Mongolian Beef & Broccoli: Takeout at Home

Some nights just call for a good takeout taste-something warm, savory, and slightly sweet. That’s where this Mongolian Beef & Broccoli recipe comes in. It’s one of those dishes that feels like it came straight from your favorite Chinese restaurant, but it’s even better because it’s homemade, fresh, and you can adjust everything to your liking.

In this post, I’ll walk you through what Mongolian beef is all about, the tips that make it restaurant-worthy, and how to serve it up for that perfect takeout-at-home experience.

What is Mongolian Beef?

Despite its name, Mongolian Beef doesn’t actually come from Mongolia. Instead, it’s a Chinese-American creation that’s become wildly popular in Chinese restaurants, especially in the U.S. Known for its tender beef coated in a savory-sweet sauce with garlic and ginger, Mongolian Beef is traditionally paired with green onions or broccoli for a delicious flavor and texture contrast. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner that feels like a treat, yet is surprisingly simple to make at home!

Why Make It at Home?

There’s something so satisfying about making restaurant-quality meals right in your own kitchen. Not only do you have full control over the ingredients (hello, fresh veggies and no MSG!), but it’s also fun to master a dish that you might normally order out. Plus, by preparing it yourself, you can make little tweaks—like adding extra broccoli or adjusting the sweetness in the sauce—to suit your family’s preferences. It’s the ultimate comfort food, but with that homemade touch that just makes it extra special.

Tips for Perfectly Tender Mongolian Beef

The key to restaurant-quality Mongolian beef is all in the preparation of the meat. Here are my top tips to make sure your beef is tender and flavorful every time:

• Choose the Right Cut of Beef: I prefer ribeye for its tenderness, but flank steak or sirloin also work great. Look for cuts with some marbling but not too much fat, as you'll want to trim any excess to keep the meat lean.

•  Slice Against the Grain: Cutting the beef against the grain helps break down the muscle fibers, making the meat more tender and easier to chew. Aim for thin, even slices to get that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Toss with Cornstarch: Lightly tossing the beef slices in cornstarch before cooking creates a thin coating that gives the meat a silky texture and helps it sear nicely. This also helps the sauce stick to the beef, enhancing every bite.

• Cook in Batches: For the best texture, cook the beef in small batches over medium-high heat. This keeps the pan hot and ensures that each piece gets a nice sear without steaming. You're looking for just a quick 2-3 minutes per batch; the beef will finish cooking when you combine it with the sauce.

Cooking Instructions

Here's how to bring everything together for a mouthwatering dinner:

1.  Prepare the Sauce: In a small pot over medium heat, add 2 teaspoons of oil. Add minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add soy sauce, water, and brown sugar, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Set aside.
2. Prepare the beef: Slice the beef across the grain and toss with corn starch in a medium bowl. 
3.  Cook the Beef: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet. Add the beef slices in small batches, cooking each batch for 2-3 minutes until browned, it does not need to be fully cooked. Set the beef aside.
4.  Steam the Broccoli: In a separate pot, bring a few inches of water to a simmer.
   Place the broccoli in a steaming basket or directly in the pot, but be careful not to over-steam it. You want the broccoli to be tender yet still have a bit of bite. Once it's just right, remove it from the heat and set aside.
5.  Combine and Finish: Add the beef back to the wok along with the sauce. Toss everything together over medium heat until it's hot and bubbly and the sauce coats each piece. .

How to Serve

This Mongolian Beef & Broccoli is best served over steamed rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. Sprinkle with green onions on topped/or slices of ripe avocado. And if you like a little heat, serve it with a side of Sriracha or drizzle on some chili oil for that spicy kick!

Enjoy Your Takeout-at-Home Meal!

I hope this Mongolian Beef & Broccoli recipe becomes as much of a hit in your home as it is in ours. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re craving takeout but prefer to save and make it yourself. Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear what you think.

Thank for reading,

Melissa

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