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.