Savory, sweet, and perfectly tender — this classic Mongolian beef recipe will bring your favorite restaurant flavor straight to your home kitchen!
🍛 Introduction
If you’re a fan of takeout-style dinners that taste even better homemade, you’re in for a treat. Mongolian beef is one of the most beloved Asian-inspired dishes — thinly sliced beef cooked to perfection in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce with hints of garlic, soy, and ginger.
The best part? You can make it in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have! Whether you’re serving it over rice, noodles, or veggies, this delicious Mongolian beef recipe you’ll love will become a weeknight favorite.
🥩 What Is Mongolian Beef?
Despite its name, Mongolian beef didn’t actually originate in Mongolia — it’s a popular Chinese-American restaurant dish known for its balance of sweet and salty flavors. The dish features thinly sliced flank steak quickly stir-fried in a glossy brown sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
The magic lies in the caramelized sauce that coats every piece of beef, creating that irresistible sticky texture everyone craves.
🍴 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this easy Mongolian beef recipe at home:
🥩 For the Beef:
1 lb (450 g) flank steak (or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
¼ cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
🍶 For the Sauce:
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
¼ cup water
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
🌿 For Garnish (optional):
3–4 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds for sprinkling
🍚 Serve with steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal!
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make perfect Mongolian beef every time:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain (this keeps the meat tender).
In a bowl, toss the beef slices with cornstarch until fully coated.
Let it rest for 10 minutes — this helps the beef crisp up when cooked.
🥢 Pro Tip: Freeze your beef for 20 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut thinly.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, water, ginger, and garlic.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
Remove from heat and set aside — this is your flavorful Mongolian sauce base.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the beef in a single layer (cook in batches if needed to avoid crowding).
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the beef is browned and slightly crispy.
Remove the beef from the pan and drain excess oil.
Step 4: Combine and Glaze
Reduce heat to medium.
Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and bring it to a simmer.
Add the cooked beef back into the skillet and toss well to coat each piece.
Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top for a fresh, restaurant-style finish.
Serve your Mongolian beef over steamed rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles for a satisfying meal.
🍚 Tips for the Perfect Mongolian Beef
✅ Slice against the grain – This ensures every bite is tender, not chewy.
✅ Don’t overcook – The beef cooks quickly; keep it juicy by stir-frying fast over high heat.
✅ Adjust sweetness – Add or reduce the brown sugar based on your taste.
✅ Add veggies – Broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas pair perfectly with the sauce.
✅ Use fresh garlic and ginger – It makes a huge difference in flavor.
💡 Want extra crunch? Stir in some lightly fried onions or water chestnuts before serving.
🍜 Tasty Variations
Here are a few creative ways to enjoy your Mongolian beef recipe with different twists:
🌶️ Spicy Mongolian Beef
Add 1–2 teaspoons of chili flakes, Sriracha, or gochujang for a fiery kick.
🥦 Mongolian Beef with Broccoli
Stir in steamed broccoli florets for added texture and nutrition.
🍋 Citrus Twist
Add a splash of orange juice or zest for a refreshing hint of flavor.
🧄 Garlic Lover’s Version
Double the garlic for an intense, savory depth that’s impossible to resist.
🧊 Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts.
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or soy sauce while reheating.
🍱 Make it ahead: You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge for faster cooking.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Beef Recipe
It’s quick and easy, ready in just 30 minutes.
The rich, caramelized sauce is absolutely addictive.
You can customize it to your taste — sweet, spicy, or mild.
It’s family-friendly and perfect for meal prep.
This is comfort food that feels special but comes together with minimal effort — no takeout required!
🌟 Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the sweet-savory perfection of Mongolian beef — tender slices of steak coated in a glossy, garlicky sauce that hits every craving just right. Once you try it homemade, you’ll never go back to restaurant versions again!
So fire up your pan, grab your chopsticks, and try this delicious Mongolian beef recipe you’ll love tonight. It’s bold, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress every time.