Mongolian Beef and Broccoli is the kind of dish that makes your taste buds do a happy dance while your kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas. Imagine tender, juicy beef stir-fried to perfection, glistening with a savory sauce, while vibrant broccoli florets add a pop of color and crunch. The moment you take that first bite, it’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth—sweet, salty, and slightly spicy all at once.
This culinary masterpiece is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. I remember the first time I served this dish at a friend’s dinner party; everyone was asking for seconds (and thirds). The laughter and compliments flowed as freely as the soy sauce in my kitchen. Trust me, once you try this Mongolian Beef and Broccoli, you’ll find yourself whipping it up for every occasion.
Why You'll Love This Mongolian Beef and Broccoli
- This incredible Mongolian Beef and Broccoli transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly
I vividly recall my family’s delight when they first tasted this dish; their eyes widened as they savored each bite of tender beef paired with crisp broccoli.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Flank Steak: A great choice for its tenderness; slice against the grain for maximum softness.
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Fresh Broccoli: Choose vibrant green florets for the best taste and visual appeal.
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Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic kick to the dish; avoid pre-minced if possible.
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Ginger: Fresh ginger enhances flavor depth; opt for a piece that’s firm and fragrant.
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Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels without sacrificing flavor.
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Brown Sugar: This sweetener balances the soy sauce’s saltiness beautifully; dark brown sugar lends richer flavor.
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Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma; use toasted sesame oil for an extra flavor boost.
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Cornstarch: Essential for thickening your sauce and giving the beef that glossy finish.
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Green Onions: Use sliced green onions as a fresh garnish that adds color and brightness.
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Rice or Noodles: Serve alongside rice or noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Mongolian Beef and Broccoli
Prepare your ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients together. It makes cooking smoother when everything is within arm’s reach.
Marinate the beef: In a bowl, mix sliced flank steak with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes to absorb those flavors fully.
Sauté garlic and ginger: Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat until it shimmers. Add minced garlic and ginger; cook until fragrant—around 30 seconds is usually enough!
Cook the beef: Increase heat to high, then add marinated beef strips to the hot pan. Stir-fry until browned on all sides—this should take about 3-4 minutes.
Add broccoli: Toss in fresh broccoli florets into the pan with the beef. Stir-fry until they turn bright green and tender-crisp—typically around 2-3 minutes works perfectly here.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, and water until combined. Pour this mixture over your stir-fry and let it bubble away until thickened—about 1-2 minutes should do it!
Serve hot: Garnish with sliced green onions before serving over fluffy rice or noodles. Enjoy every last bite of this delicious meal!
Now you have an easy-to-follow guide to creating delightful Mongolian Beef and Broccoli right in your own kitchen!
You Must Know About Mongolian Beef and Broccoli
- This showstopping Mongolian Beef and Broccoli delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the beef for at least 30 minutes while prepping the veggies. Sear the beef in batches to avoid steaming it, then stir-fry your broccoli and garlic. Finally, combine everything with sauce for a quick finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out broccoli for snow peas or bell peppers if you prefer a different crunch. Adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or crushed red pepper can elevate the flavors, too. Experiment with soy sauce variations like low-sodium or tamari for a gluten-free option.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, ensuring the beef remains tender.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Mongolian Beef and Broccoli
- This professional-quality Mongolian Beef and Broccoli relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth
- Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly
Sharing this dish at my family gatherings always brings smiles; my aunt still raves about it as her favorite homemade meal! I remember her face lighting up when she took her first bite—priceless!
FAQ
What kind of beef is best for Mongolian Beef and Broccoli?
Flank steak is ideal due to its tenderness and flavor when cooked quickly over high heat. Slice it against the grain into thin strips to ensure maximum tenderness in each bite. If flank steak isn’t available, sirloin or ribeye can also work well but may require slight adjustments in cooking times.
Can I make Mongolian Beef and Broccoli ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef marinade a day ahead and chop your vegetables beforehand. Simply store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge until you’re ready to cook, making dinner prep a breeze on busy nights.
What should I serve with Mongolian Beef and Broccoli?
Pair it with steamed rice or noodles; both absorb that delicious sauce beautifully! For a lighter option, consider cauliflower rice or zoodles (zucchini noodles) that add extra veggies while keeping things low-carb without sacrificing flavor.
How spicy is Mongolian Beef and Broccoli?
This dish typically has mild spice levels unless you add extra chili flakes or hot sauce during cooking. Adjust according to your taste preference; just remember to keep some water handy if your mouth starts feeling like it’s on fire!
Conclusion for Mongolian Beef and Broccoli
Mongolian Beef and Broccoli is not just a dinner; it’s an experience! With its tender beef, crisp broccoli, and savory sauce, this dish promises satisfaction every time you make it. Customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to make it uniquely yours! Enjoy sharing this delightful meal with family and friends—it’s sure to become a staple around your dinner table!
Mongolian Beef and Broccoli
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Mongolian Beef and Broccoli is a quick and flavorful stir-fry that combines tender flank steak with vibrant broccoli in a savory sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort. Each bite bursts with a delightful mix of sweet, salty, and slightly spicy flavors, ensuring it becomes a family favorite. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced against the grain
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (dark preferred)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate the sliced flank steak in soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes.
- Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger; sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Increase heat to high and add marinated beef. Stir-fry until browned (3-4 minutes).
- Toss in broccoli florets; stir-fry until bright green and tender-crisp (2-3 minutes).
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of water. Pour over beef and broccoli; cook until the sauce thickens (1-2 minutes).
- Garnish with green onions and serve over rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup stir-fry (250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
