Are you craving for a delicious Asian dish? Look no further than 1 cup of Mongolian Beef, which packs a flavor punch in every bite. Plus, it only contains 240 calories, making it a filling yet healthy option for your meal.

Mongolian Beef is a popular Chinese-American dish that is made of thin sliced beef stir-fried with vegetables and a sweet and savory sauce. It is usually served with steamed rice or noodles, but you can also enjoy it on its own.

In this article, we'll delve into the ingredients, nutritional information, cooking methods, and other important details about this delectable dish!

What is Mongolian Beef?

Mongolian Beef is a Chinese-American dish that is believed to have originated in Taiwan. Despite its name, it is not a traditional Mongolian recipe. The dish features tender slices of beef that are seared until crispy and then stir-fried with green onions, garlic, and ginger. The sauce is made with soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and chili paste for a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Mongolian Beef is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences. You can adjust the spiciness, sweetness, and level of garlic and ginger to your liking.

The Ingredients of Mongolian Beef

To make Mongolian Beef, you will need the following ingredients: 1 pound flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain 1/4 cup cornstarch 1/4 cup vegetable oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon ginger, minced 1/2 cup green onions, sliced 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce 1 tablespoon chili paste 1/4 cup beef broth (optional) The recipe is easy to follow and can be modified to suit your tastes. You can use sirloin steak, chicken, or tofu instead of flank steak if you prefer a different protein source. You can also add more vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to make the dish more nutritious.

How to Cook Mongolian Beef?

Here are the steps to make Mongolian Beef: 1. Coat the sliced beef with cornstarch and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the beef to absorb the seasoning. 2. In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over high heat until hot. Add the beef and stir-fry until crispy and browned, about 2-3 minutes. 3. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the garlic, ginger, and green onions and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and chili paste and stir to combine. If the sauce is too thick, you can add beef broth to thin it out. 4. Add the beef back to the pan and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. 5. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles and your favorite vegetables.

Is Mongolian Beef Healthy?

Mongolian Beef can be a healthy dish if you prepare and serve it in the right way. The beef provides protein, while the vegetables add fiber and nutrients. However, the sauce can be high in sodium, sugar, and calories, so you need to use it in moderation. You can make the dish healthier by reducing the amount of sugar and soy sauce and adding more vegetables. Opt for whole grain rice or noodles instead of white rice for extra fiber and nutrients.

Mongolian Beef and its Nutritional Information

Here is the nutritional information for 1 cup (230g) of Mongolian Beef: calories: 420 Fat: 24g Saturated Fat: 5g Cholesterol: 70mg Sodium: 840mg Carbohydrates: 25g Fiber: 1g Sugar: 16g Protein: 27g Keep in mind that these values may vary depending on the recipe and serving size. You can use an online nutrition calculator to get a more accurate estimate of the calories and nutrients in your Mongolian Beef.

Mongolian Beef as a Meal Prep Option

Mongolian Beef is a great option for meal prep because it is easy to make and reheats well. You can make a large batch on the weekend and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. To store Mongolian Beef, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat the beef in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot.

The History of Mongolian Beef

The origin of Mongolian Beef is a subject of debate among culinary historians. Some believe that it was first created by Taiwanese chefs in the 1950s, while others attribute its creation to Chinese immigrants in the United States. Despite its name, Mongolian Beef has no direct connection to Mongolia. It is believed that the dish was named after the Mongolian barbecue style of cooking, which involves grilling meat on a large, flat surface. Regardless of its origin, Mongolian Beef has become a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine and is now enjoyed by people all over the world.

Different Variations of Mongolian Beef

Mongolian Beef can be customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are some variations that you can try: - Vegetarian/ Vegan Mongolian Beef: substitute the beef with tofu or seitan and use vegan hoisin sauce instead of the regular one. - Spicy Mongolian Beef: add more chili paste or red pepper flakes to make the dish spicier. - Mongolian Beef with Broccoli: add broccoli florets to the stir-fry for extra crunch and nutrition.

Mongolian Beef vs. Other Asian Beef Dishes

Mongolian Beef is just one of the many beef dishes in Asian cuisine. Here is a comparison of some popular beef dishes from different countries: - Korean Bulgogi: thinly sliced beef marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and grilled. - Japanese Teriyaki Beef: beef steak grilled or broiled with a soy sauce and mirin-based glaze. - Thai Beef Salad: grilled beef mixed with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and herbs and dressed with a lime-chili dressing.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Mongolian Beef

Mongolian Beef is a flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some options: - Steamed rice or noodles: the most common side dish for Mongolian Beef. - Stir-Fried Vegetables: add some extra vegetables to your meal for fiber and nutrition. - Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: add some crunch to your meal with a side of fried or baked rolls. - Fried Rice: if you have leftover rice, transform it into a delicious fried rice with some vegetables and eggs. No matter what you choose to serve with your Mongolian Beef, be sure to enjoy it warm and with your favorite beverage!