Mary KellyIf you’ve ever fancied a visit to P.F. Chang’s, you likely have fond memories of their Mongolian Beef Bowl. It’s a simple yet delectable dish that balances tenderness and flavor. But let’s be real; why not bring that flavor right into your kitchen?
Alongside this dish, you can serve some steamed broccoli, fried rice, or a fresh vegetable stir-fry. Together, these pairings enhance the dining experience while keeping the focus on that luscious Mongolian beef.
Now, let me share why this recipe might just be your new favorite. Cooking can often feel rushed or even overwhelming, especially on busy weekdays. But this recipe is a game-changer. It’s not only quick and easy; it’s also packed with flavors that your family will love.
I’ve experimented with this Mongolian Beef Bowl multiple times, and trust me, it never disappoints. Each ingredient brings its own character, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds.
The Ingredients: My Culinary Companions
When I start preparing for this dish, I always lay out my ingredients. It feels like I’m assembling my little culinary team. Let’s go through them:
- 1-2 pounds beef (flank steak or stir-fry beef, sliced into strips): This is the star of the dish! Choosing flank steak gives a rich flavor and tenderness that shines through in every bite.
- 4 green onions (finely chopped): These bring a fresh crunch and a pop of color. They add a delightful finish.
Marinade Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: This is essential for depth and umami.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: It adds just the right tang.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: This helps to tenderize the beef.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: It aids in achieving a nice sear on the meat.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: This balances the savory flavors.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For cooking the beef smoothly.
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup soy sauce: The base of your sauce, providing that salty goodness.
- 1 cup water: To thin the sauce, allowing it to coat the beef perfectly.
- 1 2/3 cups brown sugar (light or dark): This sweet component complements the soy sauce.
- 3 tablespoons cold water: Helps in mixing cornstarch.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch: To thicken the sauce.
- 4 teaspoons toasted sesame oil: A must for that distinctive flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger: It adds warmth and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons garlic (minced): Because, let’s be honest, garlic makes everything better!
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): They add a delightful crunch.
- Cooked rice (for serving): This is a no-brainer! Rice perfectly soaks up the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional): It adds sweetness and richness.
- 1 teaspoon chili paste (optional): Just a hint of heat for those who like it spicy.
How to Make P.F. Chang’s Mongolian Beef Bowl
Alright, let’s dive into the actual cooking! This is where the magic happens. Here’s how I make this dish, step by step.
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by marinating your beef. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, baking soda, cornstarch, sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix everything well. Add the sliced beef and toss it around so that every piece is coated. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. Don’t rush this step. It’s crucial for flavor and tenderness!
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the beef is marinating, you can prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, mix soy sauce and water over medium heat. Follow with brown sugar, stirring until it completely dissolves. In a separate little bowl, mix the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. This will help thicken your sauce.
Once the sugar is dissolved, add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan. Constantly stir until the sauce begins to thicken. Lower the heat and stir in sesame oil, ground ginger, and minced garlic. Set this delicious concoction aside.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add a bit of vegetable oil (you want it hot!). Once it’s sizzling, add your marinated beef, spreading it out so it browns nicely. Let it sear without stirring for about 2-3 minutes. Then, give it a good toss until all sides are cooked and tender.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
After the beef has beautifully browned, pour the sauce over it. Add in those delightful green onions. Give everything a gentle toss to coat the beef evenly. Let this simmer for another 3-5 minutes, letting the beef soak in that rich flavor.
Step 5: Serve it Up
Serve on a bed of hot, steamed rice. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for that added flair. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle a bit of hoisin sauce or chili paste for extra flavor and heat.
Nutrition Information
Recipe Notes
- Beef: Flank steak is the best choice for this dish. It’s flavorful and cooks quickly, making it perfect for stir-frying.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. This way, you control the saltiness of your dish.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works. Dark brown sugar gives a deeper flavor due to its higher molasses content.
- Vegetable Oil: You could also use oils like canola or peanut oil. These have high smoke points, ideal for high-heat cooking.
- Garlic and Ginger: Use fresh, minced garlic and ginger for the best flavor. It elevates the dish exponentially.
- Sesame Seeds: Toast them lightly in a dry pan to enhance their flavor before sprinkling on the final dish.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to modify this dish to suit your family’s preferences:
- Make it spicy: Add more chili paste or sliced jalapeños.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute beef with tofu or seitan for a plant-based alternative.
- Add veggies: Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can provide an excellent crunch.
- Noodle Option: Serve over cooked udon or rice noodles instead of rice.
- Different Proteins: Chicken or pork can be used if beef isn’t your preference.
P.f Chang’s Mongolian Beef Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by marinating your beef. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, baking soda, cornstarch, sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix everything well. Add the sliced beef and toss it around so that every piece is coated. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. Don’t rush this step. It’s crucial for flavor and tenderness!
- While the beef is marinating, you can prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, mix soy sauce and water over medium heat. Follow with brown sugar, stirring until it completely dissolves. In a separate little bowl, mix the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. This will help thicken your sauce.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan. Constantly stir until the sauce begins to thicken. Lower the heat and stir in sesame oil, ground ginger, and minced garlic. Set this delicious concoction aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add a bit of vegetable oil (you want it hot!). Once it’s sizzling, add your marinated beef, spreading it out so it browns nicely. Let it sear without stirring for about 2-3 minutes. Then, give it a good toss until all sides are cooked and tender.
- After the beef has beautifully browned, pour the sauce over it. Add in those delightful green onions. Give everything a gentle toss to coat the beef evenly. Let this simmer for another 3-5 minutes, letting the beef soak in that rich flavor.
- Serve on a bed of hot, steamed rice. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for that added flair. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle a bit of hoisin sauce or chili paste for extra flavor and heat.
Nutrition
Notes
- Beef: Flank steak is the best choice for this dish. It’s flavorful and cooks quickly, making it perfect for stir-frying.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. This way, you control the saltiness of your dish.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works. Dark brown sugar gives a deeper flavor due to its higher molasses content.
- Vegetable Oil: You could also use oils like canola or peanut oil. These have high smoke points, ideal for high-heat cooking.
- Garlic and Ginger: Use fresh, minced garlic and ginger for the best flavor. It elevates the dish exponentially.
- Sesame Seeds: Toast them lightly in a dry pan to enhance their flavor before sprinkling on the final dish.
Tried this recipe?
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Conclusion
Creating a P.F. Chang’s Mongolian Beef Bowl at home is not just a rewarding cooking project; it brings all those restaurant flavors right into your kitchen. The combination of marinated beef, flavorful sauce, and vibrant green onions creates a delightful dish that is sure to become a hit with your family.
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try. Dive in, get your hands dirty, and enjoy the process of cooking. After all, what’s better than a home-cooked meal that tastes like your favorite restaurant? Enjoy!
