Discover the Bold Flavors of Mongolian Beef: A Must-Try Recipe for Your Kitchen
If you’re craving a restaurant-style dish that’s packed with bold flavors, ready in under 30 minutes, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters, you’re in for a treat. This mongolian beef recipe is one of those delicious meals that strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet. Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing a quick dinner after work, or looking to impress guests, this flavorful dish deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
This warm, saucy, and satisfying dish features tender slices of flank steak stir-fried to perfection, coated in a garlic-infused soy sauce with hints of brown sugar and ginger. It’s a comfort food classic, and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to master the best mongolian beef recipe right at home.
What Is Mongolian Beef?
Despite its name, Mongolian Beef didn’t originate from Mongolia. It’s actually a Chinese-American creation, popularized by restaurants like P.F. Chang’s in the United States. That said, the dish draws inspiration from Asian cooking techniques and flavor profiles. The authentic mongolian beef recipe usually involves thinly sliced beef cooked quickly at high heat, combined with a glossy, flavorful sauce.
One of the great things about mongolian beef recipes is their versatility. You can adjust the sweetness, add heat, or toss in vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for added nutrition. It’s a weeknight winner that feels like a weekend indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Beef Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this dish. Let’s take a closer look:
1. Quick and Easy
This is a mongolian beef recipe easy enough for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and only a few ingredients, it comes together in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
2. Better Than Takeout
Sure, takeout is convenient. But making this at home gives you total control over the ingredients. You’ll skip the excess oil, artificial additives, and high sodium without sacrificing any flavor.
3. Bold and Balanced Flavor
The magic lies in the sauce. A perfect mix of salty soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, and aromatic garlic and ginger. When tossed with perfectly seared beef, the result is a sauce that clings to every bite.
4. Budget Friendly
Using flank steak or sirloin keeps it affordable, and the remaining ingredients are pantry staples. It’s an economical meal that doesn’t taste like one.
5. Crowd Pleaser
This recipe for mongolian beef is a hit with adults and kids alike. Serve it with rice or noodles, and you’ve got a satisfying meal the whole family will devour.
Ingredients That Make the Magic
Let’s talk about what makes this mongolian beef recipe shine:
- Flank steak: Thinly sliced across the grain for tenderness.
- Cornstarch: Gives the beef a crispy coating when stir-fried.
- Soy sauce: Provides the salty umami base for the sauce.
- Brown sugar: Adds the characteristic sweetness that balances the salty and savory elements.
- Fresh garlic and ginger: Essential aromatics that elevate the flavor.
- Green onions: Added at the end for freshness and color.
You likely have most of these ingredients on hand, which is why this is one of the most convenient mongolian beef recipes to add to your rotation.
Tips for Perfecting the Best Mongolian Beef Recipe
1. Slice the Beef Thinly
Use a sharp knife and slice the beef very thin, against the grain. This ensures tenderness. If you’re struggling to slice it thinly, try placing the steak in the freezer for about 20 minutes first.
2. Use Cornstarch, Not Flour
Cornstarch is key to achieving that slight crisp on the beef’s exterior. It also helps thicken the sauce when everything is tossed together.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Cook the beef in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan causes the beef to steam instead of sear, and you’ll miss out on that beautiful caramelization.
4. Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic
Fresh is best here. Powdered versions just don’t deliver the same flavor punch.
5. Serve Immediately
This dish is best served hot and fresh. The longer it sits, the more the beef softens and loses its crispness.
Customization Ideas
The base mongolian beef recipe is already amazing, but feel free to put your own twist on it:
- Add Vegetables: Stir-fry broccoli, carrots, red bell peppers, or snap peas along with the beef.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or sliced Thai chilies for a kick.
- Use a Different Protein: Try chicken, tofu, or even shrimp for a delicious variation.
How to Serve Mongolian Beef
This dish pairs beautifully with a few simple sides:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The classic pairing that soaks up all that glorious sauce.
- Lo Mein Noodles: For a twist, serve the beef over noodles for a hearty, slurp-worthy meal.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative that keeps things light.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best texture. You can microwave it as well, but the beef won’t be quite as crisp.
You can also freeze the cooked beef for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Healthier Tips
Looking to lighten things up? Try these swaps:
- Use low-sodium soy sauce
- Replace brown sugar with honey or coconut sugar
- Add more vegetables to stretch the portion size and add nutrients
Why This Is the Best Mongolian Beef Recipe
We’ve tested many versions of mongolian beef recipes, and this one hits all the right notes. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to make at home. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish is nearly foolproof.
What makes this the best mongolian beef recipe isn’t just the taste. It’s the balance of texture, the simplicity of ingredients, and the satisfaction of making something so good, so easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! While flank steak is ideal, you can also use sirloin, skirt steak, or even ribeye for a richer taste.
Is Mongolian Beef gluten-free?
It can be! Just use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and double-check that your cornstarch and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the beef and sauce in advance, but it’s best to cook the beef fresh to retain its texture.
What makes this dish authentic?
While it may not be traditional Mongolian cuisine, this authentic mongolian beef recipe is true to the flavors and technique popularized in Chinese-American cooking. It captures the spirit of the dish bold, saucy, and comforting.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to make a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen, this mongolian beef recipe easy is the way to go. It’s incredibly flavorful, surprisingly simple, and completely customizable to suit your tastes.
Whether you’re craving comfort food, experimenting with Asian-inspired dishes, or just want to make something that will have your family asking for seconds, this recipe for mongolian beef will not disappoint.
Try it tonight and discover why so many home cooks call this the best mongolian beef recipe they’ve ever made. And don’t forget to share your version we’d love to see how it turns out for you!
Mongolian Beef Recipe
Description
This Mongolian Beef recipe is a quick and easy dinner that tastes better than takeout! Made with tender flank steak, garlic, ginger, and a sticky soy-brown sugar glaze, it’s ready in under 30 minutes. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying weeknight meal. Perfect for fans of Asian-inspired flavors, this dish is also customizable with veggies and spice. Learn how to make this classic Mongolian Beef at home with step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients
For the beef:
For the sauce
For garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Beef:
Slice the flank steak thinly across the grain into 1/4-inch thick strips.
Toss the beef with cornstarch in a bowl, coating each piece evenly. Shake off excess and set aside for 10 minutes.
Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together:
Soy sauce
Water
Brown sugar
Hoisin sauce (if using)
Set aside.
Fry the Beef:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the beef in batches (don’t overcrowd), and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until crispy and browned.
Remove the cooked beef and drain on paper towels.
Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
Pour out excess oil from the pan, leaving about 1 teaspoon.
Add sesame oil, then sauté garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Simmer the Sauce:
Pour in the sauce mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine and Finish:
Add the fried beef back into the skillet.
Toss to coat the beef with the sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
Stir in green onions and cook for 30 seconds more.
Serve:
Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 430kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Cholesterol 70mg24%
- Sodium 880mg37%
- Potassium 400mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 17g
- Protein 28g57%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Use flank steak for the most tender results slice it thinly against the grain for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Cornstarch coating gives the beef that signature crispy exterior and also helps thicken the sauce.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the beef cook in batches to ensure even browning.
The sauce is sweet and savory with garlic and ginger adding depth feel free to reduce sugar if you prefer it less sweet.
Fresh ginger and garlic make a big difference avoid pre-minced if possible.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
This dish is best served immediately the beef can lose crispiness if it sits too long in the sauce.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in a skillet for best texture.
