This Mongolian Beef and Broccoli dish is a delightful combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a sweet, savory sauce that’s perfectly balanced with just a touch of heat from the red pepper flakes. The sauce clings to the beef and broccoli, creating a satisfying and flavorful bite every time.
This recipe is a perfect weeknight meal, offering the flavors of a takeout favorite in a fraction of the time. Plus, it’s versatile! You can add your favorite vegetables or adjust the level of sweetness or spice to suit your taste. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Full Recipe:
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1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1/2 cup soy sauce
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup water
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
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2 teaspoons cornstarch
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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3 cups broccoli florets, steamed
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Directions:
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add sliced flank steak and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until browned on all sides.
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
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Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently.
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Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
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Stir in the steamed broccoli florets and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Garnish with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes if desired.
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Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Mongolian Beef and Broccoli: A Perfect Weeknight Meal
Mongolian Beef and Broccoli is a flavorful and quick dinner that’s sure to become a favorite in your weekly rotation. This dish, often found in Chinese-American restaurants, has all the qualities you want in a weeknight meal—delicious, easy to make, and full of bold flavors. The combination of tender flank steak and vibrant, crisp broccoli in a savory-sweet sauce is perfect over a bed of rice. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a special occasion, or just craving something satisfying, this recipe is an excellent choice.
A Quick and Easy Dinner Option
One of the best things about this Mongolian Beef and Broccoli recipe is how simple it is to prepare. It’s all cooked in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. The beef is marinated for a short period, and once the ingredients come together, it takes less than 30 minutes to have a meal ready on the table. This recipe is a fantastic go-to for busy nights when you need something quick and satisfying. Unlike traditional Mongolian beef recipes that call for deep frying, this version uses a skillet to cook the beef in a minimal amount of oil, making it a healthier alternative. The rich sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger gives the dish an incredible depth of flavor. This dish is a great alternative to takeout, providing the same delicious tastes while being much fresher and customizable to your liking.
The Ingredients That Make the Difference
Flank steak is the star of this dish. It’s a lean cut of beef that cooks quickly and stays tender when cooked properly. It also absorbs marinades very well, making it perfect for this recipe. After marinating the steak, it’s dredged in cornstarch, giving the beef a crispy texture when sautéed in the skillet. This crispy texture is crucial in achieving that authentic Mongolian beef flavor. The sauce is made by combining soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. The balance of sweetness from the brown sugar and hoisin sauce, along with the savory depth from the soy sauce, creates a sauce that clings perfectly to the beef and broccoli. For an added kick, red pepper flakes can be included to give the dish just the right amount of heat.
Broccoli is the vegetable of choice here, providing both color and texture to the dish. Its mild, slightly bitter taste pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory beef. You can also experiment by adding other vegetables, like bell peppers or carrots, to add additional flavor and crunch.
How to Customize Mongolian Beef and Broccoli
This recipe is incredibly versatile. For a gluten-free option, simply substitute soy sauce with tamari, which is brewed without wheat. If you want a vegetarian version, tofu can be substituted for the beef. Just make sure to press and drain the tofu to remove excess moisture before sautéing it. The sauce and broccoli will still provide the same vibrant flavors. You can also play with the vegetables. While broccoli is the classic pairing, consider adding some sliced bell peppers, carrots, or even snap peas. These additions will bring color and texture to the dish, making it more vibrant and nutritious.
For a healthier option, you can use less sugar or opt for a sugar substitute. The balance of flavors is essential to this dish, but adjusting the sweetness to your preference won’t compromise the final result. You can also swap the sesame oil for a lighter option, such as olive oil, though it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
The Best Way to Serve Mongolian Beef and Broccoli
This dish is best served over rice. Jasmine rice is a great choice because its delicate, fragrant flavor complements the richness of the beef and broccoli. Basmati rice works well too, adding a slightly nutty flavor. For a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice can be used. If you’re serving it for a larger group, consider doubling the recipe and serving it family-style with plenty of rice. To enhance the presentation and flavor, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. This adds a touch of crunch and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the beef and sauce.
Making It Ahead and Storing Leftovers
Mongolian Beef and Broccoli is a great dish for meal prep. You can marinate the beef the night before, allowing the flavors to develop more deeply. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from drying out. The broccoli may soften a bit upon reheating, but the dish will still be flavorful and satisfying. This is a fantastic meal to make ahead if you want to enjoy a quick and hearty meal during the week without all the hassle of cooking every day. Simply store it in an airtight container, and you’ll have lunch or dinner ready to go.
Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Beef and Broccoli Recipe
There are many reasons why this Mongolian Beef and Broccoli recipe will win you over. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor. The marinated flank steak provides a tender, juicy bite, while the broccoli offers a fresh, crunchy contrast. The sweet and savory sauce is addictive, and it coats every bite perfectly. This recipe is a great way to break out of the usual weeknight dinner rut. It’s far more delicious and satisfying than takeout, and you can control the ingredients to suit your taste. Plus, it’s healthier too! You get all the indulgent flavors you love without the extra fat or calories that often come with restaurant versions.
Conclusion
Mongolian Beef and Broccoli is a must-try dish for anyone looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal. Whether you’re craving the flavors of takeout or just need something easy for a weeknight dinner, this recipe will deliver every time. With its rich, savory-sweet sauce, tender beef, and crisp broccoli, it’s sure to become a staple in your household. So next time you need something flavorful and fast, whip up this Mongolian Beef and Broccoli—you won’t be disappointed!