Ingredients
Savory Beef
In the realm of savory beef recipes, one popular dish that stands out is Mongolian Beef. This flavorful stir-fry combines tender beef strips with an array of colorful vegetables in a savory sauce, served over steamed rice or noodles.
At the heart of any great Mongolian Beef recipe are the key ingredients that bring depth and complexity to the dish. For this particular recipe, we’ll focus on using high-quality beef, spring onions, and a range of aromatic spices and seasonings.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the beef itself. We recommend using thinly sliced beef strips, preferably ribeye or sirloin, which provide an ideal balance of tenderness and flavor. Look for cuts with a bit of marbling to ensure maximum juiciness when cooked.
Next, we have the mighty spring onion, also known as green onion or scallion. These long, thin shoots add a pungent flavor and crunchy texture that complements the beef perfectly. Be sure to use fresh spring onions for the best results – stale ones can lead to an unpleasantly bitter taste.
Now let’s talk about the aromatics. A traditional Mongolian Beef recipe typically includes a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce (optional), hoisin sauce, and Shaoxing wine or dry sherry. These ingredients work together to create a rich, savory flavor profile that coats every bite.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to customize the sauce to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the amounts of soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and hoisin sauce. If you’re unsure about which type of wine to use, a dry sherry or a combination of water and vinegar can also work well.
Other ingredients worth mentioning include garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, all of which contribute significantly to the overall flavor and aroma of this dish. Be sure to mince your garlic finely and grate your ginger before sautéing them in a bit of oil – this will help release their flavorful compounds and add depth to the sauce.
Before we dive into the cooking instructions, let’s touch on some basic techniques to keep in mind when working with stir-fries. Remember to cook over high heat, use wok or large skillet that can distribute heat evenly, and stir your ingredients constantly to prevent burning or overcooking.
Now that you’re equipped with a solid understanding of the key ingredients and techniques involved, it’s time to bring this recipe to life in the kitchen. Follow along as we guide you through each step of preparing an authentic Mongolian Beef dish, complete with vibrant spring onions and savory sauce that will leave you wanting more.
• 1 pound beef (sirloin or flank steak)
The first step in preparing a delicious Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions recipe is to select the right ingredients.
For the beef, you’ll want to use about **1 pound** of high-quality _beef_, specifically sirloin or flank steak. This type of meat is ideal for stir-fries due to its rich flavor and tender texture.
The choice between sirloin and flank steak ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Sirloin beef has a slightly sweeter taste and a more refined texture, while flank steak is typically leaner and more rustic in flavor.
Either option will provide excellent results for your Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions recipe.
Moving on to the other key ingredient – spring onions. These are essentially _green onions_ that have been harvested before they reach maturity, retaining some of their bulbous base but predominantly consisting of long, thin green stems.
For this dish, you’ll need about **1/2 cup** of sliced spring onions, which can be either raw or slightly caramelized to enhance the flavor and texture.
Other essential ingredients for Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions recipe include _soy sauce_, _oyster sauce_ (optional), _hoisin sauce_, _garlic_, _ginger_, and _vegetable oil_.
You can find these ingredients in most supermarkets, with the exception of oyster sauce which may be found in an international or Asian section.
It’s worth noting that some recipes might substitute hoisin sauce with another type of _fermented bean paste_ for a slightly different flavor profile.
In general, these sauces will provide the rich, savory taste characteristic of Mongolian cuisine.
The amount used in this recipe is merely a guideline – you may need to adjust based on personal preference and the specific ingredients you’re using.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
The ingredients for this dish are as follows:
For the Mongolian Beef:
- BEEF:** Thinly sliced beef (such as sirloin or ribeye), about 1 pound, is required for this recipe.
For the Sauce:
- SOY SAUCE:** A small amount of soy sauce is needed to add depth and umami flavor to the dish.
- Oyster SAUCE:** This ingredient adds a rich, savory taste and helps balance out the sweetness from other components. Use only 1 tablespoon for this recipe.
- HOISIN SAUCE:** A small amount of hoisin sauce provides additional depth to the flavors in your dish.
- RICE VINEGAR: This adds a hint of acidity and helps to cut through some of the richer ingredients. Use only 1 tablespoon for this recipe.
For Garnish:
- Spring Onions: Thinly sliced or chopped spring onions are added on top for garnishing, providing a nice crunch and color contrast.
- Clove garlic, MINCED:** 2 cloves of minced garlic is essential for adding that aromatic flavor. Garlic must be finely minced to avoid any strong flavors in the dish.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
The key ingredient that gives Mongolian beef its distinctive flavor is soy sauce, which plays a crucial role in bringing all the other flavors together in this popular Chinese dish. Specifically, the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of **soy sauce**, which should be added to the wok or large skillet with the beef and vegetables towards the end of cooking.
