Mongolian Lamb Stir Fry is a popular dish that blends tender lamb with a rich, savory sauce, crisp vegetables, and an array of bold flavors. This dish, often served with rice or noodles, combines sweet, salty, and slightly spicy notes, making it a favorite among many. In this article, we’ll walk through the process of creating this delicious stir fry, including the ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and helpful tips for perfecting your dish.
Ingredients for Mongolian Lamb Stir Fry
Before you start cooking, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. This ensures a smoother cooking process and prevents any last-minute trips to the kitchen.
For the Lamb:
- 500g lamb (preferably shoulder or leg, thinly sliced against the grain)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (preferably light soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon rice wine (or dry sherry as a substitute)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (dark or regular)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ginger (freshly grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon chili paste (optional, for spice)
- 1 tablespoon water or beef broth (to adjust consistency)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional, for a bit of tang)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 carrot (julienned)
- 1/2 cup snap peas or green beans (optional)
- 2 spring onions (scallions, chopped for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil suitable for stir-frying)
- Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Lamb
Start by preparing the lamb. For the best results, choose a tender cut like lamb shoulder or leg, as these work well in stir fry dishes. Slice the lamb thinly, about 1/4-inch thick, against the grain. This method ensures the meat remains tender when cooked.
In a bowl, combine the sliced lamb with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice wine, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Mix well, making sure all the pieces of lamb are evenly coated. Let this mixture marinate for about 15 to 20 minutes. Marinating helps the lamb absorb the flavors and tenderizes the meat.
2. Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together the stir-fry sauce ingredients: 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and chili paste if you prefer a spicier dish. Add a tablespoon of water or beef broth to adjust the sauce’s consistency, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar for a touch of acidity if desired. Stir well to combine and set aside.
3. Prepare the Vegetables
While the lamb is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Peel and julienne the carrot into thin strips. Slice the bell pepper and onion into thin rings or strips, depending on your preference. You can also prepare any additional vegetables you wish to include, such as snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn.
Make sure all the vegetables are cut into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking during stir frying. Set them aside in separate bowls.
4. Cooking the Lamb
Now that the lamb is marinated and the sauce is ready, it’s time to cook the lamb. Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the pan, which will add flavor and prevent sticking.
Once the oil is hot, add the marinated lamb to the pan in small batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will prevent the lamb from browning properly. Stir-fry the lamb for 2 to 3 minutes or until it is cooked through and lightly browned. Once cooked, remove the lamb from the wok and set it aside.
5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same wok, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the onion, bell pepper, and carrot, and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch. If you’re using snap peas or other vegetables, add them at this point. Keep stirring to ensure the vegetables cook evenly.
Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, add the lamb back into the wok, followed by the prepared stir-fry sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring the lamb and vegetables are well coated with the sauce. Stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, and the dish is heated through.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once the Mongolian lamb stir fry is ready, transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped spring onions (scallions) and fresh cilantro for added color and freshness. Serve the stir fry immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Mongolian Lamb Stir Fry
Slice the Lamb Thinly: For tender lamb, make sure to slice it thinly against the grain. This ensures the meat stays tender and cooks quickly.
Use High Heat: Stir frying requires high heat to quickly cook the lamb and vegetables while preserving their textures and flavors. Make sure your wok or pan is hot before adding ingredients.
Don’t Overcook the Lamb: Lamb cooks quickly, and overcooking it can make it tough. Stir-fry in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add any vegetables you like. Mushrooms, zucchini, and broccoli are great alternatives that complement the rich flavors of the sauce.
Control the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili paste or omit it entirely to control the heat level of the dish. You can also add a dash of chili flakes for extra spice.
Make the Sauce in Advance: To save time, you can prepare the stir-fry sauce ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations of Mongolian Lamb Stir Fry
With Noodles: For a more filling meal, serve the Mongolian lamb stir fry over cooked egg noodles or rice noodles. The noodles will soak up the savory sauce and make the dish more substantial.
Vegetarian Version: If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the lamb with tofu or tempeh. Simply press the tofu to remove excess moisture before marinating and stir-frying.
Add More Spice: If you love spicy food, try adding some chopped fresh chili peppers or a splash of sriracha to the stir fry sauce for an extra kick.
Conclusion
Mongolian Lamb Stir Fry is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is easy to prepare at home. With its combination of tender lamb, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce, it offers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. The dish is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients and spice levels according to your preferences. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or on its own, this Mongolian Lamb Stir Fry is sure to impress and become a regular part of your dinner rotation.
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