Mongolian Beef Recipe

Mongolian beef is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings sweet and savory flavors together in every bite. Tender strips of beef coated in a rich, glossy sauce make it perfect for weeknight dinners, casual family meals, or a cozy night in. I like to give the sauce a gentle stir while simmering to make sure it clings to each piece. Quick to prepare yet satisfying, this Mongolian beef recipe transforms simple ingredients into a dish that feels special without any fuss or extra effort.

tender slices of mongolian beef coated in

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Mongolian beef recipe shines because it’s fast, flavorful, and adaptable. The tender beef cooks quickly, and the sauce combines soy, garlic, and a hint of sweetness for a cozy, family-friendly meal. It’s freezer-friendly and reheats well, making it ideal for busy evenings or meal prep. You can easily pair it with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner. Budget-friendly and simple to make, it’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet approachable, cozy, and shareable—a perfect addition to your Pinterest recipe collection.

tender slices of mongolian beef coated in 1

Ingredients

Tip: Use flank steak or sirloin for tender, flavorful strips of beef.

1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tbsp cornstarch
2–3 tbsp vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground ginger
4–5 green onions, sliced
Optional: cooked rice or noodles for serving

all the ingredients of this recipe should 9

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Slice the beef thinly against the grain and coat lightly with cornstarch. Mince garlic and slice green onions. Gather soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and ginger for the sauce. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add beef in small batches and sear until browned and slightly crispy on edges. Remove beef and set aside. The aroma of seared beef will fill the kitchen.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
In the same pan, add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Return the beef to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and clings to the beef. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top and serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

Mongolian beef cooks quickly and requires minimal prep, making it ideal for busy nights. You can slice the beef in advance and store in the fridge until ready to cook. Leftovers reheat well for lunch or dinner, and the sauce keeps its rich, glossy flavor, making this recipe practical and stress-free for Pinterest users who like to plan ahead.

Tips & Tricks

Slice carefully: Cutting against the grain ensures tender, easy-to-chew beef. Avoid thick slices that can be chewy.
Control sweetness: Adjust brown sugar to taste. Too much can overpower the soy and garlic balance.
Batch cooking: Fry beef in small batches to avoid steaming and to get a nice sear.
Thicken sauce: If sauce is too thin, simmer a minute longer or mix 1 tsp cornstarch with water and stir in for a glossy finish.

Variations

Meaty version: Add thinly sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor alongside the beef.
Vegetarian option: Replace beef with tofu or seitan, pan-seared until golden, then tossed in the same sauce for a plant-based version.
Ingredient swap: Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar or honey for a slightly different sweetness profile while keeping the sauce rich.
Flavor or herb boost: Stir in freshly grated ginger, a splash of rice vinegar, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving for extra aroma and depth.

Serving Suggestions

Classic rice bowl: Serve over steamed white or jasmine rice for a cozy, family-friendly meal.
Noodle pairing: Toss with cooked rice noodles for a comforting, noodle-based dinner.
Vegetable side: Serve alongside steamed broccoli or snap peas for a balanced plate with color and crunch.
Pinterest-style presentation: Garnish with extra sliced green onions and sesame seeds on a clean, white plate for a photogenic, inviting look.

Storage Instructions

Fridge storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain sauce texture.
Reheating: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and keep sauce glossy.
Freezing: Cool completely and freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Make-ahead tips: Slice beef and prep sauce ingredients ahead. Cook everything quickly when ready for dinner.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Rest Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 300–350 per serving
Protein: 25–28 g
Key nutrients: Iron from beef, Vitamin C from green onions
Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, slice beef and prep sauce ingredients ahead. Cook just before serving for best texture.

Overcrowding the pan prevents proper searing. Cook in batches for crispy edges.

Flank steak can be swapped with sirloin or skirt steak.

Simmer longer or stir in a cornstarch slurry for thickness.

Keep in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days; freeze for longer storage.

Conclusion

Mongolian beef is a quick, flavorful, and cozy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual family meals. Its tender beef and rich, glossy sauce make it satisfying and versatile, ready to pair with rice, noodles, or vegetables. You can tweak sweetness, add herbs, or swap ingredients to make it your own. This Mongolian beef recipe is a reliable, inviting dish that’s easy to make, share, and enjoy anytime you want a warm, comforting meal.