30-Minute Mongolian Beef Recipe

Mongolian Beef is a takeout classic that’s beloved for its tender strips of beef coated in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce with just the right kick of garlic and ginger. The best part? You don’t need to order out to enjoy it this 30-minute Mongolian Beef recipe brings all the flavors of your favorite restaurant straight to your kitchen in less time than delivery.

In this article, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, variations, FAQs, and serving suggestions to make this dish a reliable weeknight favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
• Better Than Takeout – Fresh, homemade, and customizable.
• Budget-Friendly – Uses simple ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Balanced sweet-savory flavor everyone loves.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef:

• 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin – thinly sliced against the grain
• ¼ cup cornstarch – to lightly coat beef and give it a crisp edge
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – for stir-frying

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, adds depth)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

For Garnish & Serving:

• 3 green onions, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• Steamed rice or noodles
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Beef

1. Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
2. Toss with cornstarch until evenly coated. Shake off excess.

Step 2 – Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, water, hoisin, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

Step 3 – Stir-Fry the Beef

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef in a single layer; sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned (cook in batches if needed). Remove and set aside.

Step 4 – Cook the Sauce

1. Pour prepared sauce into the pan.
2. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5 – Combine & Serve

1. Return beef to the skillet, toss until coated in sauce.
2. Add green onions and cook another 1–2 minutes.
3. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for Success

• Slice Thinly – Freeze beef for 20 minutes before slicing to make it easier.
• Don’t Overcrowd – Cook beef in batches for even browning.
• Adjust Sweetness – Reduce sugar slightly for a more savory sauce.
• Crispier Beef – Let cornstarch-coated slices rest 5 minutes before cooking.

Variations You Can Try

• Spicy Mongolian Beef – Add sriracha or extra chili flakes.
• Vegetable Boost – Stir-fry bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas with the sauce.
• Chicken or Tofu Version – Swap beef for cubed chicken breast or firm tofu.
• Gluten-Free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed jasmine rice for a classic pairing.
• Toss with lo mein noodles for a hearty dinner.
• Add a side of stir-fried bok choy or broccoli for balance.

How to Store & Reheat

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked beef and sauce (separately from rice) up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen sauce.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 380 | Protein: 27g | Fat: 14g | Carbohydrates: 34g | Sugar: 16g | Sodium: 930mg

FAQs About Mongolian Beef

1. Can I make Mongolian Beef ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the beef and sauce separately, then combine and reheat before serving.

2. What’s the best cut of beef to use?
Flank steak or sirloin are ideal tender and flavorful when sliced thin.

3. Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely. Start with ⅓ cup brown sugar if you prefer less sweetness.

4. How do I thicken the sauce more?
Add a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 teaspoons water, stir, and simmer until glossy.

5. Is Mongolian Beef very spicy?
Not by default spice is optional and customizable.

Conclusion

This 30-Minute Mongolian Beef recipe delivers all the flavor of your favorite restaurant takeout in a quick, easy, and budget-friendly homemade dish. With its tender beef, savory-sweet sauce, and simple prep, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution.

Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or with stir-fried vegetables, this dish will become a staple in your kitchen for its unbeatable flavor and convenience.