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Has a craving for your local takeout Mongolian beef ever brought you to the kitchen to recreate it at home? People can now easily prepare this dish at their home without lengthy preparation steps. This dish presents stir-fried tender caramelized beef cooked in a combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger sauce. The meal provides an irresistible combination of sweet and savory flavors that becomes even better with its delicate crunchiness.
The homemade Mongolian beef works perfectly as an excellent dish for serving over rice or as a combination with steamed vegetables. You can prepare this gustatory delight in only half an hour so it becomes an ideal meal for busy nights. The following article shares step-by-step instructions to make an authentic restaurant-quality version at home.
If you love quick and flavorful stir-fries, you might also enjoy this Beef and Broccoli recipe, another classic takeout favorite!
What is Mongolian Beef?
The stir-fry creation of Mongolian beef presents tender beef pieces soaked in a sweet and savory liquid mixture that achieves a mild spiciness. The Mongolian beef dish comes from Chinese-American tradition where it was created by adapting Taiwanese barbecue culinary methods.
Mongolian beef keeps its magic through ease so thin beef flank steak pieces get coated with light cornstarch before the searing process when they become perfect then get combined with a bold soy sauce with brown sugar and garlic and ginger mix. The result? The dish produces restaurant-quality caramelization with a home-cooked ease for preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This recipe requires less than thirty minutes to prepare so it serves as an excellent choice for evening meals.
Better Than Takeout: Enjoy fresh, homemade flavors without the extra oil or additives.
The recipe allows you to adapt the spice strength and includes options for bell peppers or broccoli to add texture and nutritional value.
These couple basic components and basic cooking process produce irresistible flavors that will enhance every bite of Mongolian beef. The following sections explain the required components for preparing your Mongolian beef from scratch.
Want a richer, slow-cooked beef dish instead? Try our Easy Beef Stew for a comforting alternative.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Mongolian beef starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a key role in achieving that signature sweet-savory flavor and tender texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
✅ For the Beef:
- 1 lb flank steak – Thinly sliced against the grain for the most tender bite.
- ¼ cup cornstarch – Helps create a crispy exterior while thickening the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – For searing the beef to golden perfection.
✅ For the Sauce:
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce – The base of the rich, umami-packed sauce.
- ¼ cup brown sugar – Adds the signature caramelized sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced – Provides warmth and depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for that bold, aromatic taste.
- ½ cup water – Helps balance the sauce’s consistency.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For a slight kick of heat.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil – Adds a subtle nutty aroma.
✅ For Garnish:
- 3 green onions, sliced – A fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
- Sesame seeds – For added texture and a restaurant-style finish.
✅ Ingredient Tips:
- Choosing the Right Beef: Flank steak is ideal, but sirloin or skirt steak also work well. Make sure to slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Balancing Sweet & Savory: Adjust the brown sugar and soy sauce to suit your taste—more sugar for a sweeter sauce, more soy sauce for a saltier kick.
- Crispy vs. Tender Beef: Want a crispier texture? Use more cornstarch and let the beef sit for a few minutes before cooking. Prefer a softer bite? Reduce the cornstarch slightly.
Now that you have everything ready, let’s move on to cooking this irresistible Mongolian beef!
tep-by-Step Guide to Making Mongolian Beef
Whipping up a homemade Mongolian beef dish is easier than you think—ready in under 30 minutes! Follow these straightforward steps to create a flavorful, takeout-style meal in your own kitchen.
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Slice the steak – Cut the flank steak into thin strips, slicing against the grain to keep the meat tender and easy to chew.
- Coat with cornstarch – Lightly toss the beef in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let it rest for about 10 minutes to help create a crispy sear when cooked.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Mix the ingredients – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. If you prefer a bit of heat, stir in red pepper flakes.
- Set aside – Keep the sauce ready to pour in once the beef is cooked.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
- Heat the oil – In a large skillet or wok, warm the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef – Place the beef in a single layer and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. If needed, cook in batches to prevent overcrowding.
