Mongolian Beef and Broccoli
If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, look no further than Mongolian Beef and Broccoli. This dish is not only flavorful but also quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The tender strips of flank steak paired with vibrant broccoli in a savory sauce create a delightful balance that is sure to please everyone at your table. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe, what you’ll need, and how to make it at home!
Reasons to Love Mongolian Beef and Broccoli
Mongolian Beef and Broccoli is a classic dish that checks all the boxes for a fantastic meal. Here are some compelling reasons to love it:
– **Quick and Easy**: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
– **Flavor Packed**: The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a rich, savory flavor that is simply irresistible.
– **Healthy Option**: With broccoli as a key ingredient, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
– **Customizable**: Feel free to add other vegetables or adjust the heat level to suit your taste.
– **Family-Friendly**: The mild flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinners.
Ingredient Checklist
To prepare this delightful Mongolian Beef and Broccoli, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound flank steak, sliced into strips
- 3 cups broccoli, diced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Appliances & Accessories
Before you start cooking, gather the necessary appliances and accessories:
- Wok or large skillet: Ideal for stir-frying and ensuring even cooking.
- Cutting board: For slicing the flank steak and prepping vegetables.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing the steak and vegetables much easier.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
- Spatula: For stirring and tossing the ingredients in the pan.
Mongolian Beef and Broccoli in Steps
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own Mongolian Beef and Broccoli.
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by slicing the flank steak into thin strips against the grain. This will help the meat remain tender during cooking.
Step 2: Marinate the Meat
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step adds flavor and tenderness to the beef.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining ½ cup of low-sodium soy sauce, ½ cup of water, 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced broccoli. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Beef
In the same pan, add the marinated beef strips. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes or until the beef is browned and cooked through.
Step 6: Create the Sauce
Once the beef is cooked, add the prepared sauce to the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Gradually add this to the sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens.
Step 8: Combine Everything
Finally, return the cooked broccoli to the pan and toss everything together to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional minute to heat through.
Step 9: Serve
Serve your delicious Mongolian Beef and Broccoli over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your meal!
Swap Guide
If you’re looking to customize your Mongolian Beef and Broccoli, consider these swaps:
- Flank steak: Substitute with sirloin or chicken for a different protein option.
- Broccoli: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots.
- Hoisin sauce: Use teriyaki sauce if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
- Garlic: Substitute with garlic powder in a pinch, though fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor.
Steer Clear of These
To ensure your Mongolian Beef and Broccoli turns out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Overcooking the beef: This can lead to tough and chewy meat. Cook just until browned.
- Skipping marination: Marinating the beef enhances its flavor and tenderness.
- Not prepping ingredients in advance: Stir-frying happens quickly, so have everything ready to go.
- Using high-sodium soy sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish balanced and healthy.
Best Ways to Store
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely, given how delicious this dish is), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This dish can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.
Ask & Learn
Can I use another type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
What can I serve with Mongolian Beef and Broccoli?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad for added crunch.
How do I make it spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce. You can also serve it with a spicy dipping sauce on the side.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the beef and sauce in advance, then stir-fry just before serving.
Wrap-Up
Mongolian Beef and Broccoli is a fantastic dish that offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for many. With its quick preparation time and the ability to customize it to your liking, it’s a recipe that you’ll want to keep in your regular dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.
So why not gather your ingredients and start cooking? Your taste buds will thank you for this delicious Mongolian Beef and Broccoli experience!
Mongolian Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Beef - Start by slicing the flank steak into thin strips against the grain. This will help the meat remain tender during cooking.
- Step 2: Marinate the Meat - In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Prepare the Sauce - In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining ½ cup of low-sodium soy sauce, ½ cup of water, 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Set aside.
- Step 4: Cook the Broccoli - Heat a wok or large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced broccoli. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Step 5: Stir-Fry the Beef - In the same pan, add the marinated beef strips. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes or until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Step 6: Create the Sauce - Once the beef is cooked, add the prepared sauce to the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Step 7: Thicken the Sauce - In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Gradually add this to the sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens.
- Step 8: Combine Everything - Finally, return the cooked broccoli to the pan and toss everything together to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional minute to heat through.
- Step 9: Serve - Serve your delicious Mongolian Beef and Broccoli over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Customize with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
