Our Mongolian Beef Freezer Meal! This dish is a true winner, boasting all the bold flavors of traditional Mongolian Beef with the added bonus of being a freezer-friendly option.
If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for ways to simplify mealtime without sacrificing flavor. Well, look no further than our Mongolian Beef Freezer Meal! This dish is a true winner, boasting all the bold flavors of traditional Mongolian Beef with the added bonus of being a freezer-friendly option.
You know that you have a hectic day ahead of you, from PTA meetings, to kids basketball drop offs, to sitting down with your elementary student and working through their math, you know you do not have time to cook dinner after work. Now Imagine, all you have to do is reach into your freezer and pull out a bag of prepped Mongolian Beef. Pop it in your slow cooker, set the time, and go on with your day.
Within minutes of getting home, your kitchen is filled with the irresistible aroma of sizzling beef and fragrant spices. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights when cooking from scratch feels like a daunting task. Plus, knowing that you have a stash of make-ahead meals ready to go gives you peace of mind and more time to focus on what truly matters—quality time with your loved ones.
Ready to join me in the kitchen and discover the magic of freezer meals? In this blog post, we’ll walk through the simple steps of preparing and freezing Mongolian Beef together. Let’s make mealtime hassle-free and delicious!
Why you’ll love this Convenient Make-Ahead Mongolian Beef
Stress-Free Weekends: Spend less time cooking on weekends by enjoying freezer meals that require minimal effort to prepare.
Guilt-Free Indulgence: Treat yourself to a delicious homemade meal without the guilt of ordering takeout.
Impressive Entertaining: Wow guests with a gourmet-quality meal that requires minimal effort on your part.
Simplified Grocery Shopping: Stock up on ingredients for freezer meals during your weekly grocery run to streamline meal prep throughout the week.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love the savory-sweet flavors of Mongolian Beef, making it a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
Mongolian Beef Freezer Meal Recipe
Our Mongolian Beef Freezer Meal! This dish is a true winner, boasting all the bold flavors of traditional Mongolian Beef with the added bonus of being a freezer-friendly option.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute tamari with coconut aminos for a gluten-free version of Mongolian Beef without sacrificing flavor.
Low-Carb Variation: Replace brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to reduce the carb content while maintaining the sweetness of the dish.
Protein Swap: Instead of flank steak, use thinly sliced chicken breast or tofu for a delicious alternative suitable for vegetarians or those looking to vary their protein intake.
Additions:
Sliced Bell Peppers: Add vibrant colors and extra crunch to your Mongolian Beef by tossing in sliced bell peppers. They freeze well and provide a delightful texture contrast.
Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish before freezing for a nutty flavor and visual appeal. They add a lovely crunch and are freezer-friendly.
Sliced Mushrooms: Incorporate sliced mushrooms into the dish for added depth of flavor and a boost of nutrients.
How to Reheat and Store Mongolian Beef
Best way to store Make-Ahead Mongolian Beef?
The best way to store Mongolian Beef leftovers is to allow the recipe to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. To allow the leftovers to cool completely, simply let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.
If you have a large batch of leftovers, consider dividing into smaller portions to make it easier to reheat later. Transfer the leftovers to airtight containers or freezer safe bags when cooled. Ensure the container/bag is sealed tightly.
How long will Mongolian Beef last in the fridge?
If you have followed the proper protocol for cooling and storage, your beef leftovers should remain fresh in the fridge for 3-5 days. Always perform sniff tastes first, on leftovers, to avoid spoilage.
Can I freeze Quick Mongolian Beef dinner leftovers?
Yes, of course. This is a great recipe to freeze, as the texture and flavor will remain when frozen correctly. To freeze, follow the same procedure as you would to store in the fridge, allow the recipe to cool, label a gallon freezer bag with recipe name and date of preparation. Transfer desired amount into bag, remove excess air, seal, and freeze for up to 3 months.
We recommend making this recipe as a raw freezer meal, simply label your freezer bag, add all ingredients into the freezer bag, except the green onions for serving, remove excess air, seal, and shake the bag to coat the beef with the spices. Then, freeze for up to three months.
How to Reheat Meal Prep Mongolian Beef?
If your leftovers are frozen, allow the recipe to thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, you may use your stovetop, or microwave to reheat. We recommend using the stovetop, as this reheating method allows the recipe to hold its texture and flavor better than other reheating methods.
For stovetop reheating, put desired amount of leftovers into a saucepan, over medium heat, add a splash of broth or water to the saucepan to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally, until leftovers are heated through. If using the microwave, avoid overheating, cook in short spurts of 30-60 seconds, stirring between each interval. Cook until evenly heated through. Avoid overcooking.
Delicious Mongolian Beef Freezer Meal FAQs
What is the origin of Mongolian Beef
Mongolian Beef gets its origin story tracing back to Chinese-American cuisine rather than Mongolian cuisine. It is believed to have originated in Chinese-American restaurants in the United States in the late 19th to early 20th centuries.
Mongolian Beef does not have a direct connection to Mongolian culinary traditions, despite the name of the dish. Instead, it derives from a cook style called Mongolian Barbecue, which was popularized in Taiwanese restaurants and involves stir-frying thinly sliced meats with veggies and different sauces
Why is Mongolian Beef so chewy?
Mongolian Beef can sometimes turn out chewy if not procured correctly. The chewiness can be attributed to different factors, including using the wrong cuts of meat or not slicing it thinly enough against the grain of the meat.
Also overcooking the beef or cooking it at too high of a temperature can result in toughness. To ensure tender Mongolian beef, it is essential to use tender cut of meat like a flank steak, slice thinly against the grain, and cook it over high heat, ideally.
What is Mongolian Beef made of?
Mongolian beef consists of thinly sliced flank steak, which is marinated and stir-fried with a savory-sweet sauce. The key ingredients in the sauce include tamari, brown sugar, garlic, ground ginger, and sometimes cornstarch as a thickening agent. Chopped green onions are often added as a garnish for added flavor, vibrant color, and freshness.
What are 4 interesting facts about Mongolian Beef?
Four interesting facts about Mongolian beef are that despite its name, Mongolian Beef is not a traditional Mongolian dish. The term Mongolian in the dish’s name, originates from the “Mongolian BBQ” style of cooking. Mongolian beef is known for its sweet-savory flavor profile. The dish gained popularity in the late 19th-early 20th centuries and has sense become a staple in American Chinese cuisines.
What is Mongolian famous for?
Mongolia, a landlocked country in East Asia, is famous for its vast steppes, nomadic culture, and the birthplace of Genghis Khan, the founder of the Mongol Empire.
Is Mongolian beef a raw meat dish?
Mongolian Beef is not a raw meat dish. It consists of thinly sliced flank steak that is cooked through by stir-frying in a hot skillet or wok. There have also been recipes created that utilize the slow cooker or a pressure cooker, and create a tender beef dish.
Are there regional differences for a Mongolian Beef Recipe?
While Mongolian Beef has become a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine there may be regional differences in its preparation and flavor profile. Different restaurants or home chefs may use variations of the sauce ingredients or cooking techniques that suit their own personal preferences. Some regions may add additional ingredients to the dish, like chili peppers to customize the dish according to local tastes as well as readily accessible ingredients.
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!