Mongolian Beef (Easy to Make in 20 Minutes)

If you’re craving a quick and delicious homemade version of the popular Mongolian Beef dish, this easy recipe will have you savoring every bite in just 20 minutes. With tender beef, a flavorful sauce, and minimal ingredients, Mongolian Beef is the perfect dish for a satisfying weeknight meal. The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger creates a rich, savory sauce that complements the crispy beef beautifully. Paired with fluffy white rice and garnished with sesame seeds, it’s a meal that feels special yet is incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a family dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

The beauty of Mongolian Beef lies in its quick cooking time and incredible flavor. By using flank steak or beef bottom round steak, this recipe delivers a tender, juicy texture, with the cornstarch coating providing a crispy finish that enhances the dish’s overall taste. With a few key ingredients like soy sauce, beef stock, and brown sugar, you’ll create a sauce that’s both sweet and savory, without requiring hours of cooking. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this easy Mongolian Beef recipe and how to make it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mongolian Beef recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a little bit of spice, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare in just 20 minutes, so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal. The tender beef, crispy coating, and rich sauce come together beautifully, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Another great feature of this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the sweetness of the sauce or the level of spiciness to suit your personal preferences. Whether you prefer a milder dish or a spicier version, this Mongolian Beef can easily be tailored to your taste. Plus, serving it over steamed rice adds the perfect touch, making it a complete meal that’s sure to leave everyone happy.

Ingredients

• Flank steak or beef bottom round steak (thinly sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces, cut 3-4 inches in length, against the grain)
• Cornstarch (divided)
• Green onions (cut into 2-inch pieces)
• Avocado oil
• Beef stock
• Light sodium soy sauce
• Light brown sugar
• Ginger (minced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Water
• Cooked white rice
• Sesame seeds

Variations

While this Mongolian Beef recipe is fantastic on its own, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are a few variations you can try:

Add Vegetables

For a more balanced meal, you can toss in some vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. These will add extra crunch and nutrition, pairing well with the rich sauce.

Spice It Up

If you enjoy spicy food, add a bit of red pepper flakes, fresh chili peppers, or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.

Try Different Cuts of Meat

Though flank steak is the typical choice, you can substitute it with other cuts like skirt steak or sirloin, depending on what you have available.

Use Brown Rice

If you prefer a healthier option, swap white rice for brown rice. The nutty flavor of brown rice pairs well with the savory Mongolian Beef.

Add Cashews or Peanuts

For a crunchier texture, sprinkle some toasted cashews or peanuts on top of the dish before serving.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by thinly slicing the flank steak or bottom round steak against the grain into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Cut each slice into 3-4 inch long pieces for easy eating. Toss the beef pieces in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to coat them evenly.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Stir-fry the beef for 2-3 minutes until it is browned and crispy. Remove the cooked beef from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same pan, add the minced ginger and garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the beef stock, soy sauce, brown sugar, and water. Stir everything together, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine the Beef and Sauce

Return the cooked beef to the pan and toss it in the sauce. Let the beef cook in the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure the beef absorbs the flavors and becomes well-coated with the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Add the sliced green onions to the beef, stirring them in to combine. Serve the Mongolian Beef over a bed of cooked white rice, and garnish with sesame seeds for a finishing touch. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Slice the Beef Thinly: Cutting the beef against the grain into thin slices is essential for tenderness. This will help the beef cook quickly and stay juicy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the beef in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan can cause the beef to steam rather than sear, which may prevent it from becoming crispy.
• Adjust the Sauce: You can make the sauce sweeter or saltier by adjusting the amount of brown sugar or soy sauce.
• Use High Heat: Cooking on medium-high heat allows the beef to crisp up quickly without overcooking.

How to Serve

Mongolian Beef is best served over steamed white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables or noodles for a more substantial meal. For added texture, sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mongolian Beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The beef will continue to soak up the sauce, making it even more flavorful the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the Mongolian Beef if you have leftovers. Place the cooled beef in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a pan.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the Mongolian Beef in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or beef stock if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use sirloin, skirt steak, or ribeye as alternatives to flank steak. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.

3. How can I make the sauce spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers to the sauce to increase the heat. You can also drizzle hot sauce over the finished dish.

4. Can I use a different oil?

Yes, you can use other oils such as vegetable oil or sesame oil. Avocado oil has a high smoke point, making it ideal for stir-frying.

5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.

6. Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Reheat and combine them before serving.

7. Is Mongolian Beef spicy?

Mongolian Beef is typically not very spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or chili peppers to adjust the heat to your liking.

8. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be substituted for white rice if you prefer a healthier option with more fiber.

9. Can I use ground beef for this recipe?

While ground beef can work, it won’t provide the same texture as thinly sliced beef. If you do use ground beef, cook it thoroughly before adding it to the sauce.

10. How long will this dish keep in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, Mongolian Beef will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Mongolian Beef is the perfect dish for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal. With tender beef, a rich sauce, and the perfect balance of sweet and savory, this easy-to-make recipe is a winner every time. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Mongolian Beef will impress and leave everyone wanting more. With a few simple ingredients and just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home.

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