Name: Easy Mongolian Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak (or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (optional); 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium for a lighter option); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional); 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)

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If you love flavorful, tender beef dishes that are simple to make, this Easy Mongolian Beef recipe is the answer. It features thinly sliced beef, cooked to perfection and coated in a sweet and savory sauce with a hint of ginger and garlic. The dish is known for its bold flavors, and it’s so easy to whip up in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty and delicious.

This recipe combines tender beef with a sweet soy sauce-based glaze, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The addition of green onions adds a fresh crunch and a pop of color, while sesame seeds bring a little extra texture and nuttiness. You can serve this dish over a bed of rice or with steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking to recreate the take-out experience or impress guests with a homemade dish, this Easy Mongolian Beef recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
Flavorsome Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger creates a mouthwatering sauce that’s both sweet and savory.
Tender Beef: The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, thanks to the quick stir-frying method.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or spice levels to match your taste preferences.
One-Pan Meal: It’s a quick, one-pan recipe that reduces clean-up time and lets you focus on enjoying the meal.

Ingredients

Flank steak or sirloin steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
Soy sauce (for the sauce)
Brown sugar (for sweetness)
Fresh ginger (minced)
Garlic (minced)
Cornstarch (for coating the beef)
Vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
Green onions (sliced)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Variations

Spicy Mongolian Beef: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to give the dish a little kick.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.
Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli to the stir-fry for more texture and nutrition.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

How to Make Easy Mongolian Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Thinly slice the beef against the grain into bite-sized strips. Coat the beef slices with cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it’s browned and crispy on the outside. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 4: Cook the Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in the sauce mixture and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 5: Combine Beef and Sauce

Add the cooked beef back into the skillet, tossing it to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the beef to absorb the flavors.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Stir in the sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional) for extra flavor and texture. Serve the Mongolian beef over rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Slice the Beef Thinly: Thinly sliced beef helps the meat cook quickly and become tender. Make sure to slice against the grain for the best texture.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-fry the beef in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can result in steaming rather than frying.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more brown sugar. For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar.
Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger bring a deeper flavor to the sauce compared to powdered versions.

How to Serve

Over Rice: Serve this Mongolian Beef on a bed of steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice for a hearty meal.
With Vegetables: Pair with stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for added crunch and nutrition.
On Its Own: If you’re watching carbs or prefer a lighter meal, you can serve Mongolian Beef on its own or with a simple salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Mongolian Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will continue to infuse the beef, making the flavors even more pronounced.

Freezing

You can freeze Mongolian Beef for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pan over medium heat.

Reheating

To reheat, heat the Mongolian Beef in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce if necessary. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use sirloin or ribeye if you prefer. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly for the best texture.

2. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, add red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil to the sauce for some heat.

3. What is Mongolian beef served with?

Mongolian Beef is typically served with rice or steamed vegetables, but it also pairs well with noodles or even in a wrap.

4. Can I use a non-stick pan for stir-frying?

Yes, a non-stick pan will work, but a wok or a heavy-bottomed skillet gives the beef a better sear.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, Mongolian Beef can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors tend to improve as they sit.

6. Can I use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce?

Yes, coconut aminos is a great soy sauce substitute and will work in this recipe.

7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and broccoli can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.

8. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari.

9. Is it okay to use frozen beef?

It’s best to use fresh beef for the best texture, but if using frozen, make sure it’s fully thawed before slicing.

10. Can I make this dish less sweet?

Yes, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the sauce to achieve a less sweet flavor.

Conclusion

Easy Mongolian Beef is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. With its savory sauce, tender beef, and touch of sweetness, it’s the perfect recipe for anyone craving an authentic take-out flavor at home. Whether you serve it over rice, with vegetables, or enjoy it on its own, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Simple ingredients, bold flavors, and easy preparation make this Mongolian Beef recipe a must-try!