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The moment I first tasted Easy Mongolian Beef at a cozy little restaurant tucked away in my neighborhood, I knew I had to recreate it at home. The rich, savory flavors danced on my palate, igniting a desire for something truly special to serve during weeknight dinners. As I stood in my kitchen, envisioning that delicious dish, it occurred to me how satisfying it would be to whip up such a treat without spending hours over the stove.

Perfect for anyone tired of the quick-fix fast food routine, this recipe features tender flank steak, crisp vegetables, and a sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet. You can enjoy it on its own or serve it over rice or noodles for a fulfilling meal. Plus, it comes together in no time at all—ideal for busy evenings when you want to impress without the stress. Get ready to delight in the vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavors of Easy Mongolian Beef, your new go-to dish that is sure to keep cravings at bay!

Why is Easy Mongolian Beef a must-try?

Simplicity: This recipe utilizes accessible ingredients and straightforward techniques, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
Flavor Explosion: The delightful combo of sweet and savory flavors ensures every bite is a taste sensation.
Quick Cooking Time: With minimal prep and cooking time, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time—perfect for your busy weeknights!
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this dish on its own or pair it with rice or noodles for a heartier meal.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is bound to impress everyone at the table.

Easy Mongolian Beef Ingredients

For the Beef
• Flank steak – thinly sliced against the grain to ensure tender bites.
• Corn starch – helps to create a beautiful crispy coating on the beef.

For the Vegetables
• Carrot – peeled and julienned for a lovely crunch and color.
• Red bell pepper – sliced into strips to add sweetness and vividness.
• Green onions – thickly sliced for a fresh, mild onion flavor.

For the Sauce
• Low-sodium soy sauce – brings a savory depth without overwhelming saltiness.
• Brown sugar – packed to enhance the sauce’s sweet and savory balance.
• Fresh ginger – peeled and grated for warm, aromatic notes.
• Garlic cloves – peeled and grated for an extra burst of flavor.
• Water – helps to combine the sauce ingredients and achieve the desired consistency.
• Sriracha – a touch for heat, adjustable to serve your spice preference!

For Cooking
• Unsalted butter – adds richness to the dish while sautéing.
• Neutral oil – for frying; it has a high smoke point to avoid burning.

Optional Garnish
• Sesame seeds – sprinkle on top for added texture and a delightful nutty flavor.

With these ingredients, you’re all set to create an Easy Mongolian Beef that will leave your dinner guests raving!

How to Make Easy Mongolian Beef

Coat the Beef: Place thinly sliced flank steak in a bowl and sprinkle with cornstarch. Stir until every piece is evenly coated, creating that coveted crispy texture.
Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, water, grated ginger, and garlic. Mix until well combined, then set aside for a moment while you cook the beef.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the julienned carrot and sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry until they are crisp-tender, usually about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a plate when done.
Sear the Beef: Increase the heat to high and add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Once it’s hot, add the coated beef in a single layer. Sear for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. If needed, do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Combine and Simmer: Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet along with thickly sliced green onions. Pour over the prepared sauce and gently stir. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for around 3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a delightful crunch and extra flavor. Serve hot, either on its own or over rice or noodles for a heartier meal.

Optional: Add some chopped cilantro for a fresh finish!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Mongolian Beef preparations are a blessing for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can coat the flank steak in cornstarch and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring that it maintains its crispy texture when cooked. Additionally, you can chop the carrots and red bell peppers ahead of time—just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply sauté the vegetables and beef as per the recipe instructions, then combine with the sauce. This way, your flavorful Easy Mongolian Beef will still delight your taste buds, all while streamlining your mealtime routine!

What to Serve with Easy Mongolian Beef?

To complete your dining experience and elevate the gorgeous flavors of this dish, consider these delicious pairings.

Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice will absorb the savory sauce, allowing every bite to burst with flavor. It’s an ideal foundation for your Mongolian Beef.
Garlic Bok Choy: Sautéed with a splash of soy sauce, these tender greens add a fresh crunch and balance out the richness of the beef dish.
Crispy Spring Rolls: Filled with fresh vegetables and herbs, spring rolls add an extra layer of texture and a delightful dipping sauce enhances the overall meal experience.
Honey Soy Glazed Carrots: Sweet and sticky, these glazed carrots bring a bit of sweetness that complements the savory notes of the Mongolian Beef beautifully.
Chilled Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and light, a cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing provides a cool contrast to the richness of your main dish.
Sesame Noodles: Tossed in a simple sesame oil dressing, these noodles are a great option that absorbs flavors and adds another delightful texture to the meal.
Iced Green Tea: The subtle flavors of iced green tea offer a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of Mongolian beef, making it a perfect beverage choice.
Chocolate Mousse: End your meal on a sweet note with a rich chocolate mousse—it’s smooth, indulgent, and will leave your guests feeling pampered.

