Mongolian Beef with Broccoli and Jasmine Rice

Lunar New Year is annually linked to one of 12 zodiac animals – each possessing their own character traits. The animals consist of Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

The animals are assigned based on a 12-year cycle, making 2022 the Year of the Tiger. The Tiger is known to be the king of all beasts, and is seated third in the Chinese zodiac order of animals.

February 1 marks the beginning of the new Chinese or Lunar year. To kick off the celebration I picked a classic American-Chinese dish, Mongolian Beef. I know it has no origins in Mongolia, but it's tasty nonetheless. You will find the dish served in a lot of American-Chinese restaurants. Have all the ingredients prepped ahead for fast and fresh cooking. It's a great family meal. The recipe serves 3-4.

Cook's notes: I used tenderloin for this recipe, but sirloin or another good quality steak would work as well. Since the meat cooks quickly, remains tender and doesn't curl, thinly slice the meat against the grain. Chili paste 

featured above can be found in the Asian section of the store. It adds a little kick to the sauce. Start out with 1 teaspoon first before increasing to 2 teaspoons. For me 1 was perfect. 

Mongolian Beef with Broccoli and Jasmine Rice

This dish is delicious served with noodles or rice. Garnish with cashew or peanut pieces and green onions.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced, or 1 teaspoon dried ginger
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce low-sodium
• 2 tablespoons dry sherry
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 -2 teaspoon chili garlic paste also known as sambal oelek
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 LB. sirloin or flank steak, cut in strips and then recut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil, divided
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 3/4 cup carrots, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3/4 cup onion, diced
• 2 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, diced 

Directions:
Sauce 

• Combine soy sauce, sherry, vinegar. hoisin, chili garlic paste, brown sugar, ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Set aside.

Vegetables and Meat

• Add flour to a zip lock bag and dredge meat cubes in flour.
• Heat 1 teaspoon sesame oil in a large skillet with deep sides or use a wok. Add in beef cubes, cook until brown but still slightly pink. Remove and set aside.
• Wipe skillet clean add in the teaspoon of sesame oil. Sautee carrots, garlic, onions, and mushrooms until tender about 3-5 minutes.
• Add meat back into the pan with sauce ingredients and sautéed vegetables. Cook until sauce thickens, add in broccoli and chicken broth. Turn heat to low, and cook for 5 minutes more.
• Add in chopped tomatoes and sesame seeds, serve immediately over rice or noodles.