A serving of Mongolian Style Beef weighs 200g, which is half a bag, and contains 280 calories. If you're wondering what Mongolian Style Beef is and whether it's healthy, this article will answer these questions and provide more information about this dish.
Mongolian Style Beef is a stir-fry dish that typically includes slices of beef, onions, and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar. If you want to watch your calorie intake, you may want to consider reducing your portion size or making modifications to the recipe.
In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies to help you enjoy Mongolian Style Beef in moderation while still enjoying its delicious taste.
What is Mongolian Style Beef?
As mentioned earlier, Mongolian Style Beef is a stir-fry dish that is often served with rice. The dish originated in Taiwan and was inspired by Mongolian cuisine. While the dish's name may suggest that it's Mongolian, the flavor profile is actually influenced more by Chinese cuisine. The dish is characterized by its sweet and savory sauce that usually includes soy sauce and other seasoning ingredients. Some recipes include vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli to add more nutritional value and color to the dish.
Calories in a serving of Mongolian Style Beef
A 1-cup serving size of Mongolian Style Beef weighs 200g and contains 280 calories. This calorie count may vary depending on the specific recipe used, but you may want to keep in mind that the dish is often high in sodium and carbohydrates. If you're trying to reduce your calorie intake or follow a specific diet plan, it may be helpful to prepare the dish at home and control the ingredients and portion size.
Mongolian Style Beef typically includes ingredients like beef, onions, and a sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar. In terms of nutritional value, one serving of Mongolian Style Beef contains about 17g of protein, 18g of carbohydrates, and 11g of fat. The dish is also high in sodium, with one serving containing about 1129mg of sodium. To make the dish more nutritious, consider adding more vegetables, using leaner cuts of beef, and using low-sodium soy sauce or other seasoning ingredients.
How is Mongolian Style Beef prepared?
Mongolian Style Beef is typically prepared by slicing beef into thin pieces and marinating them in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar for about 15 minutes. The beef is then cooked in a wok or skillet with sliced onions, garlic, and ginger until the beef is cooked through and the onions are caramelized. Some recipes include vegetables like carrots and bell peppers, which are sliced and added to the wok during the cooking process. Once cooked, the dish is usually finished off with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds.
Is Mongolian Style Beef healthy?
While Mongolian Style Beef can be enjoyed as part of a healthy and balanced diet, it's important to note that the dish is typically high in sodium and carbohydrates. To make the dish more nutritious, consider using leaner cuts of beef, adding more vegetables, and using low-sodium soy sauce or other seasoning ingredients. Additionally, portion control can be helpful in managing calorie and sodium intake. Consider having a smaller serving of Mongolian Style Beef as a side dish alongside a variety of other foods.
Tips for portion control when consuming Mongolian Style Beef
To help manage your calorie and sodium intake when enjoying Mongolian Style Beef, consider the following tips:
- Use a smaller plate to make your serving size look larger.
- Fill up on vegetables before having the beef.
- Share the dish with a friend or family member to split the portion size.
- Consider making the dish at home so you can control the ingredients and portion size.
Variations of Mongolian Style Beef
While the traditional Mongolian Style Beef recipe typically includes beef, onions, and a sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar, there are many variations of the dish that you can try. Some recipes include vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, while others use different types of meat like chicken or shrimp. You can also experiment with different seasoning ingredients to create a flavor profile that you enjoy.
Frequently asked questions about Mongolian Style Beef
What is the origin of Mongolian Style Beef?
Mongolian Style Beef is a dish that originated in Taiwan and was inspired by Mongolian cuisine.
What ingredients are typically used in Mongolian Style Beef?
Mongolian Style Beef typically includes beef, onions, and a sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar.
Is Mongolian Style Beef healthy?
While Mongolian Style Beef can be enjoyed as part of a healthy and balanced diet, it's important to note that the dish is typically high in sodium and carbohydrates. To make the dish more nutritious, consider using leaner cuts of beef, adding more vegetables, and using low-sodium soy sauce or other seasoning ingredients.
How to make Mongolian Style Beef at home
To make Mongolian Style Beef at home, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
- 1/4 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Once you have these ingredients, follow these steps to make the dish:
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water. Set this sauce mixture aside for later.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the beef is cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside for later.
- In the same wok, add the onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Add the beef back into the wok and stir-fry for another minute or two until everything is well coated in the sauce.
- Remove the wok from heat and garnish the dish with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds.
Mongolian Style Beef dishes you can try
If you're interested in trying out Mongolian Style Beef, here are a few dishes you can try:
- Classic Mongolian Style Beef Stir-Fry - this dish is the traditional recipe that includes beef, onions, and a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce and hoisin sauce.
- Mongolian Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry - this variation includes broccoli for added nutritional value and flavor.
- Spicy Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry - this dish includes red pepper flakes or hot sauce to add some heat to the dish.
5 FAQs About Mongolian Style Beef
1. How is Mongolian Style Beef prepared?
Mongolian Style Beef typically involves marinating the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and other ingredients for several hours. The beef is then stir-fried with onions, garlic, and ginger.
2. What is the nutritional value of Mongolian Style Beef?
One cup (half bag) (200 g) of Mongolian Style Beef contains approximately 280 calories, 14 grams of fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates, and 25 grams of protein.
3. Is Mongolian Style Beef spicy?
Mongolian Style Beef is not typically known for being spicy, but some recipes may include the addition of chili flakes or other hot ingredients for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their dishes.
4. What is the origin of Mongolian Style Beef?
Mongolian Style Beef is not actually a traditional Mongolian dish, but rather a popular American Chinese dish. It is thought to have originated in Chinese-American restaurants in the United States.
5. Can Mongolian Style Beef be made with other meats?
Yes, Mongolian Style Beef can be made with other meats such as chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The marinade and stir-fry technique can be applied to a variety of proteins.