Combine these pairings to create a harmonious feast that showcases the deliciousness of Easy Mongolian Beef!

Expert Tips for Easy Mongolian Beef

Beef Quality: Use fresh, high-quality flank steak for tender bites. Frozen beef can be tougher; give it enough time to thaw completely.
Cornstarch Coating: Ensure the beef is evenly coated with cornstarch. This creates the crispy texture, so avoid clumps by making sure it’s well mixed.
Proper Heat: Sear the beef over high heat to achieve that perfect golden crust. Lower heat can lead to steaming instead of browning.
Batch Cooking: Cook the beef in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which leads to uneven cooking and less crust.
Adjusting Spice: If you love spice, feel free to increase the amount of Sriracha in the sauce. Start small and taste as you go to find your ideal heat level.
Serving Suggestions: For a complete meal, serve Easy Mongolian Beef over fluffy rice or noodles, enhancing both texture and flavor.

How to Store and Freeze Easy Mongolian Beef

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the beef’s tenderness.

Freezer: You can freeze Easy Mongolian Beef in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of water or broth in the skillet, cover, and warm over medium heat until heated through, about 5–7 minutes.

Portioning: Consider freezing in individual portions for easy, quick meals during busy weeks!

Easy Mongolian Beef Variations

Feel free to make this dish your own with delightful twists and substitutions to suit your family’s tastes!

Gluten-Free: Substitute low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-friendly option.
Veggie Boost: Add broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and a pop of color in your dish. These veggies cook quickly, adding even more crunch and vibrancy to each bite.
Spicy Sriracha: Increase Sriracha to two teaspoons for a bolder kick or add a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking for a gradual heat that builds.
Crispy Tofu: Swap the flank steak for cubed firm tofu, pressing it to remove excess moisture, creaking a satisfying texture for a vegetarian option. Enjoy the golden-brown crispy tofu paired with that delicious sauce!
Sugar Substitution: Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a natural sweetener that adds unique flavors. Adjust quantities to suit your preferred sweetness level—every sweetness journey is personal!
Sweet Chili Sauce: Replace brown sugar with sweet chili sauce for a tangy-sweet flavor profile that will add a fun twist to your Mongolian Beef experience.
Coconut Milk: Stir in a splash of coconut milk towards the end for a creamy consistency that balances the savory and sweet. This will create a more exotic taste experience—perfect for a special occasion!
Bowl Update: Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a wholesome twist that packs extra nutrients and complements the dish beautifully.

These variations can help you create a dish that resonates with your style while still capturing the essence of comforting Easy Mongolian Beef!

Easy Mongolian Beef Recipe FAQs

What type of flank steak should I use for Easy Mongolian Beef?
Absolutely! It’s essential to choose high-quality flank steak for the best results. Look for a cut that is bright red and well-marbled; this will ensure tenderness and flavor. If you’re unsure, ask your butcher for recommendations—they’re often happy to help!

How should I store leftovers of Easy Mongolian Beef?
To keep your Easy Mongolian Beef fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the beef from becoming tough.

Can I freeze Easy Mongolian Beef?
Yes, you can freeze your Easy Mongolian Beef! Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, ensuring you remove most of the air. It will stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove—this preserves the flavors beautifully.

What should I do if my sauce isn’t thickening?
If your sauce isn’t thickening as expected, it might need more time to simmer—allow it another minute or two. If you prefer a quick fix, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the sauce. Bring it to a simmer again and watch it transform into that velvety sauce you crave!

Are there any dietary concerns with this recipe?
Absolutely! Be mindful of any allergies, especially since this recipe contains soy sauce and Sriracha, both of which can contain gluten or may trigger sensitivities. If cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, feel free to substitute low-sodium soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. Always check your ingredients and adjust as needed to suit personal dietary preferences.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
The more the merrier when it comes to spiciness! If you enjoy a little heat, start by adding a teaspoon of Sriracha and taste as you go. For a milder dish, you can completely omit the Sriracha or use it in moderation. Cooking should be tailored to your taste, so don’t hesitate to adjust the amount!