Sizzling Mongolian Beef Recipe

Sizzling Mongolian Beef Recipe: Spicy Goodness in a Flash

Tender strips of beef dance with a glossy, irresistible mongolian beef sauce that promises a flavor explosion on your plate.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes that will transport you to culinary bliss.

Rich soy-based marinades coat succulent meat, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s both simple and extraordinary.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution for busy households.

Bold spices and minimal ingredients ensure this meal doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Crisp green onions add a fresh pop of color and brightness to the final presentation.

You’ll want to serve this crowd-pleasing dish immediately, straight from the sizzling pan to eager dinner plates.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients For Mongolian Beef Recipe

For Protein Base:
  • Flank Steak: Tender cut that absorbs flavors perfectly, choose well-marbled meat for maximum juiciness and rich beef taste.
  • Cornstarch: Creates magical crispy coating that locks in beef's succulence and helps sauce cling magnificently.
For Sauce Components:
  • Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce: Delivers deep umami punch and authentic Asian flavor profile, opt for low-sodium versions if watching salt intake.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds caramelized sweetness and helps balance savory elements, dark brown sugar provides more intense flavor.
  • Beef Broth: Enhances sauce's depth and complexity, homemade or high-quality store-bought work wonderfully.
  • Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty aromatic dimension, use sparingly as it's intensely flavored.
  • Ginger, Garlic: Fresh versions provide vibrant, zesty kick that ground versions cannot match.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Brings delightful heat and subtle spiciness, adjust quantity based on heat preference.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Green Onions: Adds fresh, sharp brightness and beautiful color contrast.
  • Sesame Seeds: Provides delicate crunch and subtle nutty undertone.
  • Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil perfect for high-heat searing, ensures beef develops gorgeous golden exterior.

Tools List For Mongolian Beef Recipe

  • Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for searing beef and creating that perfect crispy texture.
  • Sharp Knife: Crucial for slicing steak into thin, even strips against the grain.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for precise meat preparation.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
  • Small Bowls: Helpful for mixing cornstarch slurry and preparing sauce components.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Tongs: Great for handling and turning beef while cooking.

Cooking Instructions For Mongolian Beef Recipe

  • Slice the Beef

Cut steak into thin, bite-sized strips against the grain. Dust beef pieces with cornstarch, ensuring each slice is lightly coated. Let rest for 10 minutes to help create a crispy exterior.

  • Create Flavor Explosion

Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Prepare a quick cornstarch mixture by blending cornstarch with water in a separate small container.

  • Sear the Meat

Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Cook beef slices in batches, ensuring each piece browns quickly and develops a delicious crispy crust. Remove browned meat and set aside.

  • Build the Sauce

Pour prepared sauce into the same pan. Bring to a quick simmer and add cornstarch mixture. Let sauce thicken for a couple of minutes, stirring continuously. Return crispy beef to the pan and toss until completely coated.

  • Finish and Plate

Sprinkle fresh green onions and sesame seeds over the beef. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or noodles for a mouthwatering meal that’ll impress everyone at the table.

Tasty Tips For Mongolian Beef Recipe

  • Flavor-Boosting Marinade Magic: Let beef soak in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking to intensify the flavor and tenderize the meat.
  • Crispy Beef Secret: Pat meat completely dry before coating with cornstarch to ensure a perfectly crisp exterior without soggy texture.
  • Low-Carb Twist: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version that keeps all the delicious flavors intact.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes from zero to high heat – start with a pinch and gradually increase based on personal heat tolerance.
  • Protein Power Switch: Swap beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for versatile protein options that work beautifully with the same amazing sauce.

Ways To Serve Mongolian Beef Recipe

  • Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this sizzling Mongolian beef over fluffy white rice, creating a comforting main course perfect for weeknight meals.
  • Restaurant-Style Presentation: Plate the beef on a large platter, garnishing generously with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a professional touch that elevates the dish's visual appeal.
  • Asian-Inspired Noodle Bowl: Swap rice for thin wheat noodles or rice noodles, letting the rich sauce coat the strands for a delicious alternative that adds exciting texture and flavor complexity.
  • Spicy Side Kick: Accompany the beef with quick pickled cucumbers or a small side of kimchi to provide a tangy, crunchy contrast that cuts through the dish's rich, savory profile.

Plan And Store Mongolian Beef Recipe Easily

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover Mongolian beef in an airtight container within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep beef and rice separately to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
  • Quick Reheating Technique: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain the crispy beef texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Seal completely cooled beef in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Meal Prep Hack: Prepare beef and sauce components separately during weekly cooking. Store uncooked sliced beef and premixed sauce in separate containers. When ready to eat, quickly sauté beef and combine with sauce for a fast, fresh meal within 15 minutes.
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Sizzling Mongolian Beef Recipe

Sizzling Mongolian Beef Recipe


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4.9 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Sizzling Mongolian Beef delights diners with its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Tender strips of beef glaze with a rich sauce, promising a culinary journey that satisfies your cravings for authentic Asian cuisine.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) flank steak (or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) cornstarch
  • ½ cup (120 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) beef broth (or water)
  • 2 tsps (10 ml) sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) hoisin sauce (optional, adds depth)
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) cornstarch + 2 tbsps (30 ml) water (for thickening)
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Beef Preparation: Slice steak into delicate, thin strips against the grain, ensuring uniform size for consistent cooking and coating with cornstarch. Allow mixture to rest for developing crispy exterior and sauce adherence.
  2. Sauce Creation: Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, minced ginger, crushed garlic, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl. Simultaneously, blend cornstarch with water to create a thickening slurry.
  3. Searing Technique: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok until shimmering, then strategically place beef strips in a single layer. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes, achieving a golden-brown crust without overcrowding the cooking surface.
  4. Sauce Development: Remove seared beef and set aside. Pour prepared sauce into the same cooking vessel, allowing it to simmer and develop robust flavors. Integrate cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously until achieving a luxurious, glossy consistency.
  5. Final Assembly: Reintroduce seared beef to the sauce, gently tossing to ensure comprehensive coating. Garnish with finely chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for enhanced texture and visual dimension.
  6. Plating: Serve immediately over steamed rice or tender noodles, presenting a vibrant and aromatic Mongolian beef dish that promises a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Notes

  • Slice Strategically: Cut beef against the grain into uniform, thin strips to ensure tender, even cooking and prevent tough, chewy meat.
  • Cornstarch Coating Technique: Let cornstarch-coated beef rest for exactly 10 minutes to create a crispy exterior that locks in moisture and helps sauce cling perfectly.
  • High-Heat Searing Secret: Use a blazing hot wok or skillet and avoid overcrowding to achieve a golden-brown crust that seals in the beef’s natural juices and flavor.
  • Sauce Consistency Mastery: Stir cornstarch slurry continuously while simmering to prevent lumps and create a glossy, restaurant-quality sauce that clings beautifully to the beef.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mongolian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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