Mongolian beef is a dish that packs a punch of flavor, combining tender beef with a sweet and savory sauce that dances on your taste buds. Imagine the sizzling sound as you toss the beef into the pan, enveloped in a rich, glossy glaze that makes your mouth water just thinking about it. It’s this perfect mix of textures and flavors that transforms a simple meal into an unforgettable culinary experience.
As I remember my first attempt at making Mongolian beef, I can’t help but chuckle. My friends were visiting, and I wanted to impress them. Let’s just say the kitchen looked like a food fight had broken out—sauce everywhere! But when they took that first bite, all was forgiven. The laughter and joy around the table made every chaotic moment worth it. Whether it’s a regular weeknight or a special occasion, Mongolian beef is sure to steal the show.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious Mongolian beef recipe is easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- The sweet and savory flavors will delight your taste buds with each bite
- Visually stunning with its vibrant colors, it will impress any guest at your dining table
- Perfect for serving with rice or noodles, it’s versatile enough to suit everyone’s preferences
I once whipped up this delectable dish for my family reunion, and let me tell you—their delighted faces were priceless!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Flank Steak: Choose well-marbled flank steak for tender slices that soak up all the flavor during cooking.
-
Fresh Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a zesty kick; opt for firm roots for the best taste.
-
Green Onions: These not only add crunch but also vibrant color; select bright green stalks.
-
Garlic: Use fresh cloves for a robust aroma that enhances the dish; minced garlic works best here.
For the Sauce:
-
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while still delivering rich umami flavor.
-
Brown Sugar: This balances out the salty soy sauce with sweetness; light brown sugar gives good caramelization.
-
Sesame Oil: A dash of sesame oil adds depth and nuttiness to the overall flavor profile.
-
Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce and giving it that luscious coating on the beef.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by slicing your flank steak against the grain into thin strips. Gather your garlic, ginger, and green onions so everything is ready to go.
Create Your Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth. The mixture should be glossy and thick.
Sear That Beef!: Heat up some vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Toss in your sliced flank steak in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Add Aromatics and Sauce: Once browned on all sides, add garlic and ginger to infuse those delicious smells into your kitchen. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir well.
Add Green Onions & Simmer: Toss in chopped green onions and let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully around your beef.
Serve & Enjoy!: Serve your Mongolian beef hot over fluffy rice or noodles. Grab some chopsticks—or just use a fork—and dig in!
This vibrant dish is bound to become one of your favorite recipes! Each bite of Mongolian beef promises to be packed with flavor while bringing smiles around your dinner table. Enjoy cooking!
You Must Know
- Mongolian beef is not just a dish; it’s an experience that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas
- Using fresh ingredients elevates its flavor, making every bite a tender explosion of taste
- Don’t underestimate the power of marinating; it transforms ordinary beef into something extraordinary
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your beef for at least 30 minutes. While it soaks up flavors, prep your veggies and sauce for a smooth cooking flow.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the beef for chicken or tofu, and try adding vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to avoid overcooking the beef.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your beef is thinly sliced against the grain for tenderness and quick cooking
- A high smoke point oil is crucial when stir-frying; it prevents burning and enhances flavor
- Always have your ingredients prepped before you start cooking; stir-frying is fast-paced!
Sometimes I think back to that first time I made Mongolian beef for my friends; their faces lit up as they took their first bites, and all I could do was smile and bask in my culinary glory.

FAQ
What cut of beef is best for Mongolian beef?
Flank steak is ideal; it’s flavorful, tender, and cooks quickly when sliced thin.
Can I make Mongolian beef gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
How can I make Mongolian beef less sweet?
Reduce the sugar in the marinade or add more soy sauce for balance.
Mongolian Beef
Mongolian beef is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender flank steak with a sweet and savory sauce, creating a delightful culinary experience. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this easy-to-make recipe boasts vibrant colors and flavors that are sure to impress your guests. Serve it over fluffy rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Slice flank steak against the grain into thin strips.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch mixture until smooth.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned.
- Add garlic and ginger; stir until fragrant. Pour in the sauce mixture and mix well.
- Add green onions and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg


