Are you ready to whip up a delicious meal that will have your family raving? I know I am! Today, I’m excited to share my 30-Minute Mongolian Beef Recipe with you. This dish is not only packed with flavor but also comes together in a flash, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need quick family dinners. Plus, if you’re a fan of easy pasta recipes, you can serve this savory beef over noodles for a delightful twist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
- Flavorful and tender beef that melts in your mouth.
- Perfect for busy weeknight dinner ideas.
- Can be served over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers!
Ingredients
To make this mouthwatering Mongolian beef, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful dish:
- Dust the flank steak slices with cornstarch, creating a delicate, protective coating that will help achieve a crispy exterior. Allow the meat to rest and absorb the coating for a brief period.
- Fire up a large skillet or wok, introducing vegetable oil at medium-high temperature. Carefully arrange the beef pieces in a single layer, ensuring maximum surface contact for optimal browning. Sear each side until a golden, crisp edge develops, rotating as needed to prevent overcooking.
- Once the beef reaches a perfect caramelized state, transfer it to a separate plate, preserving its enticing texture and warmth.
- Reduce the skillet’s heat, then introduce minced garlic and ginger. Gently swirl these aromatic ingredients, releasing their intense fragrance and creating a flavor foundation.
- Pour in the liquid components: soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Elevate the temperature, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil, then immediately lower to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to transform, thickening and concentrating its rich flavors.
- Reintroduce the seared beef into the glossy sauce, ensuring each piece is luxuriously coated. Let the meat warm through and absorb the complex flavors, creating a harmonious culinary experience.
- Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions and a scattering of nutty sesame seeds. Serve immediately atop a bed of steaming rice or tender noodles, allowing the sauce to cascade enticingly.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your Mongolian beef turns out perfectly:
- For the best texture, slice the flank steak against the grain.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the beef; this helps achieve that beautiful caramelization.
- Feel free to adjust the level of heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- If you want to make this dish even quicker, consider prepping your ingredients ahead of time.
How to Serve
This Mongolian beef is incredibly versatile! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal.
- For a fun twist, try it over your favorite noodles, making it a delightful fusion of flavors.
- Pair it with steamed vegetables for a complete dinner that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
- Don’t forget to garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds for that restaurant-quality finish!
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Here are some tips for making it ahead of time:
- You can marinate the beef in the soy sauce mixture for a few hours or overnight for even more flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Now that you have this 30-Minute Mongolian Beef Recipe in your culinary arsenal, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. If you’re looking for more quick and easy dinner ideas, check out my other Mongolian Beef and Beef Stir Fry recipes. And if you’re in the mood for something creamy, don’t miss my Ground Beef Stroganoff! Happy cooking!
30-Minute Mongolian Beef Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Coat the sliced beef with cornstarch and let rest briefly.
- Heat oil in a skillet, sear beef until crispy, then set aside.
- Reduce heat, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Pour in soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes; boil then simmer to thicken.
- Recombine beef with sauce, cook briefly, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.