Mongolian Beef
Try this Mongolian Beef recipe
Try this Mongolian Beef recipe
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup water
- garnish:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
- 1/2 cup lite soy sauce
- 1 pound flank steak sliced across the grain
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or 2/3 cups i prefer the version with
- 10 cloves garlic minced
- cornstarch slurry:
- Carbohydrate 29.3124587589973 g
- Cholesterol 158.7573295 mg
- Fat 42.2362766731008 g
- Fiber 2.27109998192362 g
- Protein 102.80118716497 g
- Saturated Fat 14.8680442777854 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (940g)
- Sodium 2401.06263161681 mg
- Sugar 27.0413587770737 g
- Trans Fat 4.88116013647852 g
- Calories 926 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat up your pressure cooker: press Sauté -> click on the Adjust button -> select More to get the Sauté More function, which means that the food will be sautéed over medium-high heat. Wait for the Instant Pot indicator to read HOT.
- Add sliced beef to a large ziplock bag, add 1 tablespoon cornstarch and shake well to coat the beef evenly.
- Add the oil to the hot Instant Pot, once the oil is hot, add the beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring a few times.
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot: minced garlic, minced ginger, lite soy sauce, brown sugar, water and red pepper flakes. You can add less sugar, based on your taste and preference.
- Stir well until all the ingredients are combined and coated in sauce.
- Close lid and pressure cook at High Pressure for 8 minutes + 10 minutes Natural Release. Turn off the heat. Release the remaining pressure. Open the lid.
- Make the cornstarch slurry, in a small bowl mix cornstarch with water until fully combined. With the Instant Pot on the Sauté function, add the slurry to the pot, stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes on Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Turn off the Instant Pot and let the Mongolian Beef sit for 8-10 minutes before serving, in this time the sauce will settle and thicken more.
- Serve over rice and garnish with fresh chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Mongolian Beef
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a constant uphill battle. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the house running smoothly, the last thing I want is to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. That's why I've developed a collection of quick, easy, and flavorful recipes that I can whip up even on the busiest of days. And tonight's star? Mongolian Beef.
This dish is my absolute go-to for a weeknight dinner. It’s incredibly versatile, adaptable to whatever ingredients I have on hand, and always a crowd-pleaser. The rich, savory sauce perfectly complements the tender beef, creating a culinary masterpiece that feels both indulgent and surprisingly simple to make. Plus, the cleanup is minimal – a huge bonus after a long day! I often find myself making a double batch, because leftovers are just as satisfying the next day, and sometimes even better!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There's no need for fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. I usually grab a flank steak, which is a budget-friendly cut that becomes incredibly tender when cooked correctly. The sauce is a magical blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic – ingredients I always keep stocked in my pantry. A little bit of red pepper flakes adds a pleasant kick, but you can easily adjust that to your preference. I prefer a bit more brown sugar to balance out the saltiness, but again, it's all about personal taste. Experiment and find your perfect balance!
What I love most about this recipe is its adaptability. Sometimes I’ll add a handful of sliced bell peppers or some broccoli florets during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra dose of vegetables. It’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrients without compromising the flavour profile. I've also experimented with using different cuts of beef, such as sirloin or even ground beef, and the results have always been delicious. The key is to ensure the beef is sliced thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
My family simply adores this Mongolian Beef. It's a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, with the tender beef making it irresistible. Serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice is a classic pairing, but I've also tried it with quinoa and even zucchini noodles for a healthier twist. The versatility extends to the garnish as well. Sesame seeds add a delightful crunch, while chopped green onions provide a refreshing contrast. Honestly, there's no wrong way to enjoy this dish!
This isn't just a quick weeknight meal; it's a testament to how delicious and satisfying home-cooked food can be, even when you’re short on time. It’s a recipe that has become a staple in my family, a comforting presence on busy evenings. The aroma alone is enough to bring everyone to the dinner table, eager to dig in. The smiles and satisfied sighs are the best rewards a home cook can ask for. So, ditch the takeout menus and try this recipe. You won’t be disappointed.
Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this Mongolian Beef recipe embodies my approach to cooking: simple, adaptable, and deeply satisfying. It’s a reflection of my life – busy but balanced, filled with both delicious meals and precious moments with family. And isn't that what cooking is all about? Creating nourishment, connection, and a little bit of magic in the everyday.
So, give it a try. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Happy cooking!
