arranged rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Mongolian beef is a delightful dish that combines the bold flavors of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil with tender, marinated beef. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for those who love the savory, umami-rich taste of Chinese cuisine.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish is sure to impress with its simplicity and depth of flavor. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Happy cooking!