Mongolian beef is a delicious, restaurant-quality dish that you can prepare in just 30 minutes. Tender, crispy beef is covered in a rich, flavorful sauce with hints of garlic and ginger, making for a satisfying dinner recipe for any night of the week. Serve with a bowl of hot rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Beef Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Better than Takeout – Fresh ingredients and bold flavors make this homemade version even better than restaurant-style Mongolian beef.
- Rich & Flavorful Sauce – A perfect balance of sweet and savory with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
- Pairs Well with Rice or Noodles – Serve it with steamed jasmine rice or lo mein noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients for Mongolian Beef
For the Beef:
- 1 lb flank steak or beef tenderloin, sliced thinly against the grain
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (optional, for extra tenderness)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
How to Make Mongolian Beef
1: Prepare the Beef
- In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced beef with cornstarch and baking soda until evenly coated. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to enhance tenderness.
2: Cook the Beef
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil.
- Once hot, add the beef in a single layer, cooking for 1-2 minutes per side until crispy and browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in water, soy sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until fully coated.
- Stir in chopped green onions and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Pro Tips for the Best Mongolian Beef
- Slice the Beef Thinly – Cutting against the grain ensures a tender texture.
- Use a Hot Skillet – A high-heat sear locks in flavor and creates the perfect crispy beef.
- Adjust Sweetness & Spice – Add more brown sugar for sweetness or extra red pepper flakes for heat.
- Thicken the Sauce – If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it into the sauce while simmering.
Serving Suggestions
- Rice: Serve over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a classic pairing.
- Noodles: Enjoy it with lo mein, ramen, or rice noodles.
- Vegetables: Stir-fry bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas on the side for added nutrients.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 15g
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
More Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
- Steak Bites and Potatoes – A Flavor-Packed Dinner Recipe
- Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes
- Hot Honey Chicken Bites – Crispy, Sweet, & Spicy Perfection!
- Easy and Flavorful Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Conclusion
This Mongolian Beef recipe is an absolute must-try if you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and satisfying dinner recipe. It’s quick to make, packed with bold flavors, and perfect for any occasion. Skip the takeout and enjoy this homemade favorite tonight!
Did you try this recipe? Let us know in the comments and tag @lelafoodie on social media to share your delicious creation!
30-Minute Mongolian Beef Recipe
Mongolian beef is a delicious, restaurant-quality dish that you can prepare in just 30 minutes. Tender, crispy beef is covered in a rich, flavorful sauce with hints of garlic and ginger, making for a satisfying dinner recipe for any night of the week. Serve with a bowl of hot rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 lb flank steak or beef tenderloin sliced thinly against the grain
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp baking soda optional, for extra tenderness
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 green onions chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for spice
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Beef
- In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced beef with cornstarch and baking soda until evenly coated. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to enhance tenderness.
Cook the Beef
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil.
- Once hot, add the beef in a single layer, cooking for 1-2 minutes per side until crispy and browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in water, soy sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine Everything
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until fully coated.
- Stir in chopped green onions and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Slice the Beef Thinly – Cutting against the grain ensures a tender texture.
- Use a Hot Skillet – A high-heat sear locks in flavor and creates the perfect crispy beef.
- Adjust Sweetness & Spice – Add more brown sugar for sweetness or extra red pepper flakes for heat.
- Thicken the Sauce – If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tsp of cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it into the sauce while simmering.
