How to Make Quick Easy Mongolian Beef in 30 Minutes

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 Quick & Easy Mongolian Beef recipe that you can make in just 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic alternative to the usual easy pasta recipes that we often rely on. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for 30-minute meals.
• Full of flavor with a delightful balance of sweet and savory.
• Great for busy weeknights when you need quick family dinners.
• Versatile—substitute with your favorite cuts of beef or even chicken!
• Perfect for meal prep or serving guests.

Ingredients

To make this mouthwatering Mongolian beef, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak (or sirloin steak or skirt steak)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (or potato starch)
• 5 thin slices ginger
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 red chili pepper (chopped)
• 1 green onion (finely chopped)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1/2 tsp sesame seeds (for garnishing)
• 2 tsp regular soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or white pepper)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda (do not skip this!)
• 4 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp regular soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark brown sugar will work)
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch)
• ½ cup water (cold)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own Mongolian Beef Recipe Easy:

1. Thinly slice the beef on an angle into 1/4-inch thick pieces that are about 2 inches in length. Transfer the sliced beef into a large bowl. Tip: To thinly slice beef, freeze it for 45-60 minutes so the exterior becomes hardened and use a sharp knife to slice it.
2. Marinate the beef strips with the marinade ingredients for 10 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients and set aside.
4. On a large plate, add cornstarch and evenly coat each slice of marinated beef in the starch, ensuring no bald spots. Transfer the coated pieces to a large plate.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan on medium heat and fry the beef in small batches in a single layer for 1-2 minutes until crispy. Do not over fry. Remove the cooked beef and transfer it to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
6. Leave 1 tsp or 5 ml of vegetable oil in the pan and remove the rest. Reduce to low heat, sauté ginger, garlic, and red chili for 10 seconds.
7. Pour in the sauce to reduce and thicken.
8. Toss in the fried beef and garnish with green onions. Remove from heat. Optionally garnish with sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Mongolian beef turns out perfectly:

• Don’t skip the baking soda! It helps tenderize the beef.
• Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that crispy texture.
• Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili pepper.
• For a twist, try adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for a complete meal.

How to Serve

This Best Mongolian Beef Recipe is best served hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. You can also pair it with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a colorful and nutritious meal. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out my Beef Stir Fry and Chinese Beef Broccoli recipes for additional inspiration!

Make Ahead and Storage

If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can marinate the beef and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cooked Mongolian beef can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep or quick weeknight dinner ideas!

So there you have it! A quick and easy way to make Mongolian beef at home that’s sure to impress. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Happy cooking!