Mongolian Beef
There’s something so heartwarming about bringing restaurant-style dishes to your kitchen, and Mongolian Beef has to be one of our family’s all-time favorites. It’s a dinner that never fails to impress, especially on those nights when we’re all craving something savory, satisfying, and quick. I first tried this dish when my kids were tired of the usual chicken dinners, and let’s just say it was a game-changer. The velvety sauce, tender strips of beef, and crisp vegetables left everyone with clean plates and happy smiles.
What I love about this recipe is that it’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight. The aroma of ginger and garlic sizzling in the pan is enough to make anyone excited about dinner. My husband even claims it tastes better than takeout! The sweet-savory flavors hit all the right notes, and I appreciate knowing exactly what goes into our meal. Trust me, this recipe is destined to become a staple in your household, too.
Cooking this meal has become a tradition when we’re all craving some comfort. With simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, this Mongolian Beef delivers a rich, umami-packed experience in just a single pan. So, grab your wok or skillet and get ready for a mouthwatering meal that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe:
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! If you prefer chicken, just make sure to slice it thinly and adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure it’s cooked through.
Is this recipe very spicy?
No, it’s quite mild. However, you can easily add heat by including red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If you need to prepare ahead, keep the sauce and cooked beef separate, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.
What can I serve with Mongolian Beef?
It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles and a side of stir-fried veggies.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Just swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos.
What You Need to Make Mongolian Beef:
Ingredients:
1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
3/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 carrot, sliced
Green onions, sliced for garnish
Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Tools and Equipment:
Wok or large skillet
Cutting board and sharp knife
Mixing bowls
Wooden spoon or spatula
How to Make It:
Prep the Beef: Toss the sliced flank steak with cornstarch until well coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes to tenderize.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside.
Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, cooking until crispy and browned. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add bell pepper and carrot slices. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked beef to the pan and pour in the sauce. Add water and stir well. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot over rice or noodles. Enjoy!
Tips:
Tender Beef: Slice the steak against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness.
Cornstarch Trick: Coating the beef in cornstarch gives it a delicious, crispy texture when cooked.
Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add broccoli, snap peas, or any of your favorite veggies.
Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) while simmering.
Balance the Flavors: If you find the sauce too sweet, add a splash of rice vinegar for acidity.
Latest Reviews:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This recipe was a lifesaver on a busy weeknight! My kids devoured it, and it was even better than our local takeout.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Loved the flavors! Next time, I might add more red pepper flakes to give it an extra kick.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Super easy and so flavorful! The beef was perfectly tender, and the sauce was divine.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Good recipe, but I wish the sauce was a bit thicker. I’ll try adding more cornstarch next time.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Perfect for meal prep! Made a big batch, and it reheated beautifully. Thanks for a great recipe!”
Printable Recipe:
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Mongolian Beef
Enjoy a quick, delicious homemade Mongolian Beef that’s better than takeout! Tender beef strips are cooked to perfection in a savory, sweet, and slightly tangy sauce, served with crisp vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for any busy weeknight.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- 3/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- Green onions, sliced for garnish
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
- Tools and Equipment:
- Wok or large skillet
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions
- Prep the Beef: Toss the sliced flank steak with cornstarch until well coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes to tenderize.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, cooking until crispy and browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add bell pepper and carrot slices. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked beef to the pan and pour in the sauce. Add water and stir well. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot over rice or noodles. Enjoy!
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