If you are craving a dish that is both easy to prepare and bursting with savory-sweet flavor, look no further than this Simple and Delicious Mongolian Beef Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to savor tender, thinly sliced beef coated in a rich sauce that melds the umami depth of soy with the caramel sweetness of brown sugar, finished with fragrant garlic and ginger. This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressing friends without hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to bring a beloved restaurant favorite right into your home kitchen with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients keep things straightforward but are absolutely essential. Each brings its own magic to the table, from the tender texture of beef flank steak to the aromatic warmth of fresh ginger and garlic, and the satisfying contrast of green onions for freshness.
- 1 pound Beef Flank Steak: Thinly sliced against the grain to ensure tenderness in every bite.
- 1/2 cup Soy Sauce: Adds the deep, rich umami flavor that is signature to Mongolian beef.
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar: Balances the saltiness with just the right amount of sweetness for that perfect glaze.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger: Minced to add a zesty, slightly spicy aroma that brightens the dish.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Minced for a punch of bold flavor that complements the ginger beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil: Used for stir-frying the beef to a perfect sear without smoking.
- 2-3 Green Onions: Chopped and added at the end for a fresh, slightly pungent crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (optional): For a lovely nutty garnish that adds a subtle texture finish.
How to Make Simple and Delicious Mongolian Beef Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Beef
Start by slicing your beef flank steak thinly against the grain into bite-sized pieces. This is the secret to a tender texture that melts in your mouth. Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, helping avoid toughness.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced fresh ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk this mixture until the brown sugar fully dissolves, creating a balanced, flavorful base for your beef to soak up all those wonderful flavors.
Step 3: Marinate the Beef
Add the sliced beef to the marinade, making sure every piece is nicely coated. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This allows the beef to absorb the perfect harmony of salty, sweet, and aromatic notes that define this Simple and Delicious Mongolian Beef Recipe.
Step 4: Heat the Pan
Warm your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it’s hot and shimmering. Hot oil is key for getting that perfect sear on the meat without stewing it, which keeps the beef juicy and flavorful.
Step 5: Cook the Beef
Place the marinated beef in the skillet in a single layer. Resist the urge to stir for the first 2 to 3 minutes so that the beef can caramelize nicely. Then stir-fry for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is cooked through and tender.
Step 6: Sauté the Green Onions
Remove the cooked beef from the pan and set it aside. Using the same skillet, sauté the chopped green onions for about one minute. This quick sauté releases their fresh, savory flavor and softens them just enough to complement the beef perfectly.
Step 7: Combine and Thicken
Return the beef to the skillet, pour any remaining marinade over it, and stir everything together. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly as it coats the beef, turning it glossy and intensely flavorful—the hallmark of this Simple and Delicious Mongolian Beef Recipe.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
When the sauce has thickened to your liking, turn off the heat. Your Mongolian beef is now ready to be served. For an extra-special touch, sprinkle sesame seeds on top just before plating for a subtle crunch and nutty aroma.
How to Serve Simple and Delicious Mongolian Beef Recipe
Garnishes
The chopped green onions that you sauté with the beef add fresh herbaceous notes and a pop of color. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds not only lifts the presentation but also adds a gentle, nutty crispness that harmonizes beautifully with the saucy beef.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or fluffy jasmine rice, which soaks up every bit of the flavorful sauce. If you want a noodle option, serve it over simple stir-fried noodles or even cauliflower rice for a lighter twist that still captures the essence of this vibrant dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the beef wrapped in lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held delight. Alternatively, layering the Mongolian beef over a bed of stir-fried vegetables can transform this recipe into a vibrant, colorful bowl perfect for sharing or meal preps.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The beef will stay deliciously tender and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a convenient and tasty option for next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Simple and Delicious Mongolian Beef Recipe for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool the beef completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag to preserve its texture and flavor during freezing.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the beef gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen up the sauce. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to keep the beef tender but it works fine for convenience.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and texture, you can use skirt steak or sirloin. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best results in tenderness.
Is this recipe spicy? Can I make it spicy?
This Simple and Delicious Mongolian Beef Recipe is not spicy by default, but you can easily add chili flakes, fresh sliced chilis, or a dash of Sriracha to the marinade for a little heat.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Swap the beef for tofu, tempeh, or seitan and use a plant-based soy sauce alternative. The flavors will still shine through, making it a great option for those avoiding meat.
How do I ensure the beef is tender and not chewy?
Thinly slicing the beef against the grain and not overcooking it are the keys. Marinating the beef and stir-frying it on high heat for a short time keeps it tender and juicy.
What other vegetables can I add?
Sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, or shredded carrots are fantastic additions. Toss them in during the last few minutes of stir-frying to keep them crisp and colorful.
Final Thoughts
This Simple and Delicious Mongolian Beef Recipe has such a comforting, bold flavor, it quickly becomes a favorite in any household. Its simplicity in ingredients and steps makes it approachable, yet it delivers on taste like a dish from a fancy restaurant. I truly encourage you to give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Simple and Delicious Mongolian Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Simple and Delicious Mongolian Beef recipe features tender, thinly sliced flank steak coated in a savory and sweet soy-ginger marinade, then quickly stir-fried to perfection. Garnished with fresh green onions and optional sesame seeds, this dish delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal weeknight dinner served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 pound Beef Flank Steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/2 cup Soy Sauce
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger, minced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
For Cooking and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 2–3 Green Onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Thinly slice the flank steak against the grain into bite-sized pieces to ensure tenderness.
- Make the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk thoroughly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Marinate the beef: Add the sliced beef to the marinade and toss to coat every piece evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Heat the oil: Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it is hot but not smoking.
- Cook the beef initially: Place the marinated beef in the skillet in a single layer, cooking undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to get a good sear.
- Stir-fry the beef: Stir the beef and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and tender.
- Sauté green onions: Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté chopped green onions for about 1 minute to release their aroma.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked beef to the skillet, pour any remaining marinade over it, and stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Thicken the sauce: Cook the beef mixture for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef nicely.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the Mongolian Beef hot over steamed rice or noodles. Optionally, sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, slice the beef as thinly as possible against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Marinate the beef for longer (up to 1 hour) for more intense flavor.
- Use a high-smoke-point oil like vegetable or canola oil for stir-frying.
- Adjust the brown sugar quantity to your preferred level of sweetness.
- Serve immediately for optimal texture; leftovers may become less tender.
- This recipe can easily be doubled to serve larger groups.
