Mongolian Beef

Mongolian Beef Recipe – Savory Chinese Stir-Fry with Sweet Flavor

Some dishes feel rich and comforting right away. Mongolian beef delivers that balance with ease. It combines tender beef with a savory sauce and a hint of sweetness that keeps every bite satisfying. At the same time, it stays simple and approachable.

First, cooks slice the beef thin and coat it lightly. Then they sear it in a hot pan until it develops a crisp edge. Because of this, the beef keeps a tender center while gaining texture on the outside.

Next, they build the sauce. Garlic and ginger go in first and release a strong aroma. Then soy sauce and a touch of sugar create that signature savory and slightly sweet flavor. As a result, the sauce feels rich but not overwhelming.

Meanwhile, green onions add freshness and a mild bite. They balance the richness and keep the dish from feeling too heavy. In turn, each bite feels layered and complete.

This recipe works well for both quick dinners and special occasions. It comes together fast but still feels restaurant-quality. In addition, it pairs easily with rice or noodles.

Finally, serve it hot so the sauce stays glossy and the flavors remain bold. The texture and aroma stand out immediately.

Overall, Mongolian beef remains a favorite for a reason. It’s bold, balanced, and always satisfying.

Category, DifficultyIntermediate

 

Yields4 Servings
Prep Time15 minsCook Time15 minsTotal Time30 mins

 1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
 1/4 cup cornstarch
 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
 1/2 cup soy sauce
 1/2 cup water
 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
 1 bunch green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
 Optional: red pepper flakes or dried chili for added heat

1

Prepare the Beef: Toss the sliced beef in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch.

2

Fry the Beef: Heat the oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, frying until crispy and browned, but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef and set it aside.

3

Make the Sauce: Discard the excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Add ginger and garlic, and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Add soy sauce, water, and brown sugar to the pan. Cook the sauce until it thickens slightly.

4

Make the Sauce: Discard the excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Add ginger and garlic, and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Add soy sauce, water, and brown sugar to the pan. Cook the sauce until it thickens slightly.

5

Finish the Dish: Stir in the green onions (and red pepper flakes or dried chili if using) and cook for an additional minute.

6

Serve: Serve the Mongolian Beef over steamed rice or noodles.

Ingredients

 1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
 1/4 cup cornstarch
 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
 1/2 cup soy sauce
 1/2 cup water
 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
 1 bunch green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
 Optional: red pepper flakes or dried chili for added heat
Mongolian Beef

If you loved this dish, there’s more waiting for you. Visit our
Chinese Stir-Fry Recipes guide
to discover more bold sauces, comforting noodle dishes, and quick Chinese favorites worth making again.

For more recipes, step into our guide Chinese Stir-Fry Recipes You’ll Actually Want to Cook Again.

Author

  • Alberto is a Calgary-based hospitality professional and the founder of OvenSource. His background is rooted in restaurant operations, guest experience, and concept-driven dining, with years spent working closely inside hospitality environments where food, service, and atmosphere all matter equally.

    Through OvenSource, he brings together practical restaurant insight, a traveler’s perspective, and a deep personal interest in how food connects people to memory and place.

    View all posts Founder & Editor

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