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30-Minute Mongolian Beef

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mongolian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

Prepare the Beef
  1. 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
  1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil.
  2. 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
  1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. 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
  1. Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until fully coated.
  2. Stir in chopped green onions and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute.
  3. 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.

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