- Drain excess oil – Transfer the cooked beef to a plate lined with paper towels to remove any extra grease.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Simmer the sauce – Pour the prepared sauce into the same pan and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Toss in the beef – Add the seared beef back into the pan, stirring well to coat each piece in the sauce.
- Garnish – Sprinkle in sliced green onions and drizzle with sesame oil for extra depth of flavor.
( This report examines the economic implications of food safety concerning green onions, particularly in relation to Hepatitis A outbreaks. )Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Classic pairing – Serve hot over steamed rice for a comforting, satisfying meal.
- Add vegetables – Stir-fried bell peppers or broccoli make excellent additions for extra color and nutrients.
- Final touch – Garnish with sesame seeds for a restaurant-style finish.
Tips for the Perfect Mongolian Beef:
- Want extra crispiness? Let the cornstarch-coated beef sit for a few more minutes before cooking.
- Prefer a thicker sauce? Simmer the sauce a little longer before adding the beef.
- Looking for a milder taste? Reduce the brown sugar or use low-sodium soy sauce to adjust the sweetness and saltiness.
By following these simple steps, you’ll create a homemade Mongolian beef dish that’s bursting with flavor—better than any takeout!
Substitutions and Variations
You can effortlessly adapt Mongolian beef to your personal preferences regarding tastes and dietary needs. You can adapt this recipe through numerous ways that offer different protein choices and lower carbs while allowing more vegetable additions.
Ingredient Substitutions
Zones of alternative meats work as substitutes for flank steak through the replacement of sirloin and ribeye while one can also choose bird instead for a distinctive meat texture.
The gluten-free version of this dish can be made by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.
The healthier substitute for sweetener involves using honey or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar to enjoy natural sweetness.
Flavor Variations
Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.
Soy-flavored oyster sauce combined with hoisin sauce will create a rich umami taste.
You can enhance the dish with toasted cashews or peanuts by adding them to the mix.
Low-Carb & Keto Adaptations
You can transform Mongolian beef into a suitable keto diet option through dietary modifications because you enjoy keto recipes.
Erythritol and monk fruit sweetener serve as acceptable substitutes for brown sugar when preparing Mongolian beef.
The starch substitute for the keto diet is xanthan gum which can replace cornstarch as a thickening agent.
The dish pairs well when served on zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of normal rice.
Adding Vegetables
Extra texture will transform this dish into a one-pan dinner. Toss in:
Broccoli florets for crunch and color.
Sliced bell peppers bring out mild sweet flavors to the dish.
Snap peas or carrots for a refreshing contrast.
Mongolian beef adapts to personal preferences because you can customize its level of indulgence and heat along with the amount of vegetables it contains. Test different ingredient alternatives to locate your ultimate version of this dish.
If you enjoy rich and savory beef dishes, you’ll love our Beef Stroganoff—a creamy and comforting classic!
Conclusion
The dish of Mongolian beef demonstrates how basic elements can develop into an amazingly flavorful final product. The recipe achieves extraordinary flavor through its combination of luxurious beef and deep sauce and sweet-savory harmony so it will quickly become your new kitchen favorite. _oriented individuals who need quick homemade family meals will find this recipe best because it saves time and effort while providing delicious satisfaction._
People who make Mongolian beef can customize it in various ways by using different proteins and vegetables and adjusting spice levels for their personal preference. This dish goes best with steamed rice or cauliflower rice as an alternative to traditional rice while stir-fried vegetables provide a balanced side dish.
After mastering the homemade preparation of Mongolian beef you will not find any reason to get takeout ever again. A test of this tasty restaurant-grade meal prepared at home awaits you with every delectable bite.
Mongolian Beef Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Creating the perfect Mongolian beef starts with fresh high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a key role in achieving that signature sweet-savory flavor and tender texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb flank steak – Thinly sliced against the grain for the most tender bite.
