Mongolian Beef

EASY Mongolian Beef recipe with the BEST sauce! This dish features tender, thinly sliced beef paired with vibrant vegetables in a flavor-packed sauce, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. Ready in under 30 minutes, this Mongolian Beef is a delicious and versatile option that will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavor-Packed Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger creates a rich, savory flavor that elevates the dish.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the vegetables or substitute the beef with chicken or turkey for a different twist.
• Healthy Option: Loaded with vegetables and lean protein, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, gather these essential tools before you start. Having everything ready will help you whip up your Mongolian Beef efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or wok: A spacious cooking surface helps achieve that perfect sear on the beef while allowing room for stir-frying your veggies.
• Mixing bowls: These are essential for prepping your ingredients and mixing the flavorful sauce without any mess.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts on your vegetables and meat, which is key for even cooking.

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Ingredients

EASY Mongolian Beef recipe with the BEST sauce! Thinly sliced beef with vegetables in flavor-packed sauce ready in under 30 minutes!

Vegetables

• 1 carrot (peeled and julienned)
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced into strips)
• 1/3 cup green onions (thickly sliced from 4 stems)

Beef

• 1 lb flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)

Sauces & Seasonings

• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 Tbsp neutral oil (divided)
• 1/4 cup corn starch
• 1 tsp fresh ginger (peeled and grated)
• 4 garlic cloves (peeled and grated)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp Sriracha (or added to taste)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional garnish)

How to Make Mongolian Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Place beef slices in a bowl.
2. Add cornstarch to the bowl and stir to completely coat the beef.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In another bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, ginger, garlic, and Sriracha.
2. Stir until well combined; set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry Vegetables

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 Tbsp oil with 1 Tbsp butter over medium/high heat.
2. Once hot, add the carrot and red bell pepper.
3. Stir-fry until crisp-tender or to your desired tenderness; remove from skillet.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

1. Increase heat to high; add remaining oil to skillet.
2. Once hot, add coated beef slices; sear for about 2 minutes per side until crispy.
3. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return cooked vegetables to skillet along with green onions.
2. Pour in the prepared sauce; stir to combine.
3. Reduce heat to medium/low; simmer until sauce thickens, about 3 minutes.
4. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired; serve hot.

Enjoy your delicious Mongolian Beef!

How to Serve Mongolian Beef

Mongolian Beef is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just having a cozy night in, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Over Steamed Rice

• Serve your Mongolian Beef over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce, making each bite delightful.

With Noodles

• Pair your beef with stir-fried noodles for a heartier meal. The noodles will add texture and complement the flavors of the dish beautifully.

In Tacos

• For a fun twist, serve Mongolian Beef in soft tortillas as tacos. Top with fresh cilantro and lime for an extra zing.

On a Salad

• Serve Mongolian Beef on top of mixed greens for a refreshing salad option. Drizzle with sesame dressing for added flavor.

As Lettuce Wraps

• Use large lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with Mongolian Beef. This makes for a light and crunchy alternative that’s perfect for appetizers.

How to Perfect Mongolian Beef

To ensure your Mongolian Beef turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Slice Against the Grain: Cutting the beef against the grain results in tender pieces that are easier to chew.
• Use High Heat: Cooking on high heat quickly sears the beef, locking in juices and creating a satisfying texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Searing too much beef at once can lower the pan’s temperature, leading to steaming instead of browning.
• Let the Sauce Simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer thickens it nicely, enhancing its flavor and richness.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer more heat, feel free to add additional Sriracha or chili flakes according to your taste.

Best Side Dishes for Mongolian Beef

Serving side dishes alongside your Mongolian Beef can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: A healthy and vibrant side that adds color and nutrients to your plate.
2. Fried Rice: This flavorful option absorbs any extra sauce from the beef while providing added texture.
3. Sautéed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans tossed in garlic make for a delightful pairing.
4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad provides crunch and balances the richness of the beef.
5. Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles make for a delicious contrast when served next to hot Mongolian Beef.
6. Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables add an authentic Asian touch to your meal.
7. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad is nutritious and complements the flavors of Mongolian Beef well.
8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These caramelized sprouts have a nutty flavor that pairs nicely with savory dishes like Mongolian Beef.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing Mongolian Beef. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Using thick beef slices: Always slice flank steak thinly against the grain. This ensures tenderness and allows for quicker cooking.
• Skipping the cornstarch coating: Not coating the beef in cornstarch can lead to a soggy texture. The cornstarch helps create a crispy outer layer when searing.
• Overcrowding the skillet: Cooking too much beef at once prevents proper browning. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• Not letting the sauce thicken: Skipping the simmering step can result in a watery dish. Allow the sauce to thicken for the best flavor and consistency.
• Ignoring vegetable doneness: Cooking vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Stir-fry until crisp-tender for the best texture.
• Neglecting garnishes: Skipping sesame seeds or green onions can diminish presentation and flavor. Garnishing adds visual appeal and enhances taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Mongolian Beef in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mongolian Beef

• Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Use within 2-3 months for optimal taste and texture.

Reheating Mongolian Beef

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the beef in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet. Stir occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Mongolian Beef.

What is Mongolian Beef?

Mongolian Beef is a flavorful dish made with tender beef slices stir-fried with vegetables in a savory sauce. It’s known for its rich flavors and quick preparation time.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes! You can substitute chicken breast or thighs for beef in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times accordingly as chicken may cook faster.

How spicy is Mongolian Beef?

The spice level can vary based on your preference. This recipe includes Sriracha, which adds moderate heat. Feel free to adjust or omit it according to your taste.

How do I customize my Mongolian Beef?

You can customize this dish by adding different vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms. Adjusting the sauce ingredients allows you to alter sweetness or saltiness levels as well.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Mongolian Beef recipe delivers bold flavors and is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With just under 30 minutes of cooking time, it’s versatile enough to suit various tastes by swapping out vegetables or adjusting spice levels. Give it a try today!