Easy Mongolian Beef Recipe for Dinner

If you’re craving a flavorful, comforting dinner that comes together quickly, this Easy Mongolian Beef recipe is your new go-to. Picture tender slices of beef, perfectly caramelized in a rich, savory sauce made with soy, garlic, and a hint of sweetness. Ready in under 30 minutes, this Mongolian Beef dish delivers restaurant-quality satisfaction right from your own kitchen, making weeknight dinners something to look forward to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready to serve in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples that are easy to find and combine effortlessly.
• Bold Flavors: A perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a little tang that keeps you coming back for more.
• Versatile Meal: Pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies.
• Family Favorite: A comforting dish that appeals to kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Mongolian Beef recipe plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma. From the tender beef to the savory sauce components, these ingredients keep things simple yet impressive.

• Flank Steak: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender results.
• Soy Sauce: The salty base that infuses the beef with rich umami flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced for aromatic depth.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds brightness and a little zing.
• Green Onions: For that fresh, mild pepper flavor and a pop of color.
• Cornstarch: Helps to give the beef a light crispy coating and thickens the sauce.
• Vegetable Oil: High smoke point oil for searing the beef.
• Water or Beef Broth: For creating the sauce and adding moisture.

Variations for Mongolian Beef

One of the best parts about this Mongolian Beef recipe is how easy it is to tweak to fit your tastes, dietary preferences, or whatever you have on hand. Feel free to get creative and make it your own.

• Protein Swap: Use chicken, tofu, or shrimp instead of beef for a different spin.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers for a spicy kick.
• Vegetable Boost: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to add crunch and color.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free sauce.
• Low-Sugar Version: Cut down on brown sugar for a less sweet dish or substitute with honey or maple syrup.

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How to Make Mongolian Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain; this ensures maximum tenderness. Toss the beef with cornstarch until each piece is lightly coated, which helps create a satisfying crust when cooked.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water or beef broth. Stir until the sugar dissolves, setting the flavorful foundation for the dish.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, searing until browned and slightly crispy on the edges, then remove and set aside.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Pour the prepared sauce into the hot skillet, bring to a simmer, and let it thicken slightly. Then return the beef to the pan, tossing to coat evenly in the glossy sauce.

Step 5: Add Fresh Green Onions

Stir in chopped green onions just before removing the pan from heat, enhancing the dish with freshness and a mild crunch.

Pro Tips for Making Mongolian Beef

• Slice Against the Grain: Ensures your beef stays tender and easy to chew.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook beef in batches for better searing and browning.
• Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Fresh ingredients elevate flavor far beyond dried powders.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust simmering time to get your preferred sauce consistency.
• Add Greens Last: Keeps green onions crisp and vibrant instead of wilted.

How to Serve Mongolian Beef

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top for a visually appealing finish and added flavor bursts.

Side Dishes

This dish shines when paired with steamed jasmine rice, fluffy white rice, or even garlic noodles. For a well-balanced meal, add a side of sautéed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Mongolian Beef inside lettuce wraps for a fresh, handheld option or atop steamed buns for an irresistible Asian fusion twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep Mongolian Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing flavor or texture quality.

Freezing

This dish freezes well; store cooled Mongolian Beef in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating to preserve texture.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for Mongolian Beef?

Yes, flank steak is ideal, but sirloin or skirt steak also work well as long as they are thinly sliced against the grain to ensure tenderness.

Is Mongolian Beef spicy?

Traditional Mongolian Beef is not spicy; it has a savory-sweet flavor profile. However, you can easily add chili flakes or fresh peppers to give it some heat.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

Simmer it longer to reduce the sauce or mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it in during cooking to thicken quickly.

Can I make Mongolian Beef vegetarian?

Definitely! Substitute the beef with tofu, tempeh, or seitan, and adjust cooking times accordingly to maintain texture and flavor.

What’s the best side dish to serve with Mongolian Beef?

Steamed rice is classic, but noodles or stir-fried vegetables complement the rich sauce and keep the meal balanced.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Mongolian Beef recipe is a true winner whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself. Its perfect combination of tender beef and irresistible sauce comes together quickly, with ingredients you already have on hand. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a taste that’s sure to become a dinner staple!

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