Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step-by-Step Instructions for Mongolian Beef
- Begin by slicing the flank or sirloin steak into thin strips, about ¼ inch thick. This ensures quick cooking and tenderness. Once sliced, set the beef aside on a plate, allowing it to come to room temperature, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes, to ensure even marination.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together baking soda, cornstarch, kosher salt, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of mirin. Add the sliced beef, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible, for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.
- While the beef is marinating, prepare the sauce by combining 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce, and another 2 tablespoons of soy sauce in a separate bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and mix well until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a rich, velvety sauce. Set the sauce aside for later.
- Heat ¼ cup of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the marinated beef in batches, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per batch until golden brown. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and allow it to rest; this step ensures all pieces are cooked evenly without steaming.
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary, then sauté 5-6 cloves of minced garlic, 2 teaspoons of minced ginger, and the whites of the green onions, along with 8 dried red chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until you can smell the fragrant aroma, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour the prepared sauce into the wok and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to bubble for 1-2 minutes, letting the flavors meld. Then, add the browned beef back into the pan along with the green onion greens. Toss everything together, ensuring the beef is well-coated in the savory sauce.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the Mongolian Beef simmer for about 5 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce and allow the meat to absorb the rich flavors. You'll know it’s ready when the sauce becomes glossy and coats the beef beautifully.
- Finally, serve your mouthwatering Mongolian Beef over warm white rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. The dish is best enjoyed fresh, allowing the tender beef and rich sauce to enhance every bite. Add a few extra green onions on top for a delightful crunch and color.
Nutrition
Notes
Allow the beef to marinate longer than an hour—overnight is ideal—to enhance tenderness and flavor absorption. Stir-fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Use fresh garlic and ginger for a more aromatic flavor.
