For those who enjoy the sweet, savory flavors of Mongolian cuisine, a Mongolian Beef Salad is a must-try. This dish offers a delicious balance of tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a sweet-savory dressing that makes every bite unforgettable. It’s a fresh, light twist on the classic Mongolian beef, perfect for those who want to enjoy a hearty meal without the heaviness of a traditional stir-fry.
The star of this salad is the beef, which is typically thinly sliced and stir-fried until it’s tender and slightly caramelized. The sweet, savory sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger infuses the beef with rich flavors, giving it that signature Mongolian taste. The caramelized beef adds a slight sweetness that complements the crisp vegetables perfectly.
The salad itself is a refreshing mix of greens and colorful vegetables. You can use a base of leafy greens like romaine, spinach, or arugula, and add in crunchy ingredients like carrots, cucumbers, and red bell peppers. These vegetables provide a fresh contrast to the rich, flavorful beef, creating a light yet satisfying meal.
To bring everything together, the salad is drizzled with a tangy dressing made from a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Or Thousand Island dressing. This dressing adds depth to the salad, while also balancing the sweetness of the beef. Garnish with green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Mongolian Beef Salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side. It’s a perfect meal for any season, as it combines the warmth of the stir-fried beef with the refreshing crunch of raw vegetables. Plus, it’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it both a flavorful and nutritious choice.
In conclusion, Mongolian Beef Salad is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors. With its tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and zesty dressing, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress anyone at the dinner table.
Ultimately, the best side dish for Mongolian Beef is the one that you enjoy the most. Experiment with different options and find your perfect pairing!
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ginger minced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber sliced
- 1/2 cup carrots shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped fresh
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the flank steak and cook until browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked steak and toss to coat. Let the steak marinade in the sauce for a few minutes.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, red onion, and cilantro. Toss to combine.
- Transfer the salad to serving plates and top with the marinated steak. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Disaster! My steak turned out tough, and I can’t even taste the sauce. What went wrong?
Looks good but I wonder if the steak will be too chewy? Never tried cooking beef this way before.
The steak shouldn’t be chewy if you slice it thin and cook it fast! It’ll be really tender. Give it a try!
I don’t know, I always thought flank steak was tough. Maybe use a different cut? Just a thought.
This salad is amazing! The flavors are just perfect together. My family loved it!
Yum! My family loved it, even the kids! I didn’t have hoisin sauce so I used teriyaki and it still worked great.
Wow, I’m impressed! Fresh ingredients made it taste like the restaurant. I can’t wait to make it again!
That’s awesome to hear! Fresh ingredients really make all the difference. What part did you like the most?
Idk, sounds kinda easy but I bet it tastes different than a real restaurant dish. You sure about that?
It was okay, but I think it needed something more. Maybe some spicy dressing or nuts? Not what I expected.
Perfect for summer! So fresh and light, I can’t wait to make it again!
This salad is incredible! I never thought flank steak could work so well in a salad. My fam loved it!
Just okay, needed more crunch or something. Maybe add nuts next time?
salad??? where’s da crunch? not what i was hopin for.
Yummm! Best way to have salads! Meat and greens, what more can ya ask?
This is soooo good! 😍 Can’t wait to impress my friends with it.
Easy peasy, lemon squeezy! Loved the crunch of the veggies.
Could u use chicken instead? I like chicken better with salad.
Dude, I couldn’t find flank steak so I used chicken, is that okay? It still tasted good, I think. Just as good in the salad.
Quick and easy, I love it! My kids even ate the veggies! Will make again.
Yum! The combo of flavors is so good. My whole family scarfed it down in minutes! 🍽️
What even is hoisin sauce? 🤷 I’m not familiar with it but this turned out decent.
The garlic and ginger made my house smell so good! Also, don’t forget the cilantro, it really makes a difference.
Yum!