Mongolian Beef

If you’ve ever savored the rich, sweet, and savory flavors of Mongolian Beef at a restaurant and wished you could recreate it at home, you’re in for a treat. This Mongolian Beef recipe combines tender strips of beef with a glossy, flavorful sauce that’s quick and simple to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll enjoy a delicious and authentic-tasting dish right from your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Minimal ingredients and quick cooking time mean you can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
• Flavorful and Balanced: Sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes come together perfectly to delight your taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables, Mongolian Beef works well with various sides.
• Great for Entertaining: Impress guests with a flavorful dish that looks and tastes restaurant-quality.
• Customizable: Easily adapted to dietary preferences or ingredient availability with a few simple swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Mongolian Beef recipe uses simple, essential ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Each item plays a role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, resulting in a satisfying and vibrant dish.

• Flank Steak: Thinly sliced beef that cooks quickly and remains tender when cooked properly.
• Soy Sauce: Provides the salty, umami base for the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that signature glossy Mongolian sauce.
• Garlic: Offers pungent, aromatic flavors essential to balancing the sweetness.
• Ginger: Adds a fresh, zesty kick to brighten the sauce.
• Green Onions: For garnish and a mild onion flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for stir-frying, helping develop a slight crisp on the beef edges.
• Cornstarch: Helps coat the beef, sealing in juices and giving the stir-fry a pleasing texture.

Variations for Mongolian Beef

One of the best things about this Mongolian Beef recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to keep it classic or switch things up for dietary needs or ingredient availability, there’s a variation that suits you.

• Use Chicken or Tofu: Substitute beef with sliced chicken breast or firm tofu for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Add Vegetables: Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra color, nutrition, and crunch.
• Make It Spicy: Incorporate chili flakes or fresh sliced chilies to kick up the heat level.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt while still keeping bold flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap soy sauce for tamari to enjoy this dish gluten-free without sacrificing taste.

How to Make Mongolian Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Slice flank steak thinly against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness. Toss the beef slices lightly in cornstarch to coat evenly — this step helps lock in juices and adds a delicate crisp once cooked.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a balanced sweet and savory sauce that will coat the beef beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, avoiding overcrowding, and sear for about 2-3 minutes until browned and just cooked through. Set the beef aside once done.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Lower the heat to medium and pour the prepared sauce into the pan. Let it simmer for a minute to thicken slightly. Return the beef to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly in the luscious sauce while warming through.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for freshness and a pop of color. Your beautiful homemade Mongolian Beef is now ready to serve!

Pro Tips for Making Mongolian Beef

• Slice Beef Thinly: Cutting against the grain keeps the meat tender and less chewy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook beef in batches to get a nice sear instead of steaming.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Feel free to tweak brown sugar amounts depending on your preference for sweeter or less sweet sauce.
• Use Fresh Aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger make a huge difference in the flavor profile.
• Serve Immediately: Mongolian Beef is best enjoyed fresh to retain its perfect texture and sauce consistency.

How to Serve Mongolian Beef

Garnishes

Freshly chopped green onions add vibrant color and subtle crunch that complements the tender beef. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds for added nuttiness and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Mongolian Beef pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or brown rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully. For a low-carb option, serve it alongside cauliflower rice or stir-fried vegetables like bok choy and snow peas.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Mongolian Beef over crispy egg noodles for contrast in textures or use as a filling for lettuce wraps for a fresh, handheld meal. You can even toss it with cooked rice noodles and fresh herbs for a fusion twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the Mongolian Beef to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect meal prep option.

Freezing

This dish freezes nicely, so portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat Mongolian Beef gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the beef tender and the sauce luscious.

FAQs

Is Mongolian Beef spicy?

The classic Mongolian Beef recipe is typically mildly sweet and savory, not spicy. However, you can easily add heat by including red pepper flakes or fresh chilies if you enjoy spice.

Can I use another cut of beef?

Yes! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and thin slicing, skirt steak or sirloin can be good substitutes if sliced thinly and cooked quickly.

Is Mongolian Beef gluten-free?

Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, so to make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead.

Can I make Mongolian Beef vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the beef with firm tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms to keep the dish plant-based while still enjoying the delicious sauce.

What is the difference between Mongolian Beef and other stir-fries?

Mongolian Beef is distinguished by its sweet soy-based sauce thickened slightly with cornstarch and the use of brown sugar to create a signature balance of savory and sweet flavors.

Final Thoughts

Making Mongolian Beef at home is an exciting way to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors with the comfort and satisfaction of a homemade meal. With a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a dish that’s impressively tender, perfectly sauced, and bursting with flavor. So, grab your skillet and dive into this delightful recipe — your taste buds will thank you!

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