Looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight? This Mongolian Beef recipe checks all the boxes! With tender beef slices cooked in a rich, savory sauce, this dish brings a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, while taking less than 30 minutes to make. It’s an ideal option for those nights when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will have your family asking for seconds!
What is Mongolian Beef?
Mongolian Beef is a popular Chinese-American dish known for its tender beef slices, sweet soy-based sauce, and a hint of garlic and ginger. While it may not be authentically Mongolian, the dish captures the essence of Asian flavors in a way that’s appealing to a wide range of palates. It’s often served with steamed rice or noodles, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients for this Mongolian Beef recipe:
- 1 pound of flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium is preferred)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (freshly grated)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 4 green onions (cut into 1-inch pieces for garnish)
- Steamed rice (for serving)
How to Make Mongolian Beef
The beauty of this Mongolian Beef – Easy Weeknight Dinner recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy equipment or complex techniques, and the whole dish comes together in less than 30 minutes. Here’s how to make it:
1. Prepare the Beef:
- Start by slicing the flank steak into thin strips. It’s important to slice against the grain to ensure the meat stays tender during cooking.
- Once sliced, coat the beef with cornstarch. This helps give the beef a slightly crispy texture when cooked and also thickens the sauce later.
2. Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the beef is browned.
- Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
- Using the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
- Add minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and water. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and the sugar dissolves completely.
4. Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked beef back into the skillet, tossing to coat the meat evenly with the sauce.
- If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes at this stage.
- Finally, toss in the chopped green onions and give everything a good stir.
5. Serve:
- Serve your Mongolian Beef over a bed of hot steamed rice, and garnish with additional green onions for that fresh, vibrant finish.
Tips for Perfect Mongolian Beef
Even though this is an easy recipe, there are a few tips that can elevate your Mongolian Beef to restaurant-quality levels:
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Flank steak is ideal for Mongolian Beef because it’s lean and cooks quickly. Be sure to slice it thinly and against the grain for the most tender results. If you prefer, you can substitute flank steak with skirt steak or sirloin.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the beef in batches ensures that each piece gets properly seared, adding depth of flavor and texture to the dish. Overcrowding will lead to steaming instead of browning, which can result in a soggy texture.
- Control the Sweetness: Mongolian Beef is known for its slightly sweet flavor, thanks to the brown sugar. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of sugar to suit your taste.
- Add Vegetables: While this version of Mongolian Beef focuses on simplicity, feel free to toss in some vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for added texture and nutrition.
Why This Mongolian Beef Recipe is Perfect for Weeknights
One of the reasons this Mongolian Beef recipe is a go-to for weeknight dinners is its simplicity. The whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it faster than ordering takeout. Plus, since it uses minimal ingredients, it’s perfect for those nights when you want something satisfying without a long list of groceries.
The flavor-packed sauce is the real star of the show here, combining soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar to create a rich, savory glaze that coats the tender beef perfectly. Pair this with fluffy steamed rice or even noodles for a comforting and hearty meal that the whole family will love.
Variations and Substitutions
While this classic Mongolian Beef recipe is delicious on its own, here are a few variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute regular soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to make this dish gluten-free.
- Spicy Mongolian Beef: If you love a kick of spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Low-Sugar Option: Reduce the brown sugar or use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener to cut down on the sugar content while still retaining some sweetness in the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of beef should I use for Mongolian Beef?
Flank steak is ideal due to its tenderness and quick cooking time. However, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin as substitutes.
How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?
Slicing the beef thinly against the grain and not overcooking it will keep it tender. Flank steak can become chewy if overcooked.
Can I make Mongolian Beef ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the beef ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and combine them when you’re ready to serve.
Is Mongolian Beef spicy?
Traditionally, Mongolian Beef is not very spicy, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes or chili paste.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas are great additions for extra flavor and nutrition.
What can I serve with Mongolian Beef?
Mongolian Beef pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles, but you can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Mongolian Beef is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. With tender beef coated in a flavorful sauce, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also delivers big on taste. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started, this recipe will help you create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy this flavorful and simple dish with your loved ones tonight!