Mongolian Beef (Sweet, Savory, Best Ever)

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Mongolian beef with beef slices in savory sauce, topped with sesame and green onions

** A bowl of Mongolian beef with tender beef slices in a rich brown sauce, topped with green onions and sesame seeds.

Mongolian beef is a delicious and satisfying dish made with tender beef, green onions, and a savory sauce. It’s quick to make and full of flavor, making it a great option for dinner or meal prep.

Introduction

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Mongolian beef is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, featuring tender beef slices cooked in a sweet, savory sauce. The dish is typically served with steamed rice and often topped with green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

This recipe is easy to prepare and takes less than 30 minutes to cook. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Beef

  • Sweet and savory: A delicious combination of sugar, soy sauce, and garlic.
  • Tender beef: Quick to cook and absorbs all the rich flavors.
  • Simple ingredients: Just a few pantry staples make a tasty sauce.
  • Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Customizable: Add veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots for more variety.

Ingredients for Mongolian Beef

Ingredients for Mongolian beef including flank steak, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame seeds
Fresh ingredients for Mongolian beef, including flank steak, soy sauce, and sesame seeds

Ingredients:

  • Flank steak (1 lb): Thinly sliced against the grain.
  • Soy sauce (1/2 cup): The base of the savory sauce.
  • Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce.
  • Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): To thicken the sauce.
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds a savory, aromatic flavor.
  • Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): For a nutty, rich flavor.
  • Green onions (1/2 cup, chopped): For garnish and freshness.
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish): Optional for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): For cooking the beef.

Mongolian Beef Recipe Step-by-Step

Four-panel collage showing steps for making Mongolian beef, from slicing beef to serving
Slice, cook, mix, and serve Mongolian beef in a savory sauce

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

  • 1. Slice the beef. Thinly slice the flank steak across the grain.
  • 2. Coat the beef. Toss the beef slices in cornstarch until evenly coated.
  • 3. Cook the beef. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and cook for 2–3 minutes until browned and crispy. Remove the beef from the skillet.
  • 4. Make the sauce. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce thicken for 2–3 minutes.
  • 5. Combine. Add the cooked beef back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat in the sauce and cook for 1–2 minutes.
  • 6. Serve. Serve the Mongolian beef over rice and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Reader Review: “This Mongolian beef is so tender and flavorful! The sauce is perfect.”

Tips for Perfect Mongolian Beef

  • Use flank steak: Flank steak is tender and perfect for this dish.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the beef in batches to ensure it gets crispy.
  • Adjust the sweetness: Add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Add veggies: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms to the dish for extra texture.
  • Make it spicier: Add chili flakes or fresh chilis for heat.

Storing & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days.
  • Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

  • Serve with steamed rice or noodles.
  • Pair with a side of vegetables or spring rolls.

If you make this Mongolian beef, leave a rating and comment! How did you like the flavor?

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