Name: Easy Mongolian Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish); Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

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Craving the bold flavors of Mongolian beef without the take-out wait? You’re in the right place! This easy Mongolian beef recipe is packed with tender, savory beef, a perfectly balanced sauce, and all the mouthwatering goodness you’ve come to love. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, we’ve got simple steps and pro tips to make this dish a total hit. Stick around, because what’s ahead will turn your weeknight dinner into something spectacular! 🍚🥢

What is Mongolian Beef?

Mongolian Beef is a dish that’ll have you swooning! It’s a tantalizing mix of tender beef strips cooked in a sweet-savory sauce that’s got a little kick and a whole lot of flavor. The beef is perfectly seared, coated in a delicious sauce that’s equal parts savory and sweet, with just the right amount of richness. But here’s the twist:

Is it truly Mongolian?
Surprisingly, this dish isn’t actually Mongolian—it’s an American-Chinese creation that’s become beloved worldwide. It’s more about bold flavors and irresistible sauce than cultural accuracy. Who knew?!

Ingredients for the Perfect Mongolian Beef

Easy Mongolian Beef

Chef Josef

Tender beef in a sweet and savory garlic-ginger sauce, this quick Mongolian Beef is a perfect weeknight main course packed with flavor!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Chinese

Servings 4

Calories 353 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Beef : Toss the sliced beef in cornstarch until evenly coated. Shake off any excess and set aside.
Make the Sauce : In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
Cook the Beef : Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.Add the beef in batches, cooking for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
Cook Garlic and Ginger : In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and sauté the garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine and Thicken : Pour the sauce into the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic and ginger.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened
Add Beef: Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve over cooked rice or noodles.

Notes

Slice the beef thinly for quicker cooking. Freezing it for 15 minutes beforehand helps with slicing.
For extra crispiness, fry the beef in small batches without overcrowding the pan.

Enjoy your flavorful homemade Mongolian beef!

Keyword Mongolian Beef

Let’s talk ingredients—because good Mongolian beef starts with the right stuff!

Key Ingredients for Authentic Flavor

Beef Cuts: The best beef for this dish is flank steak or sirloin. Why? These cuts are tender and thinly sliced, making them perfect for quick cooking and soaking up the savory sauce.
Soy Sauce: The salty, umami-packed base of the sauce.
Brown Sugar: Adds that sweet touch that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Garlic: A must for that delicious savory aroma and flavor.

Optional Add-Ins

Vegetables: Add green onions for a pop of color and crunch or broccoli for extra texture and nutrition.
Chilies: If you like a little heat, throw in some red chili flakes for a spicy kick!

How to Make Mongolian Beef at Home

Preparing the Beef

Before you dive into cooking, here’s how to prep the beef to perfection:

Slice Thinly: For that melt-in-your-mouth texture, slice the beef as thinly as possible. A quick trick? Pop the beef in the freezer for about 30 minutes to make it easier to slice.
Marinate the Beef: For extra flavor and tenderness, let your beef marinate for about 15-20 minutes in a mix of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a bit of oil. It’s like giving the beef a spa treatment!

Cooking Steps

Now, let’s get to the fun part—the cooking!

Coat and Sear the Beef: Toss the marinated beef in a bit of cornstarch, then sear it in a hot pan with a little oil for that crispy outer layer and juicy inside.
Make the Sauce: While the beef is cooking, mix up the signature Mongolian sauce—combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and a bit of water. Let it simmer until it thickens up into a luscious, glossy coating.
Combine: Once your beef is seared and the sauce is ready, toss them together. The beef will soak up all that flavor, turning golden and sticky.
Optional Veggies: Stir in your veggies—green onions or broccoli—and let them cook briefly to add color and crunch!

Now you’re ready to serve up a plate of Mongolian Beef that’s sure to make your taste buds do a happy dance! Serve it with a side of steamed rice or noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce. Enjoy the flavors, and don’t forget to tell everyone how easy it was to make this restaurant-style dish at home! 🌟🥩🍜

Pro Tips for Perfect Mongolian Beef

Making the perfect Mongolian Beef is easier than you think, but a few tips can really elevate your dish! Here’s how to get that authentic Mongolian beef recipe just right.

Tips for Achieving Tender Beef

Proper Slicing: Slice your beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Thin slices cook quickly, which keeps the beef juicy and tender.
Marinate for Flavor: Let your beef marinate in a mix of soy sauce and cornstarch for about 15-20 minutes. This step helps lock in moisture and gives the beef that silky texture you love in crispy Mongolian beef.
Cook in Batches: Don’t crowd the pan. Sear your beef in small batches to ensure it gets a crispy, golden crust. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing, and we don’t want that!

