April 8, 2013

Mongolian beef and vegetable stir-fry


I must be in an Asian food mood lately because I have another recipe today that features Asian flavors and rice. I like stir-fries and curries because they are so quick, easy, and really versatile. You can use pretty much any veggies and protein that you want and it will taste good! They are a great way to get a homemade dinner on the table during the week and sometimes even quicker than take-out. I saw this recipe for Mongolian beef and used it as a guide for my version. I wanted to add vegetables to my dish and I also wanted to cut back on the amount of sugar and change out the vegetable oil. The result was a flavorful success! The thin slices of beef stayed tender and the sauce was a combination of salty and sweet with a touch of spice from the ginger and garlic.

This recipe will serve two to three people. Feel free to change the vegetables - broccoli, green peppers, scallions, mushrooms, etc. Serve it with rice and some Asian hot sauce such as Sriracha or chili-garlic sauce. 

 
Mongolian beef and vegetable stir-fry
coconut oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup brown sugar
about 3/4 lb steak such as sirloin or flank, cut thinly against the grain
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 red pepper, cut into strips
1 carrot, cut into matchsticks
1/2 white onion, cut in half lengthwise and thinly sliced

In a small sauce pan, heat 2 teaspoons of coconut oil over over heat. Add the ginger and garlic and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Stir well and turn up the heat to medium. Let the mixture come to a boil and cook for about three minutes until it reduces. Remove from the heat and set aside.

In a bowl, toss the steak with the cornstarch to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes

In a large skillet or wok, heat about 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil. When hot, add the pepper, carrot, and onion. Cook, stirring often for about 2 minutes. Then add the beef and continue to cook until the beef is golden on the outside, but not yet cooked through.

Add the sauce. It should come right to a boil. Let boil, stirring often, for about one minute, until everything is coated and cooked through.

Serve immediately over warm rice. 

   
What was I cooking one year ago?: maple-pecan scones
Two years ago?: chipotle-maple glazed pork with with roasted squash and kale
Three?: chocolate peanut butter tart

21 comments:

  1. I love asian food but rarely make it at home - this looks SO delicious - must try soon!

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  2. I've been in an Asian food mood lately too! Glad I'm not the only one :) This looks great!

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  3. Sounds great! I'm going to have to try sauteing in coconut oil, too!

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  4. Wow. Love the strips of red bell pepper!

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  5. This looks easy and delicious! Great with hot steaming rice.

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  6. What a simple but delicious and crowd pleasing dish. I haven't had this for years but it brought back memories straight away :)

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  7. I am always in an Asian mood and this stir fry is right up my alley!

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  8. You know what? I have been craving Asian food hard, lately! So basically what I'm saying is that this dish is most likely going to make an appearance in my kitchen very soon - it looks amazing!

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  9. Hi Amy, your beef and vege stir fry dish look delicious. Very simple but look so inviting.

    Have a nice week ahead.

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  10. stir fry is one of my favorite meals and you made this look so pretty!

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  11. This is a dish both my boys order when they've gone out with friends to the Mongolian BBQ restaurant. I'll have to make this for them at home...it looks delish!

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  12. looks so simple but beautiful as well. thank you for sharing. love it!

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  13. What a lovely stir fry--my favorite features are the coconut oil and red pepper!

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  14. I'm so happy that you are in an Asian food mood, Amy, because I love Asian inspired dishes and this Mongolian stir-fry looks very tempting!

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  15. we love mongolian beef so much here - i will definitely need to make this Amy!

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  16. I haven't tried Mongolian beef but I see it everywhere. I'll have to try it!

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  17. This is one I'd like to try at home - to get my husband to eat some veggies along with the beef he loves! :) The flavors sound so yummy!

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  18. Great looking stuff! I can eat Asian any time - I love the flavors. Really nice recipe - thanks so much.

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  19. This is my kind of food...looks delicious Amy, and I will need two bowls of rice to go with this Mongolian beef :)
    Hope you are having a wonderful week!

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  20. This sounds great, a good midweek meal.

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  21. This Mongolian beef looks very delicious! Actually, I love eating beef because it's very yummy and nutritious especially when you and it some vegetables.

    Recipe for Stir Fry

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