Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant price tag? This Mongolian Beef and Broccoli recipe delivers a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes! Forget takeout; this homemade version lets you control the ingredients and enjoy a truly satisfying and flavorful meal. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, and it's guaranteed to become a family favorite. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef, cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Gently toss to coat the beef evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step helps tenderize the beef and ensures a delicious, flavorful result.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Broccoli
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until they are tender-crisp.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked beef to the wok. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour this sauce over the beef and broccoli. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Stir in the sliced red chili pepper (if using) during the last minute of cooking. Serve the Mongolian Beef and Broccoli hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Mongolian Beef and Broccoli:
- Thinly slice the beef: This ensures that the beef cooks quickly and evenly.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Work in batches if necessary to ensure the beef browns properly and doesn't steam.
- Adjust the sauce to your liking: Add more brown sugar for sweetness, more rice vinegar for tanginess, or more chili for spice.
- Use fresh ingredients: The flavor of this dish greatly depends on the quality of the ingredients.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms.
- Use a different protein: Chicken or shrimp can be substituted for the beef.
- Make it spicier: Add more chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This quick and easy Mongolian Beef and Broccoli recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy homemade cooking. Enjoy this flavorful dish as a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!