The quality of the soy sauce used is important as it can affect the overall flavor of the dish. A good light soy sauce will add a salty, umami flavor without overpowering the other ingredients, while a darker or more heavily flavored soy sauce may alter the balance of flavors in the recipe.
In traditional Mongolian beef recipes, **soy sauce** is often used in combination with other seasonings such as ginger, garlic, and sugar to create a rich and savory flavor. However, in this recipe, the focus is on using the soy sauce to enhance the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables rather than creating a bold or sweet sauce.
The 1 tablespoon measurement for **soy sauce** is a moderate amount that allows the other flavors to shine without overpowering them. You can adjust this quantity to suit your personal taste, but be careful not to add too much soy sauce as it can quickly become overwhelming.
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
Oyster sauce is a staple condiment in many Asian cuisines, particularly in Chinese cooking. It’s made from a combination of oyster extract, sugar, water, and sometimes salt. The _oyster_ extract is obtained by simmering oysters in water, which creates a rich, savory flavor. This sauce is then mixed with other ingredients to create the desired taste and texture.
In the context of the Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions Recipe, **1 tablespoon** of oyster sauce is used as one of the key ingredients. Oyster sauce adds depth and umami flavor to the dish, balancing out the sweetness from the sugar and the savory flavors from the beef and spring onions.
The use of oyster sauce in this recipe helps to create a harmonious balance of flavors, which is characteristic of traditional Mongolian cuisine. By incorporating oyster sauce, you can enhance the overall flavor profile of your dish, making it more authentic and delicious.
It’s worth noting that there are different types of oyster sauce available on the market, ranging from light to dark in color. The light version has a milder flavor, while the dark version is more robust and intense. For this recipe, you can use either type of oyster sauce, depending on your personal preference.
In addition to its role as an ingredient in Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions Recipe, oyster sauce can also be used in other Asian-inspired dishes, such as stir-fries, marinades, and sauces. It’s a versatile condiment that adds complexity and depth to many different types of recipes.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
The ingredients used in this recipe are:
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1 tablespoon brown sugar – This ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing the savory flavors of the dish by adding a touch of sweetness.
Brown sugar is often preferred over white sugar in recipes that require caramelization, as it contains more molasses and has a richer flavor. In the context of this Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions recipe, the brown sugar helps to:
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balance the umami flavors from the soy sauce and oyster sauce;
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caramelize with the beef and onions during cooking; and
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enhance the overall sweetness of the dish.
The key to using brown sugar effectively in this recipe is to cook it until it reaches a deep, caramelized color. This will help to intensify its flavor and add depth to the dish. To achieve this, make sure to stir the mixture frequently while cooking, as the brown sugar can burn easily if left unattended.
Instructions
Cooking the Beef
To cook the beef to perfection for the Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions recipe, follow these step-by-step instructions.
First, choose a high-quality cut of beef that can be sliced thinly, such as flank steak or sirloin. Trim any excess fat from the meat and slice it into thin strips about 1/4 inch thick.
Clean and season the beef with salt, black pepper, and cornstarch. This will help to tenderize the meat and create a crispy exterior when cooked.
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches a sizzling temperature. Add the seasoned beef strips to the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are browned and cooked through.
Remove the cooked beef from the pan and set it aside on a plate. Reduce the heat to medium and add another tablespoon of vegetable oil if necessary.
Add sliced spring onions to the pan and stir-fry them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly caramelized. Remove the spring onions from the pan and set them aside with the cooked beef.
Return the beef to the pan and add a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Stir-fry everything together for about 1-2 minutes, until the beef is coated in the savory sauce and the spring onions are recombined with the meat.
Serve the Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions immediately over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with additional sliced spring onions if desired.
• Slice beef into thin strips
To begin with, slicing beef into thin strips for the Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions recipe requires some attention to detail and a bit of practice to get it right.
Select a cut of beef that’s suitable for stir-frying, such as flank steak or ribeye. Slice off any excess fat from the meat, and then place it on a cutting board.
Position your knife at a 45-degree angle to the cutting board, with the blade facing the direction you want the slices to fall. Hold the knife firmly, but not too tightly, as this can cause the blade to slip and make uneven cuts.
Start slicing the beef into thin strips, moving the knife in a smooth, even motion. Apply gentle pressure, increasing it slightly as needed to cut through the meat. Use long, smooth strokes to slice the beef, rather than short, jerky motions that can cause the slices to tear.
As you slice the beef, try to keep the strips relatively uniform in thickness and size. This will help them cook evenly and prevent some pieces from becoming overcooked or undercooked compared to others.
Continue slicing until you have a large pile of thin beef strips. Set these aside for later use in your Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions recipe.
When handling raw meat, it’s essential to keep your cutting board clean and sanitized to prevent cross-contamination with bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. Be sure to wash the cutting board thoroughly after slicing the beef and before moving on to any other tasks in the kitchen.
• In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce
To begin with, it’s essential to prepare the ingredients for the Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions recipe. The first step involves creating a flavorful sauce that will serve as the foundation for the dish.
This sauce is comprised of three primary components: garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. To combine these ingredients, follow these steps:
- Garlic Preparation: Peel two to three cloves of garlic, depending on your personal preference for its potency.
- Mixing the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the prepared garlic with approximately one tablespoon of soy sauce and one teaspoon of oyster sauce. For added depth of flavor, you can also include an additional one to two teaspoons of sugar or cornstarch in this mixture.
- Whisking to a Smooth Consistency: Using a whisk or spoon, mix the ingredients thoroughly until they form a smooth and well-combined paste. The goal is to ensure that there are no visible clumps or lumps within the sauce.
It’s crucial to note that the ratio of garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce can be adjusted according to your personal taste preferences. You may choose to reduce the amount of garlic for a milder flavor or increase it for an even more robust taste experience. Similarly, you can adjust the proportions of the other ingredients in tandem with the garlic to achieve your desired balance of flavors.
The prepared sauce should now be set aside and ready for use in the Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions recipe. It’s essential to store this sauce in an airtight container within the refrigerator, ensuring that it remains fresh and at its best quality until you are ready to use it.
• Add beef to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes
To prepare this delectable **Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions** recipe, it’s essential to understand the importance of proper marination. The process involves a combination of aromatics, spices, and seasonings that work in harmony to enhance the flavor and texture of the beef.
Begin by creating the marinade, which is the foundation of this dish. In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of **soy sauce**, 1 tablespoon of _rice vinegar_ , 1 teaspoon of _brown sugar_ , and 1 teaspoon of grated fresh **ginger** . Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined.
Next, add 1 pound of sliced **beef** (such as flank steak or skirt steak) to the marinade. Make sure that each piece is coated evenly with the sauce. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
While the beef is marinating, prepare the spring onions by thinly slicing 1 cup of them into rounds. You can use either **green** or _white_ onions, depending on your preference.
Once the beef has finished marinating, it’s time to cook it. Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat and add 2 tablespoons of _vegetable oil_. Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until they are softened and slightly caramelized.
Add the marinated beef to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. You want to achieve a nice _brown_ color on the meat to enhance its flavor and texture.
Finally, add the cooked beef back into the marinade (which has been refrigerated all this time) and stir everything together to combine. Serve the Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions hot over steamed **rice** or noodles, garnished with additional spring onions if desired.
• Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat
To prepare the Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions recipe, it’s essential to follow a series of instructions that will guide you through the process.
Firstly, heat a wok or large skillet over high heat in English, which is equivalent to about 230-240 degrees Celsius. This step is crucial as it allows for rapid cooking and helps create a flavorful dish.
Once the pan has reached its optimal temperature, add one tablespoon of vegetable oil. This oil acts as a medium for cooking and should be selected based on your preference or dietary requirements.
Next, add one pound of beef strips to the wok or skillet. Ensure that the beef is sliced thinly and evenly so that it cooks at an optimal rate. Cook the beef until it’s browned and reaches your desired level of doneness. This may take around 3-5 minutes.
Remove the cooked beef from the pan and set it aside for a later step in the recipe. In its place, add two cloves of minced garlic to the wok or skillet. Cook the garlic over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned, which should take about one minute.
Now, Add the following ingredients to the pan in the order they are listed:
- 2 cups of sliced spring onions
- 1 cup of sliced mushrooms (button or other varieties)
- 1 cup of bean sprouts
Cook these ingredients for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re tender-crisp. You may need to adjust the heat slightly depending on your wok or skillet.
In a small bowl, mix together one tablespoon of soy sauce and two tablespoons of hoisin sauce. This sauce will add a rich flavor profile to your Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions dish. Add this sauce mixture to the pan with the cooked ingredients and stir-fry for another minute or until everything is well coated.
Finally, return the cooked beef to the pan and combine it with the vegetable and sauce mixture. Stir-fry everything together over high heat for about one more minute, ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed.
The Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions recipe is now complete, ready to be served hot and enjoyed by everyone!
• Add marinated beef and cook until browned and cooked through
In this section, we will explore the instructions for adding marinated beef to the Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions recipe.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinated Beef
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Cut the beef into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. This will help it cook evenly and quickly.
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In a shallow dish, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Mix well to create a marinade.
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Add the beef strips to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Step 2: Cook the Marinated Beef
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Remove the beef from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. This will help prevent a soggy texture in your final dish.
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In a large skillet or wok, heat 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
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Add the beef to the skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. This will depend on the thickness of your beef strips.
