Easy Mongolian Beef

Name: Easy Mongolian Beef
Yield: 4

KrystelDecember 21, 2023

DifficultyEasy

Total time20 minutes

Servings4

30-minute Sizzle: Easy Mongolian Beef That Wows

Introduction to Easy Mongolian Beef

Hey there! I'm so excited to share a favorite of mine - Mongolian Beef. It's a dish I first fell in love with at Chinese restaurants, marveling at the tender beef coated in a savory sauce that just explodes with flavor. You know, I’ve always thought, why wait for a night out to enjoy such an exquisite meal?

That’s why I decided to bring this delightful experience right into our kitchens. And let me tell you, it's a game-changer. Imagine recreating this Chinese food classic in just 30 minutes, using simple ingredients like flank steak, green onions, and that all-important brown sugar for the perfect balance of sweetness. It’s about making memorable meals without the fuss, right in the comfort of your home. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned kitchen adventurer looking for the next best thing, this easy Mongolian beef recipe is here to transform your dinner times.

Key Takeaways:

Discover Mongolian Beef: A favorite from Chinese restaurants, now easily recreated at home.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with simple, accessible ingredients.
Customizable: Perfect for first-timers or seasoned cooks, adaptable to their taste.

What You'll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this 30-minute magic. Here's what you'll need: sirloin steak, tender and perfect for slicing into those thin, savory strips we love. Cornstarch for that crispy coating that makes Mongolian Beef absolutely irresistible. Don’t forget the vegetable oil, essential for achieving that golden brown deliciousness. A splash of soy sauce brings the umami, while brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness contrasting the savory sauce. Fresh garlic and ginger, because, let’s be honest, they’re the heart and soul of this dish. And finally, those bright, crisp green onions for a fresh finish. Feel free to play around with these core ingredients; substitute flank steak if you prefer or throw in some red pepper flakes for an extra kick. It’s all about making it yours.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by slicing your sirloin steak into thin slices, aiming for about ¼-inch thickness. This is where the magic begins. Your choice of beef is paramount, so ensure it's tender and ready for action.
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of vegetable oil, creating that savory sauce that’s going to coat our tender beef beautifully.
Toss beef slices in cornstarch until they're well coated. This step guarantees that crispy coating we’re all craving.
Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and wait until it’s shimmering. The right temperature here is crucial for achieving that golden brown perfection.
Carefully place beef slices in the hot oil, in a single layer, searing each side to a golden brown. This quick sear locks in the juices, ensuring each bite is as flavorful as the last.
Pour the savory sauce over the crispy beef, letting the two marry under the heat, simmering into that classic Mongolian beef we know and love.
Finally, sprinkle green onions and red pepper flakes to taste, adding a fresh and spicy finish that makes this dish unforgettable. Serve your masterpiece over white rice or nestled in tender lettuce wraps for a complete meal that'll have everyone raving.

Tips and Tools for this recipe

Check out my kitchen essentials, where you'll find my favorite kitchen tools, spices and more!

Here is the nonstick frying pan that I use and love for my Mongolian beef recipe.
Using fresh garlic gives the best flavor and I use my garlic press to add minced garlic in a breeze!
Using a good sharp chef's knife is essential.
These are the cutting boards I use.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Pair with white or brown rice for a classic, comforting base that soaks up the savory sauce beautifully.
Opt for stir fry noodles or chow mein if you're craving that extra chewy texture that pairs so well with tender pieces of beef.
Try using different cuts of beef like flank steak or even pork tenderloin for a twist on the traditional sirloin steak version.
Enhance the flavor with additional spices such as extra red pepper flakes for heat or a teaspoon of dry sherry for depth.
Swap in sesame oil or olive oil as a different cooking oil option to vary the underlying flavors.
Add vegetables like green onions or red chilis to introduce a crunch and fresh burst of flavor.
Consider a low-sodium soy sauce or light soy sauce to better control the saltiness according to your dietary needs.

Unlocking the Secrets to a Perfect Mongolian Beef

Unlocking the secrets to perfect Mongolian Beef begins with the cut of meat. Opting for sirloin steak or flank steak, slice it into tender thin slices. This not only ensures a tender beef experience but also shortens the cooking time, capturing that delightful savoriness enveloped in a savory sauce. Next, don't shy away from a high heat in a large skillet; it's your ally for achieving a golden brown, crispy coating on the beef, essential for that authentic Mongolian Beef texture. Remember, the combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and vegetable oil creates that magical, flavorful Mongolian beef known and loved from PF Chang’s to your kitchen. Pair it with white rice or stir fry noodles and see your homemade Mongolian beef become a cornerstone for delightful dinners.

As you present this beautiful creation, your loved ones will be drawn in by the irresistible flavors and eye-catching presentation.
Krystel’s Cooking

Dish Up and Enjoy

Now, it's time for you to take this easy Mongolian Beef recipe and make it your own. Trust me, whipping up this delicious dish at home is a game-changer. You’ll marvel at the tender beef slices, coated in a crispy edge, simmering in that savory sauce, and the aroma? Simply irresistible. Picture this: the beef is golden brown, nestled on a bed of fluffy white rice, with hints of green onions and sesame seeds adding a pop of color and texture. Imagine taking that first bite - the blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and a kick of red pepper flakes dancing on your palate. Yes, this homemade Mongolian Beef is not just food; it’s an experience.

Whether it’s your first time attempting Chinese cuisine or you're a seasoned home cook, this recipe promises ease and customization. Want a hint more spice? Toss in some chili peppers. Prefer a healthier twist? Opt for brown rice or even lettuce wraps. And for all you slow cooker enthusiasts, converting this recipe for a slow-cooked delight is absolutely within reach. Each bite is a promise of savory sweetness, a testament to your culinary prowess, inviting rave reviews from the whole family.