Tricks to Balance Sweetness and Savoriness in the Sauce

Brown Sugar & Soy Sauce: These are your key ingredients for balancing sweet and savory. Too much soy sauce? The dish might get too salty. Too much sugar? It’ll be overly sweet. Aim for a perfect ratio: 3 tablespoons of soy sauce to 2 tablespoons of brown sugar is a good starting point.
Garlic & Ginger: A pinch of garlic and ginger (fresh or powdered) adds layers of flavor that balance the sauce beautifully.
Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to the sauce helps thicken it, giving you that perfect glossy finish without being too gooey.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Beef: Since you’re working with thin slices, beef cooks quickly. Overcooking it will lead to dry, tough pieces. Keep an eye on it and remove the beef from the pan as soon as it turns golden and crispy.
Under-Seasoning: Don’t forget to taste your sauce before adding the beef. If it needs more salt or sweetness, adjust accordingly. The best Mongolian beef recipe relies on a balanced sauce!
Not Letting the Sauce Thicken: For that restaurant-quality, glossy sauce, let it simmer long enough to reduce and thicken. Be patient—it’s worth it!

What to Serve with Mongolian Beef

Now that your Mongolian Beef is sizzling, here are the perfect sides to pair with this flavorful dish. These sides help complement the rich, sweet-savory flavors of the beef.

Best Side Dishes

Steamed Rice: The classic choice! Fluffy, simple white rice is the perfect base to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Fried Rice: For extra flavor and texture, serve your Mongolian Beef over fried rice. Toss in some peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs for a full meal.
Noodles: Stir-fry some noodles and let the beef and sauce coat them for an irresistible combination. You can use lo mein or udon noodles for a hearty touch.

Complementary Vegetable Dishes

Stir-Fried Broccoli: This crunchy veggie adds a nice contrast to the soft beef and makes the dish even more nutritious.
Blistered Green Beans: Lightly charred and seasoned with garlic butter, these green beans are the perfect side to balance the richness of Mongolian Beef.
Pickled Vegetables: A tangy pickled vegetable dish (think quick pickled cucumbers or carrots) adds a refreshing crunch and cuts through the richness of the beef.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re on your way to making the best Mongolian Beef recipe every time! Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, your crispy Mongolian beef will be a hit.

Mongolian Beef FAQs

What is special about Mongolian beef?

Mongolian beef stands out because of its tender, thinly sliced beef coated in a rich, sweet-savory sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. It’s the perfect balance of salty and sweet, with a slight kick from ginger and sometimes chili flakes. The dish is loved for its crispy texture on the outside, while staying juicy and tender on the inside. It’s an irresistible combination that makes Mongolian beef a favorite on many restaurant menus—and now, in your kitchen too!

What goes well with Mongolian beef?

Mongolian beef goes perfectly with a range of side dishes, such as:

Steamed Rice: A classic pairing that lets the sauce soak in.
Fried Rice: Adds extra texture and flavor.
Noodles: Whether lo mein or udon, noodles help soak up the sauce.
Stir-fried Vegetables: Broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers make excellent additions.
Pickled Vegetables: The tangy flavor of pickles balances the richness of the beef.

What does Mongolian beef smell like?

Mongolian beef smells mouthwatering! The fragrance of caramelized brown sugar and sautéed garlic combines with the savory soy sauce to create an aroma that’s both rich and inviting. A slight hint of ginger and the crispy seared beef add to the savory depth, making your kitchen smell like a restaurant in no time!

Does Mongolian beef contain oyster sauce?

Traditional Mongolian beef recipes don’t typically include oyster sauce, but some variations might use it for an added layer of umami flavor. Most recipes rely on a base of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic for the signature taste. If you want a deeper flavor profile, feel free to experiment with a bit of oyster sauce, but it’s not a standard ingredient.

What makes Mongolia special?

Mongolia is a country known for its vast, open landscapes and rich cultural history. It’s famous for its nomadic traditions and strong ties to horseback riding, with many people still living a semi-nomadic lifestyle. The country’s unique cuisine often reflects its herding culture, with dishes made from beef, mutton, and dairy. While Mongolian beef is a popular dish in Western restaurants, it’s actually not traditionally from Mongolia itself but an American-Chinese creation.

What is thinly sliced beef called?

Thinly sliced beef is often referred to as shaved beef or sliced beef, especially when it’s cut paper-thin. This thin slicing allows the beef to cook quickly and remain tender. For dishes like Mongolian beef, this method is perfect because it lets the beef absorb the sauce and cook fast, ensuring a juicy, flavorful bite every time.

Conclusion

Mongolian beef is a beloved dish for good reason—its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, crispy beef, and mouthwatering sauce make it a crowd-pleaser at any meal. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner or something to impress guests, this recipe is sure to deliver. With its easy-to-make steps and the ability to customize with your favorite vegetables or spice level, it’s no wonder it’s a favorite on many menus and now, a staple in your kitchen too!

We encourage you to try making this authentic Mongolian beef recipe yourself, and don’t forget to experiment with your own twists to make it even more delicious. Be sure to explore more of our Asian-inspired recipes for a full-flavored culinary adventure.

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, modifications, or any feedback you have in the comments below. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite of your Mongolian beef!