What do you think of when you hear the word Mongolian?
If you’re like most Americans, the first thing that comes to your mind is probably Mongolian BBQ. Kansas City, you’ll be happy to learn, has several spots serving up this delicious cuisine. This style of cooking has become incredibly popular, and it makes sense that people would love it in Kansas City. Mongolian BBQ is a cousin to Kansas City’s world-renowned barbecue. Any diner will find plenty of delicious similarities.
There are also, however, many other styles of Mongolian cuisine. Mongolian restaurants in Kansas City have a lot to offer. While you should definitely try the BBQ, you’d be missing out on some amazing experiences by not trying it all.
What is Mongolian cuisine, and where can you find Mongolian grills in Kansas City? This guide will give you the information you need.
What is Mongolian Food?
Mongolian food is all about the meat. Generally speaking, Mongolian cooking doesn’t rely on spices to add flavor. The basics are used, like salt. But the flavor comes from the quality of meat and style of cooking, along with the vegetables mixed into the final product. The magic is in the preparation, and it brings out some incredible flavors.
This cooking technique comes from the rural areas of Mongolia, which have been historically poor with limited resources. People made the most of what they had, and relied heavily on livestock to provide the nutrition they needed. The food was simple, but the Mongolian people found delicious flavors through straightforward methods.
Beef is the main course of most dishes at Mongolian grills in Kansas City. It is usually served in a stir-fry style. Side dishes include noodles, fried or steamed vegetables and dumplings. And, of course, Mongolian BBQ is the most famous form of Mongolian cooking.
What Makes Mongolian BBQ Different?
Kansas City makes the best BBQ in the world. We all know this. So, what is special about Mongolian BBQ? Kansas City restaurants serving this food put a Mongolian twist on the BBQ we know and love, and it’s most definitely worth checking out.
As we said, Mongolian cooking is stingy with the spices and other sauces. It’s all about the meat. Kansas City barbecue also, of course, emphasizes the way meat is cooked. But it’s also about the sauce here in KC. That’s the primary difference between Mongolian BBQ and Kansas City BBQ.
The way the meat is cooked is different, too. Kansas City barbecue is usually cooked over an open flame on a wood-fire grill. Mongolian BBQ in Kansas City is cooked on large iron griddles.
Mongolian BBQ in Kansas City
Your experience at a Mongolian BBQ restaurant will be unique. Customers generally choose the raw ingredients they would like included in their entrée and then watch as the chefs whip it up. Dishes are then served in a bowl, stir-fry style.
There are plenty of places to have Mongolian BBQ in Kansas City. Here are a few you can try:
Mongolian Dishes to Try
Here are a few unique options to order at a Mongolian grill in Kansas City, Mo.:
- Buuz: This is a steamed dumpling stuffed with meat and served alongside many traditional Mongolian dishes. The meat used is typically minced beef, cooked with some combination of salt, garlic, fennel seed or seasonal herbs. Buuz is a delicious side, and something you should try at a Mongolian grill in Kansas City.
- Black Pepper Beef: A modern twist on a Mongolian specialty that you don’t want to miss — flank steak cooked with green and red bell peppers, yellow onions and a savory sauce. This flavor packs a punch.
- Create-Your-Own-Bowl: This is the main course for Mongolian BBQ in Kansas City. Choose from a variety of meats, vegetables and starches to add together in a delicious stir-fry.
Any of these dishes will leave you full and happy. Now you’re ready to get out and enjoy some Mongolian BBQ in KC.