Easy Keto Mongolian Beef (PF Chang’s Copycat)

Pf Chang’s Copycat Mongolian Beef is an Easy Keto Mongolian Beef (PF Chang’s Copycat) dish that brings the flavor of restaurant dining right into your home. This recipe features tender beef coated in a sweet and savory sauce with a hint of spice, making it an excellent choice for dinner parties or casual family meals. Its quick preparation time and delicious taste make it a standout option for anyone following a keto diet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only 5 minutes of prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Keto-Friendly: Enjoy the rich flavors without the carbs, making it suitable for your ketogenic lifestyle.
• Versatile Meal: Ideal for serving with steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice to complete your meal.
• Flavorful Sauce: The combination of soy sauce and sweetener creates a delicious balance that pairs beautifully with beef.
• Family-Friendly: Even non-keto eaters will love this dish, making it great for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Easy Keto Mongolian Beef, you will need some essential kitchen tools. These tools will ensure your cooking process runs smoothly and efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or wok
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or wok: A good skillet or wok allows for even cooking and helps achieve that perfect stir-fry texture.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients like beef and vegetables.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes cutting meat and vegetables easy, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 1 Tablespoon avocado oil
• 2 teaspoons minced ginger
• 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 1/2 cup water
• 3/4 cup sugar-free granulated sweetener

For the Beef

• 1 1/2 pounds flank steak or flatiron steak
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For Garnish

• 5 stems green onions – cut diagonal into 2-inch pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum

How to Make Easy Keto Mongolian Beef (PF Chang’s Copycat)

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure to measure out the soy sauce, sweetener, and any spices you need.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add avocado oil.
2. Once hot, add the slice of flank steak or flatiron steak.
3. Stir-fry until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce (or coconut aminos), water, minced ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and xanthan gum.
2. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the cooked beef.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken

Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add Green Onions

Stir in the green onions during the last minute of cooking. This adds freshness to your dish.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your Easy Keto Mongolian Beef hot over cauliflower rice or alongside steamed vegetables. Enjoy this delightful meal!

How to Serve Easy Keto Mongolian Beef (PF Chang’s Copycat)

Serving Easy Keto Mongolian Beef is all about enhancing its rich flavors. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.

With Cauliflower Rice

• Cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional rice. It absorbs the sauce beautifully, providing a perfect base for the beef.

Over Zoodles

• Zoodles, or zucchini noodles, add a fresh crunch and are incredibly easy to prepare. They offer a delightful contrast to the tender beef.

On Lettuce Wraps

• Serving the beef in lettuce wraps creates a fun, interactive meal. The crisp lettuce adds texture and freshness that balances the savory flavors.

With Steamed Broccoli

• Steamed broccoli not only adds color but also provides essential nutrients. Its slight bitterness complements the sweetness of the sauce perfectly.

Accompanied by Shirataki Noodles

• Shirataki noodles are another great low-carb option. They soak up the flavors of the sauce while remaining light and satisfying.

How to Perfect Easy Keto Mongolian Beef (PF Chang’s Copycat)

Perfecting this recipe is all about technique and ingredient quality. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Choose high-quality beef: A good cut like flank steak ensures tenderness and flavor.
• Marinate for extra flavor: Letting the beef marinate briefly enhances its taste and tenderness.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic provide more vibrant flavors compared to dried alternatives.
• Control the heat: Adjusting cooking heat prevents overcooking and keeps the beef juicy.
• Add veggies for nutrition: Incorporating bell peppers or snap peas adds color and health benefits.
• Thicken with care: Use xanthan gum sparingly to achieve the desired sauce consistency without overpowering flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Keto Mongolian Beef (PF Chang’s Copycat)

Pairing Easy Keto Mongolian Beef with complementary side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
   A creamy, flavorful substitute for traditional mashed potatoes that’s low in carbs.

2. Sautéed Spinach
   Quick-cooked spinach with garlic brings a nutritious green element to your plate.

3. Cabbage Stir-Fry
   Lightly stir-fried cabbage offers crunch and pairs well with Asian flavors.

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Crispy Brussels sprouts add depth and texture, balancing out your meal.

5. Keto-Friendly Salad
   A mixed greens salad dressed with sesame oil provides freshness that complements the beef.

6. Spicy Kimchi
   Adding kimchi introduces a tangy kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweet sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Keto Mongolian Beef, it’s essential to avoid certain pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.

• Incorrect steak choice: Using a tough cut of meat can ruin the dish. Opt for flank steak or flatiron steak for tenderness.
• Ignoring marination: Skipping marination leads to less flavorful beef. Always allow your steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Overcooking the beef: Cooking beef for too long makes it chewy. Aim for a quick stir-fry to keep it tender and juicy.
• Not balancing sweetness: Using too much sweetener can overpower the dish. Start with less and adjust to taste for a perfect balance.
• Skipping xanthan gum: Omitting this thickener can result in a watery sauce. Use it to achieve that perfect glaze.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Ensure the beef is cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Easy Keto Mongolian Beef (PF Chang’s Copycat)

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Easy Keto Mongolian Beef (PF Chang’s Copycat)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat until heated, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Easy Keto Mongolian Beef (PF Chang’s Copycat)?

Easy Keto Mongolian Beef (PF Chang’s Copycat) is a low-carb version of the classic dish featuring tender beef in a sweet and savory sauce.

How do I make my sauce thicker?

To thicken your sauce, use xanthan gum as indicated in the recipe. This will give you that desired glaze without added carbs.

Can I use other cuts of meat?

While flank or flatiron steak works best, you can experiment with sirloin or ribeye, but ensure they are cut thinly against the grain.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! By using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, you can keep this dish gluten-free while enjoying its delicious flavors.

Final Thoughts

Easy Keto Mongolian Beef (PF Chang’s Copycat) offers a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors right from your kitchen. This recipe is not only quick but also allows for customization based on your preferences. Try adding more veggies or adjusting the spice level for your perfect plate!