Easy Mongolian Beef 🥢🥩✨
Tender, saucy, and bursting with flavor, this Easy Mongolian Beef is a quick, restaurant-style dish you can make right at home in under 30 minutes! With thinly sliced beef, a rich sweet-savory sauce, and the irresistible aroma of garlic and ginger, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that’s both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup water
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef:
Pat the sliced beef dry with paper towels, then toss it in cornstarch until evenly coated. Shake off any excess and set aside for 10 minutes — this helps the meat crisp up and the sauce stick better. - Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and sesame oil (if using). Set aside. - Cook the Beef:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, cooking for about 1–2 minutes per side until browned and slightly crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside. - Build the Flavor:
In the same pan, add a small drizzle of oil if needed, then sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. - Combine:
Return the beef to the pan, tossing to coat in the glossy sauce. Simmer for another 1–2 minutes until heated through and evenly coated. - Serve:
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for Success
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- For a crispier texture, fry the beef in smaller batches so it sears instead of steaming.
- Add a handful of steamed broccoli or snap peas for a quick vegetable boost.
Serving Ideas
Serve your Mongolian Beef over jasmine rice, lo mein noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. It pairs beautifully with egg rolls, dumplings, or a side of sautéed bok choy.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: ~420 kcal | Protein: 32g | Carbs: 25g | Fat: 20g
Conclusion
The Easy Mongolian Beef is a fast, flavorful classic that combines tender beef with a perfectly balanced sweet-savory sauce. It’s simple to make, satisfying to eat, and guaranteed to rival your favorite takeout — a go-to recipe for busy nights or when you crave something truly delicious!