- ¼ cup cornstarch – Helps create a crispy exterior while thickening the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – For searing the beef to golden perfection.
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce – The base of the rich umami-packed sauce.
- ¼ cup brown sugar – Adds the signature caramelized sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger minced – Provides warmth and depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic minced – Essential for that bold, aromatic taste.
- ½ cup water – Helps balance the sauce’s consistency.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional – For a slight kick of heat.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil – Adds a subtle nutty aroma.
For Garnish:
- 3 green onions sliced – A fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
- Sesame seeds – For added texture and a restaurant-style finish.
Ingredient Tips:
- Choosing the Right Beef: Flank steak is ideal but sirloin or skirt steak also work well. Make sure to slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Balancing Sweet & Savory: Adjust the brown sugar and soy sauce to suit your taste—more sugar for a sweeter sauce more soy sauce for a saltier kick.
- Crispy vs. Tender Beef: Want a crispier texture? Use more cornstarch and let the beef sit for a few minutes before cooking. Prefer a softer bite? Reduce the cornstarch slightly.
- Now that you have everything ready let’s move on to cooking this irresistible Mongolian beef!
Instructions
step-by-Step Guide to Making Mongolian Beef
- Whipping up a homemade Mongolian beef dish is easier than you think—ready in under 30 minutes! Follow these straightforward steps to create a flavorful, takeout-style meal in your own kitchen.
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Slice the steak – Cut the flank steak into thin strips, slicing against the grain to keep the meat tender and easy to chew.
- Coat with cornstarch – Lightly toss the beef in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let it rest for about 10 minutes to help create a crispy sear when cooked.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Mix the ingredients – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. If you prefer a bit of heat, stir in red pepper flakes.
- Set aside – Keep the sauce ready to pour in once the beef is cooked.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
- Heat the oil – In a large skillet or wok, warm the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef – Place the beef in a single layer and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. If needed, cook in batches to prevent overcrowding.
- Drain excess oil – Transfer the cooked beef to a plate lined with paper towels to remove any extra grease.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Simmer the sauce – Pour the prepared sauce into the same pan and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Toss in the beef – Add the seared beef back into the pan, stirring well to coat each piece in the sauce.
- Garnish – Sprinkle in sliced green onions and drizzle with sesame oil for extra depth of flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Classic pairing – Serve hot over steamed rice for a comforting, satisfying meal.
- Add vegetables – Stir-fried bell peppers or broccoli make excellent additions for extra color and nutrients.
- Final touch – Garnish with sesame seeds for a restaurant-style finish.
- Tips for the Perfect Mongolian Beef:
- Want extra crispiness? Let the cornstarch-coated beef sit for a few more minutes before cooking.
- Prefer a thicker sauce? Simmer the sauce a little longer before adding the beef.
- Looking for a milder taste? Reduce the brown sugar or use low-sodium soy sauce to adjust the sweetness and saltiness.
- By following these simple steps, you’ll create a homemade Mongolian beef dish that’s bursting with flavor—better than any takeout!
FAQ
How long do you marinate Mongolian beef?
Mongolian beef doesn’t require marinating. However, coating the beef in cornstarch and letting it sit for 10–15 minutes before cooking helps create a crispy texture while keeping it tender.
What is hoisin sauce made of?
Hoisin sauce is a thick, savory-sweet condiment made from soybeans, garlic, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and various spices. It adds depth and umami to stir-fries and marinades.
How to tenderize beef for stir-fry?
To achieve tender beef, slice it thinly against the grain, coat it in cornstarch (a technique called velveting), and cook it quickly over high heat. You can also add a small amount of baking soda to the marinade for extra softness.
What is the secret ingredient in stir-fry beef?
The secret to flavorful stir-fry beef is a combination of cornstarch (for tenderness), soy sauce (for umami), and a touch of sugar or honey to balance the flavors. A dash of sesame oil or oyster sauce can also enhance depth and richness.