Gluten Free Mongolian Beef

This Gluten Free Mongolian Beef dish is a delightful option for those craving bold flavors without the gluten. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when hosting friends, this recipe is simple to follow and uses healthier ingredients compared to traditional takeout. Enjoy tender beef combined with fresh broccoli in a savory sauce that is both soy-free and gluten-free.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With quick steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this dish in under an hour.
• Flavorful: The combination of garlic, ginger, and coconut aminos creates a rich flavor profile that will impress your taste buds.
• Healthy Option: This recipe uses wholesome ingredients, making it a nutritious alternative to restaurant versions.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it over rice or cauliflower rice for a filling meal that suits various dietary needs.
• Great for Leftovers: Enjoy it the next day as the flavors continue to meld and deepen.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Gluten Free Mongolian Beef, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure the cooking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large deep skillet
• Whisk
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large deep skillet: Provides ample space for cooking the beef without overcrowding, ensuring even browning.
• Whisk: Helps combine sauce ingredients thoroughly for a smooth consistency.
• Sharp knife: Essential for slicing flank steak against the grain to achieve tender pieces.

Ingredients

This Mongolian Beef with Broccoli is flavorful, simple, and better than takeout! This version is soy-free and gluten-free.

For the Sauce

• 1/3 cup coconut aminos
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (sub apple cider vinegar for AIP)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 thumb ginger (grated)
• 2 tsp coconut sugar
• Salt and pepper

For Cooking

• 2 tsp arrowroot starch
• 3-4 tbsp avocado oil (divided)
• 1 1/2 cup broccoli florets
• 1 tsp sea salt (divided)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (omit for AIP)
• 1.5 lb flank steak
• 2 tbsp arrowroot starch
• 3 green onions (sliced into 1 strips)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Gluten Free Mongolian Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Combine the coconut aminos, beef broth, coconut sugar, 2 teaspoons of arrowroot starch, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk well until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

In a large deep skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of avocado oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-7 minutes or until fork-tender. Remove from the pan and set aside. Clean out the skillet.

Step 3: Prepare the Flank Steak

Season both sides of the flank steak with salt and pepper. Using a sharp knife, slice against the grain into approximately 1-inch bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, add arrowroot starch and coat each steak piece thoroughly.

Step 4: Cook the Flank Steak

In the same pan used for broccoli, heat an additional 2 tablespoons of avocado oil until hot and shimmering. Carefully add half of the steak slices in a single layer to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they start to crisp up. Repeat with any remaining steak slices and transfer cooked steak to a clean plate.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Pour your prepared sauce mixture into the pan gradually while using a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom. Allow it to simmer on low heat for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly thickened.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Add sliced green onions back into the pan along with cooked beef and broccoli. Reduce heat further and toss everything together until well coated in sauce. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a satisfying meal.

How to Serve Gluten Free Mongolian Beef

Gluten Free Mongolian Beef is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes. Here are some delicious ways to serve it for a delightful meal experience.

With Steamed Rice

• White Rice: Fluffy white rice acts as a perfect base for this savory beef dish, absorbing the rich sauce.
• Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice provides a chewy texture that complements the tender beef.

With Cauliflower Rice

• Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is light and absorbs flavors well, making it an excellent choice for this dish.

Garnished with Sesame Seeds

• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top adds a nutty flavor and appealing crunch to your plate.

With Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro or Green Onions: Fresh herbs like cilantro or sliced green onions can enhance the freshness of the dish and provide extra color.

As Part of a Platter

• Platter Style: Serve Gluten Free Mongolian Beef alongside other Asian-inspired dishes like spring rolls or dumplings for a complete meal experience.

How to Perfect Gluten Free Mongolian Beef

Perfecting your Gluten Free Mongolian Beef can elevate your cooking game. Here are some helpful tips to achieve the best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavor profile significantly compared to dried alternatives.
• Slice Against the Grain: Cutting flank steak against the grain ensures tender pieces that are easy to chew.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in small batches prevents steaming and allows for better caramelization of the beef.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more arrowroot starch mixed with water before pouring it into the pan.
• Taste as You Go: Always taste the sauce before serving to adjust seasoning according to your preference.
• Serve Immediately: For optimal flavor and texture, serve the dish right after cooking while it’s hot.

Best Side Dishes for Gluten Free Mongolian Beef

To complement your Gluten Free Mongolian Beef, consider these delightful side dishes. Each option brings its own unique flavor to enhance your meal.

1. Steamed Broccoli: A healthy green side that matches well with beef’s richness and adds vibrant color.
2. Fried Rice: A classic accompaniment that can be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
3. Stir-Fried Vegetables: Colorful veggies stir-fried in sesame oil add crunch and nutrition to your meal.
4. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing adds freshness to balance the beef’s richness.
5. Miso Soup: This warm soup can provide a comforting start to your meal or serve as a light side option.
6. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light dressing offers a refreshing contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Gluten Free Mongolian Beef, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Ignoring the quality of the beef: Using low-quality flank steak can lead to a tough dish. Choose fresh, high-quality beef for the best texture and flavor.

• Overcooking the broccoli: Cooking broccoli for too long can make it mushy. Aim for a vibrant green color and fork-tender texture by cooking it just until tender.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can disrupt the balance of flavors. Use proper measuring tools to ensure your coconut aminos, broth, and seasonings are precise.

• Skipping the marinating step: Skipping marinating your steak with arrowroot starch can lead to less tender meat. Coat the beef well before cooking to enhance its tenderness.

• Failing to scrape the pan: Neglecting to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan can result in a lack of depth in flavor. Make sure to incorporate those bits into your sauce for added richness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Gluten Free Mongolian Beef in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Ensure it is cooled down before sealing the container.

Freezing Gluten Free Mongolian Beef

• Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Gluten Free Mongolian Beef

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

• Microwave: Transfer a serving onto a microwave-safe plate. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Gluten Free Mongolian Beef ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time! Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute for coconut aminos in Gluten Free Mongolian Beef?

If you don’t have coconut aminos, you may use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as alternatives, though they may alter the flavor slightly.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Gluten Free Mongolian Beef is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and reheats beautifully throughout the week.

How do I customize my Gluten Free Mongolian Beef?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra nutrition and color. You can also adjust seasonings according to your taste preference.

Final Thoughts

Gluten Free Mongolian Beef is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. This recipe offers a healthier option than takeout while allowing you room for customization. Whether you enjoy it with steamed rice or cauliflower rice, it’s sure to impress! Give this simple yet flavorful dish a try today!