Step 3: Combine with Spring Onions and Serve
Once the beef is cooked, add it to a serving platter or individual plates along with the sautéed spring onions. Garnish with green onions and serve immediately over steamed rice.
Finishing Touches
Cooking Spring Onions
To achieve the perfect finishing touches for our Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions dish, we need to master the art of cooking spring onions. This crucial step can elevate the flavors and textures of our entire recipe.
First, let’s talk about why cooking spring onions is so important. Spring onions have a pungent flavor that can be overpowering if not cooked correctly. Raw or undercooked spring onions can dominate the dish with their sharp, oniony taste. However, when cooked properly, they become sweet, tender, and add depth to our Mongolian Beef.
There are two common methods for cooking spring onions: sautéing and stir-frying. For this recipe, we will use both techniques interchangeably depending on the stage of preparation. When we first start making the dish, we will sauté some oil in a pan to prevent sticking, then add the beef to brown it evenly. This process is crucial for developing the rich flavors that are characteristic of Mongolian Beef.
When adding spring onions towards the end of cooking, we need to use a gentle stir-frying technique. This prevents them from becoming too soft and losing their crunch, which is essential for texture contrast in our dish. A high heat can cause spring onions to burn quickly, making them unpalatable.
To sauté or stir-fry spring onions effectively, we need to follow a few basic guidelines: chop them finely but not too fine, as this will make it difficult to achieve the right texture. Also, use a small amount of oil and heat only until the spring onions start to soften and develop a golden color – they should still be crunchy in the center.
Some additional tips for cooking spring onions include using high-quality spring onions that are fresh and have no signs of spoilage. Wash them under cold water to remove any dirt or debris before chopping, as this ensures a clean and healthy final product.
In conclusion, mastering the art of cooking spring onions is crucial for achieving the perfect finishing touches in our Mongolian Beef recipe. By combining sautéing and stir-frying techniques with attention to detail and high-quality ingredients, we can add depth, texture, and flavor to this popular dish.
• Cut spring onions into 1inch pieces
Cutting spring onions into 1-inch pieces is an essential step in preparing this delicious Mongolian Beef recipe. To do this, start by selecting a bunch of fresh spring onions with green and white parts. Next, trim off the roots of the onions, leaving about 1 inch of the green part intact.
Place the trimmed spring onions on their side on a cutting board. You should see the layers of the onion unfolding as you do this. Using a sharp knife, slice through the onion parallel to the cutting board, creating long, thin strips. Continue to make these slices until you reach the root end of the onion.
Now, cut the strips of spring onions into 1-inch pieces. To do this efficiently, place one strip on top of another and slice them together at the same time, using a gentle sawing motion with your knife. This will help you get uniform pieces every time.
Repeat this process until you have all the spring onions cut into 1-inch pieces. You should end up with a large bowl full of perfectly chopped spring onions, ready to be sautéed in oil and added to the Mongolian Beef dish.
Tips for cutting spring onions efficiently: It’s essential to use a sharp knife when cutting spring onions, as this will help prevent the onion from tearing. Also, keep your hands and fingers away from the cutting area to avoid any accidents.
• In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar
The finishing touches to this delightful Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions dish can be made with a savory sauce that complements its Asian-inspired flavors. The first step involves whisking together the essential ingredients for the sauce in a small bowl.
To do this, combine soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar in the bowl. You may want to use a moderate amount of soy sauce for an authentic Mongolian taste. If you’re unsure about how much is just right, start by using 2-3 tablespoons of soy sauce.
Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to enhance the overall flavor profile. Apple cider or rice vinegar can be used here, depending on your personal preference and what’s available in your pantry. Don’t forget that this addition will add a slight sour note to balance out the rest of the flavors.
Finally, include 1-2 teaspoons of sugar. White granulated sugar is perfect for balancing out the savory elements without making it too sweet. If you prefer your food less sweet or have dietary restrictions, feel free to adjust or omit this component altogether.
• Add spring onions to the dressing and toss to coat
The Finishing Touches are essential to elevate the flavors and presentation of your **Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions** recipe.
After cooking the beef and spring onions, it’s time to bring everything together with a delicious dressing that will tie all the flavors in harmony.
- Add some _freshly chopped_ spring onions to the dressing. This will not only add flavor but also texture and a pop of color to your dish.
- Make sure to chop the spring onions finely, so they mix well with the other ingredients in the dressing.
Now, let’s talk about how to add those spring onions to the dressing. Simply toss them gently into the dressing and coat evenly.
- To ensure everything is coated properly, use a gentle tossing motion, almost like you’re mixing the ingredients together.
- Don’t overmix, as this can cause the flavors to become dull and lose their vibrancy.
The result should be a beautifully dressed Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions dish that’s full of flavor and visual appeal. The spring onions add a burst of freshness, while the dressing brings everything together in harmony.
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