Mongolian Beef is a dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food lovers everywhere. With its savory sauce, tender beef, and a hint of sweetness, this recipe has become a popular favorite at many restaurants and is now a go-to dish for home cooks. Whether you’re craving something hearty for dinner or want to impress your guests with an easy yet delicious meal, Mongolian Beef is the perfect choice. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to make this mouthwatering dish, from ingredients to expert tips.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly simple and can be made in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Minimal Ingredients: The ingredients are common pantry items, so you don’t have to make a special trip to the store.
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger creates a flavor-packed sauce that perfectly coats the tender beef.
- Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, spice level, and even make it gluten-free or low-carb if desired.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: With this recipe, you can enjoy a takeout-worthy dish without the high price tag or long wait times.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need to make the best Mongolian Beef:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (you can substitute with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener)
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for added spice)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Beef: Slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures the beef is tender when cooked.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned on both sides. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and water, stirring to combine.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the skillet while stirring. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the thickened sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is fully coated and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions and red pepper flakes (if using) on top before serving. Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce to the sauce to give it an extra kick.
- Sweeten it Up: If you prefer a sweeter dish, increase the amount of brown sugar or substitute with honey or coconut sugar.
- Add Veggies: For a healthier twist, add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the dish while cooking the beef. This will add more flavor and nutrients.
- Make it Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to make this dish low-carb and keto-friendly.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing: Store any leftover Mongolian Beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the beef in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! While flank steak is ideal, you can use sirloin or round steak as alternatives. Just make sure to slice it thinly for tenderness.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the beef and sauce in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply heat them up and combine.
What can I serve with Mongolian Beef?
Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also pair it with stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.
Can I freeze Mongolian Beef?
Yes, you can freeze the beef and sauce separately in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Mongolian Beef is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender beef, rich sauce, and customizable options, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try tonight and experience restaurant-quality Mongolian Beef from the comfort of your own home! Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to check out our other delicious recipes for more inspiration!
Happy cooking! 🍽️✨
Mongolian Beef recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or any neutral oil
- 1/2 cup soy sauce use gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free option
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or substitute with honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1- inch piece fresh ginger grated
- 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for added spice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch for thickening the sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the flank steak into thin strips (about 1/4 inch thick) against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned on both sides. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add soy sauce, brown sugar, and water. Stir to combine.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the skillet while stirring. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the thickened sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the beef is fully coated and heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.