Easy Mongolian Beef

Easy Mongolian Beef is a delightful and savory dish that’s quick to prepare and full of bold flavors. The tender beef is coated in a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, creating a perfect balance that pairs wonderfully with rice. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe delivers an unforgettable meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful meal that’s ready in just 40 minutes. The sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic adds an irresistible flavor to the beef, making each bite bursting with deliciousness. Plus, the dish is customizable – you can serve it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps depending on what you’re in the mood for.

The best part? This recipe is so easy to prepare. I can have everything ready and on the table in no time, making it perfect for busy nights when I still want something delicious and satisfying.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (plus 2 tablespoons, divided)
• ½ teaspoon minced fresh ginger
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ½ cup less sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup water
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup cornstarch
• 2 green onions, sliced

directions

1. Prepare the Beef: Slice the flank steak into thin ¼-inch slices and toss it with cornstarch. Shake off any excess cornstarch and set it aside.
2. Make the Sauce: Heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced ginger and garlic to the skillet, cooking for about one minute until fragrant. Then pour in the soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set the sauce aside.
3. Cook the Beef: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a separate pan or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the beef in small batches for about 2 minutes per batch, just until browned. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through at this point.
4. Combine Beef and Sauce: Once the beef is browned, return it all to the skillet with the sauce. Heat everything over medium heat until it’s hot and bubbly, stirring to coat the beef in the sauce.
5. Final Touches: Remove from heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Serve hot over rice for a fulfilling and delicious meal.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Serving size: 1 cup
Calories per serving: 350 kcal

Variations

This dish is versatile, and I like to switch things up with these variations:

• Add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Swap flank steak for another cut of beef, or even chicken, turkey, or tofu for different proteins.
• Use brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.

storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, I find that the stovetop method works best. I heat the beef in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it’s warmed through.

If I want to store it longer, I freeze the beef and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, I either use the stovetop or microwave, checking often to avoid overcooking the beef.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use other cuts like sirloin, rib-eye, or even ground beef if that’s what you have available. Just be sure to slice the beef thinly for the best texture.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! You can add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or sriracha to the sauce to adjust the heat level to your preference.

Can I serve this with noodles instead of rice?

Definitely! Egg noodles, rice noodles, or even spiralized zucchini can be used as a base for this dish.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Just store the beef and sauce separately from the rice or noodles if possible.

Can I make this gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, just swap the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Conclusion

Easy Mongolian Beef is one of my go-to recipes when I want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. The balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors makes it a hit with everyone, and it’s so versatile that I can customize it to fit my cravings. Whether I serve it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for busy nights or casual dinners with family and friends.

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