Easy PF Chang's Mongolian Beef Recipe (Copycat)-6 Variations (2024)

Looking for a way to satisfy your cravings for PF Chang's Mongolian Beef recipe from the comfort of your own home? Look no further! In this article, we'll be sharing a copycat recipe that's easy to make and sure to impress. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can enjoy this popular and delicious Chinese dish without leaving your house. So let's get started and discover how to make PF Chang's Mongolian Beef recipe right in your own kitchen.

Why This Recipe is the Best Alternative to the Restaurant Version:

This recipe is the best alternative to the restaurant version! Here's why:

1. Flavorful and authentic sauce: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger creates a sauce that's packed with flavor and is similar in taste to the sauce at your favorite Chinese restaurant.
2. Crispy and tender beef: The beef is thinly sliced and coated in corn starch, which creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy, just like the beef in restaurant versions.
3. Quick and easy: This recipe can be made in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for a quick and easy meal at home.
4. Versatile and customizable: You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
5. Cost-effective: Making this recipe at home is a more affordable option compared to ordering from a restaurant.

History of Mongolian Beef:

The history of Mongolian beef is a bit of a mystery. Despite its name, the dish is not actually a traditional Mongolian dish, and it's not clear where the dish originated. Some sources suggest that it was created in Taiwan and became popular in Chinese-American restaurants in the United States in the 1970s and 1980s.

Other sources claim that the dish has its roots in the Chinese province of Inner Mongolia, where beef is a popular ingredient in local cuisine. However, it's important to note that the dish as we know it today may be a modern creation that has been adapted to suit American tastes. Whatever its origins, Mongolian beef has become a popular and beloved Chinese-American dish that can be found on menus across the United States and around the world.

Ingredients For PF Chang's Mongolian Beef Recipe:

For the beef:

• 1 pound beef (flank, skirt, strip)– sliced thinly
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ cup vegetable oil

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 3-4 chopped green onions, to garnish

Instructions for PPF Chang's Mongolian Beef Recipe:

1. Slice the beef into ¼ inch slices. If the pieces are too long, cut them in half to make them more bite-sized.
2. In a bowl, add the sliced beef, corn starch, onion powder, and garlic powder. Toss together and set aside for 15 minutes while you make the sauce.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the oil, garlic, and ginger. Cook for about 1 minute.
4. Next, add the soy sauce, water, and dark brown sugar. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. In a small bowl, mix the corn starch and water to create a slurry.
6. Add the corn starch slurry to the sauce and stir constantly until thickened.
7. In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add the oil. Once hot, add the beef in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 3 minutes, until browned on both sides.
8. Once the beef is done, add it back to the sauce and heat on medium-high for about a minute to reheat the sauce and coat the meat.
9. Serve the Mongolian beef hot over a bed of rice and garnish with chopped green onions.

Tips for PF Chang's Mongolian Beef Recipe:

Here are some tips to help you make the best PF Chang's Mongolian Beef Recipe at home:

1. Slice the beef thinly: Slicing the beef into thin strips will help it cook quickly and evenly, and ensure that it's tender.
2. Coat the beef in corn starch: Coating the beef in corn starch before cooking helps create a crispy exterior and keeps the inside juicy.
3. Don't overcrowd the pan: To ensure that the beef browns properly and cooks evenly, cook it in small batches and don't overcrowd the pan.
4. Use a high heat: Mongolian beef is traditionally cooked over high heat, which helps create a crispy exterior and seal in the juices.
5. Customize the recipe: Feel free to customize the recipe to your preferences. You can add vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
6. Serve hot and fresh: Mongolian beef is best served hot and fresh, so be sure to serve it immediately after cooking.

By following these tips, you can make a delicious and authentic Mongolian Beef dish that's sure to impress.

Serving Suggestions for Making PF Chang's Mongolian Beef Recipe:

Here are some serving suggestions for Mongolian Beef:

1. Serve over rice: Mongolian beef pairs perfectly with steamed white rice. The rice helps absorb the flavorful sauce and provides a neutral base for the dish.
2. Garnish with green onions: Chopped green onions add a pop of color and flavor to the dish, and are a traditional garnish for Mongolian beef.
3. Add steamed vegetables: To add more nutrition and flavor to the dish, you can serve Mongolian beef with steamed vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas.
4. Pair with egg rolls: Mongolian beef goes well with egg rolls or other Chinese appetizers for a complete meal.
5. Add a side salad: To balance out the rich and savory flavors of the dish, you can serve Mongolian beef with a side salad or some steamed greens.
6. Pair with a cold beverage: To balance out the heat and saltiness of the dish, you can serve Mongolian beef with a cold beverage such as iced tea, lemonade or a cold beer.

Variations Of PF Chang's Mongolian Beef Recipe:

Here are some variations on the classic Mongolian Beef recipe that you can try:

1. Spicy Mongolian Beef: Add some red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce for a spicier version of the dish.
2. Mongolian Beef and Broccoli: Add some broccoli florets to the dish to add some extra nutrition and flavor.
3. Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry: Add some additional vegetables such as sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas to make a Mongolian beef stir-fry.
4. Mongolian Beef Tacos: Serve the Mongolian beef in tortillas or lettuce cups and top with sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, and cilantro for a fun and flavorful twist.
5. Mongolian Beef Noodles: Serve the Mongolian beef over a bed of cooked noodles such as udon or soba noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal.
6. Mongolian Beef Bowls: Serve the Mongolian beef over a bed of rice and top with steamed vegetables, chopped green onions, and a fried egg for a delicious and nutritious bowl.

These variations on the classic PF Chang's Mongolian Beef recipe offer a fun and creative way to enjoy this popular dish.

FAQ's Of PF Chang's Mongolian Beef Recipe:

Q: Is Mongolian Beef actually from Mongolia?

A: No, despite its name, Mongolian beef is not a traditional Mongolian dish. Its exact origin is unclear, but it's believed to have originated in Chinese-American restaurants in the United States in the 1970s and 1980s.

Q: What cut of beef is best for Mongolian Beef?

A: Flank steak, skirt steak, and strip steak are all good options for Mongolian beef, as they are flavorful and tender when sliced thinly against the grain.

Q: Is Mongolian Beef spicy?

A: The traditional Mongolian Beef recipe is not typically very spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce for a spicier version of the dish.

Q: Can I make Mongolian Beef ahead of time?

A: While Mongolian Beef is best served hot and fresh, you can make the sauce and slice the beef ahead of time to make the cooking process faster. However, it's best to cook the beef just before serving.

Q: What sides go well with Mongolian Beef?

A: Mongolian Beef pairs well with steamed white rice, and you can also add steamed vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas to the dish.

Q: How do I reheat Mongolian Beef?

A: To reheat Mongolian Beef, simply place it in a skillet over medium heat and cook until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the beef.

Q: Can I make Mongolian Beef gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce and corn starch to make the dish gluten-free.

Check out more recipes:

• EASY CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA RECIPE
• Easy Baked Chicken with Spicy Honey Garlic Sauce

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