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.
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.
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this dish. Let’s take a closer look:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Let’s talk about what makes this mongolian beef recipe shine:
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.
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.
Cornstarch is key to achieving that slight crisp on the beef’s exterior. It also helps thicken the sauce when everything is tossed together.
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.
Fresh is best here. Powdered versions just don’t deliver the same flavor punch.
This dish is best served hot and fresh. The longer it sits, the more the beef softens and loses its crispness.
The base mongolian beef recipe is already amazing, but feel free to put your own twist on it:
This dish pairs beautifully with a few simple sides:
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.
Looking to lighten things up? Try these swaps:
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.
Yes! While flank steak is ideal, you can also use sirloin, skirt steak, or even ribeye for a richer taste.
It can be! Just use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and double-check that your cornstarch and other ingredients are gluten-free.
You can prep the beef and sauce in advance, but it’s best to cook the beef fresh to retain its texture.
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.
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!
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.
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.
In a small bowl, whisk together:
Soy sauce
Water
Brown sugar
Hoisin sauce (if using)
Set aside.
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.
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.
Pour in the sauce mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
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 immediately over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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.
Hi there! I’m Cookrella, also known as Rella Wilson a proud Mother, Foodie, and Chef. By day, I’m a full-time food blogger, but at heart, I’m a loving wife and dedicated mom. I blend my love for travel, recipe creation, and precious family moments into a flavorful life.
Thank you for printing this recipe! I hope it fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas and your table with joy. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with us! #CookrellaCreations
