Easy Mongolian Beef Recipe

There’s something magical about creating a restaurant-quality Mongolian beef recipe right in your own kitchen. I’ll never forget when my neighbor Mrs. Chen shared her version years ago – the tender, glossy beef coated in a sweet-savory sauce that filled my house with heavenly aromas. She laughed at my wide eyes and said, “Michelle, this isn’t fancy restaurant food – it’s a homemade Mongolian beef recipe that’s pure comfort.” This easy Mongolian beef recipe proves you don’t need special equipment or wok expertise to make extraordinary comfort food. If you’re craving more Asian-inspired dishes, my Chinese Pepper Steak brings that same home-cooked warmth to the table.

This Mongolian beef recipe is close to my heart because it shows that the best meals are often the simplest, packed with love and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Beef Recipe

It’s surprisingly simple. This homemade Mongolian beef recipe tastes like it took hours but comes together in about 45 minutes. Marinate, coat, sear, and sauce – no complicated steps required.

The flavors are perfect. Sweet brown sugar balances salty soy sauce, with fresh ginger and garlic adding depth. This sweet and savory Mongolian beef recipe makes every bite unforgettable.

It feeds the whole family. Serving four generously, this Mongolian beef recipe leaves no leftovers. Kids love the mild sweetness, while adults savor the complex flavors and tender texture.

Pantry-friendly ingredients. This authentic Mongolian beef recipe relies on staples you likely have, making it an easy go-to without hunting for exotic ingredients.

What You’ll Need

Let me walk you through each ingredient like we’re in my kitchen. Starts with understanding what each component brings.

• Flank steak – The star of our Mongolian beef recipe. Slice against the grain into quarter-inch strips. Slightly thicker pieces work fine – no need for perfection.
• Neutral oil – Vegetable or canola oil, used for marinating and searing to create the crispy coating essential for this homemade Mongolian beef.
• Shaoxing wine – Adds depth, but dry cooking sherry is a great substitute. It enhances the flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Soy sauce (light and dark) – Light soy brings saltiness and umami, dark soy adds caramel color. Regular soy sauce works if that’s what you have.
• Cornstarch – Creates the glossy coating that defines this Mongolian beef recipe. It’s key for that restaurant-quality texture.
• Brown sugar – Balances with sweetness, caramelizing slightly in the sauce for addictive flavor.
• Fresh ginger and garlic – Non-negotiable aromatics that make your kitchen smell incredible while cooking this easy Mongolian beef.
• Dried red chilies – Optional for a hint of heat and color. Break one or two for extra spice.
• Scallions – Bright and fresh, used for cooking and garnishing to add color and mild onion flavor.

Instructions for Making Mongolian Beef

1. Marinate the beef – Combine sliced flank steak with neutral oil, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, cornstarch, water, and baking soda. Let sit for an hour, adding a tablespoon of water if it looks dry.
2. Mix your sauce – Dissolve brown sugar in hot water or stock, then stir in both soy sauces for the perfect sweet-salty balance in this Mongolian beef recipe.
3. Coat the beef – Dredge marinated beef in cornstarch until fully coated for maximum crispiness.
4. Sear for perfection – Heat oil in a wok over high heat until almost smoking. Sear beef pieces evenly for one minute per side until crispy, then transfer to a plate.
5. Build the aromatics – Drain most oil, leaving a tablespoon. Add ginger and dried chilies, then garlic and white scallion parts for incredible aroma.
6. Create the glaze – Pour in the premixed sauce and simmer for two minutes. Stir in cornstarch slurry until the sauce coats a spoon, giving that glossy finish.
7. Bring it all together – Add crispy beef and green scallion parts, tossing for 30 seconds until the sauce clings to each piece with minimal liquid left.

Serving Suggestions for Mongolian Beef

Over steamed jasmine rice – A classic pairing for this Mongolian beef recipe. The rice soaks up the sauce, creating comfort food perfection.

With crispy noodles – Serve over pan-fried noodles for a delightful texture contrast between tender beef and crispy noodles.

As part of a family feast – Pair with my Honey Garlic Chicken for a special dinner with complementary flavors.

With extra vegetables – Serve over steamed broccoli or snow peas to add nutrition and let the vegetables soak up the delicious sauce.

Customizations for Your Mongolian Beef Recipe

• Spice level variations – Add more broken dried chilies or red pepper flakes for heat, or skip them for a kid-friendly Mongolian beef recipe.
• Vegetable additions – Toss in sliced bell peppers or snap peas in the last minute for color, crunch, and nutrition.
• Protein swaps – Use chicken thighs or firm tofu with this sauce, adjusting cooking times as needed.
• Sauce adjustments – Add extra brown sugar for sweetness or a splash of rice vinegar for brightness.

Kitchen Tips & Tricks

Don’t overcrowd your wok – Cooking in batches prevents steaming and ensures the crispy texture vital to this Mongolian beef recipe.

Slice against the grain – Cutting perpendicular to the meat’s lines ensures tender bites every time.

Prep everything first – Have sauce, beef, and aromatics ready before heating the wok, as this easy Mongolian beef cooks quickly.

Use the cornstarch coating – A thorough coating creates the restaurant-quality texture that makes this homemade Mongolian beef special.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

More Inspired Recipes

• Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry: A fast, flavorful one-pan dinner with bold, savory taste.
• Korean Beef Bowls: Quick and flavorful ground beef dish.
• Beef and Rice Skillet: A hearty one-pan comfort meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

This easy Mongolian beef recipe proves that restaurant-quality flavors don’t require restaurant-level skills. It’s about understanding your ingredients, trusting the process, and making it your own. Every time I make this, I think of Mrs. Chen and how she taught me that the best cooking comes from the heart, not complex techniques.

The beauty of this homemade Mongolian beef recipe lies in its simplicity – tender beef, a perfect sauce, and flavors that unite everyone at the table. Whether it’s a busy Tuesday or a special weekend dinner, this Mongolian beef recipe delivers every time.

Thanks for being in my kitchen today. I hope this becomes a recipe you turn to again and again, creating your own memories and maybe passing it along to someone special.