Why You’ll Love This Healthy Mongolian Beef Recipe
There’s something truly magical about recreating restaurant favorites at home, especially when you can make them healthier and just as delicious. This Healthy Mongolian Beef recipe delivers all the flavors you love in a classic takeout dish but with a wholesome twist. It’s the perfect blend of savory soy sauce, sweet honey, and aromatic garlic and ginger, all thickened into a luscious sauce that clings to tender beef slices. Paired with rice and a side of fresh vegetables, this meal will quickly become a family favorite.
A Healthier Take on a Classic
Traditional Mongolian Beef often comes with a lot of added sugar and deep-fried meat, but in this version, we’ve cut back on the sugar and skipped the deep frying. Instead, we lightly coat the beef in cornstarch and sear it to golden perfection, creating a crispy exterior without the need for excess oil. The sauce is naturally sweetened with honey, which complements the umami-rich soy sauce and beef broth. The result is a dish that’s lower in calories but still packed with flavor.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Beef Slices: You can use flank steak or any lean cut of beef. The key is to slice it thinly against the grain, ensuring it remains tender.
- Soy Sauce: This forms the base of the savory sauce. You can opt for a low-sodium version to reduce the salt content.
- Garlic and Ginger: These aromatic ingredients are essential for authentic Asian flavor. Fresh is best for maximum impact.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce. It also helps to caramelize the sauce, giving it a lovely sheen.
- Cornstarch: Used to coat the beef and thicken the sauce. It creates a crispy crust on the beef and a silky sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Mongolian Beef
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the beef in batches ensures that it sears properly and doesn’t steam, which keeps it crispy.
- Prep Your Ingredients: This dish cooks quickly, so having everything prepped and ready to go will make the process smooth and stress-free.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a little spice, feel free to add some chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a kick.
Serving Suggestions
While Mongolian Beef is traditionally served with white rice, you can switch things up by using brown rice or quinoa for an added boost of fiber. For vegetables, steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers make excellent additions, adding color, crunch, and nutrients.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is wonderfully versatile. You can swap the beef for chicken or tofu for a different protein or mix in extra vegetables for a hearty stir-fry. The sauce can also be doubled if you like extra to drizzle over rice or veggies.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if necessary. This dish also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep.
A Dish That Satisfies Every Craving
This Healthy Mongolian Beef is the perfect example of how you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is balanced enough to enjoy any night of the week. With its rich, glossy sauce and tender beef, it’s a meal that brings comfort and satisfaction. Plus, it’s easy to make and customizable to your taste, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or a special dinner. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a homemade takeout favorite that’s sure to impress!
Mongolian Beef
Equipment
- Pan
Ingredients
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 700 grams beef sirloin (or flank steak)
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
Sauce:
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger
- ½ cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the minced garlic (4 cloves) and grated ginger (1 tablespoon). Add the soy sauce (⅓ cup), beef broth (½ cup), honey (2 tablespoons), and cornstarch (2 tablespoons). Stir well until the sauce is smooth and free of lumps, then set aside.
- Place the beef slices (700g) in a separate bowl and coat them lightly with cornstarch (⅓ cup) until they are evenly coated. For an alternative, you can use flank steak instead of beef sirloin, but be sure to slice it thinly against the grain to ensure tender meat.
- Heat olive oil (1-2 tablespoons) in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook the beef in batches for about 1-2 minutes per side, until the meat is golden and crispy on the outside. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will cause the meat to steam rather than fry.
- Once all the beef is cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside.
- Pour the sauce into the same pan and simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
- Return the cooked beef to the pan and stir well to coat the meat in the sauce.
- Serve the dish with steamed rice and steamed asparagus. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a flavorful touch.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making this Healthy Mongolian Beef, it’s time to bring your culinary skills to the kitchen. Share your creation on social media and tag us to show off your delicious homemade takeout! Don’t forget to leave a review below and let me know how you personalized this recipe to make it your own.
Hungry for More?
Check out my other healthy and flavorful recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping things nutritious. Whether you’re in the mood for more Asian-inspired dishes or quick weeknight meals, i’ve got you covered!