30 Moves to Make the Most of Your At-Home Workout

 Mongolian Beef Stir Fry: A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Craving a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home? Look no further than Mongolian Beef Stir Fry.

This dish features tender strips of beef coated in a sweet and savory sauce, paired with crisp vegetables, and served over steamed rice.

It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

In this article, we’ll share a step-by-step recipe for Mongolian Beef Stir Fry, along with tips, variations, and serving suggestions.

Whether you’re a stir-fry novice or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you create a dish that’s bursting with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.

2. Flavor-Packed: A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors.

3. Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or adjust the sauce to suit your taste.

4. Healthier Than Takeout: Made with fresh ingredients and no hidden additives.

5. Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults.

What is Mongolian Beef Stir Fry?

Mongolian Beef Stir Fry is a popular Chinese-American dish that features thinly sliced beef cooked in a rich, glossy sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Despite its name, the dish doesn’t actually originate from Mongolia—it’s believed to have been created in Taiwanese-American restaurants.

The result is a deliciously tender and flavorful dish that’s perfectly served over rice or noodles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make Mongolian Beef Stir Fry (serves 4):

For the Beef:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain

• 1/4 cup cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)

• 1/4 cup water

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce (optional, for extra depth)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)

For the Stir Fry:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 cup broccoli florets (optional)

For Serving:

• Steamed rice (white or brown)

• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make Mongolian Beef Stir Fry:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.

2. Toss the beef slices in cornstarch until evenly coated. Shake off any excess.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

2. Add the beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.

2. Sauté the garlic, ginger, and green onions for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add the bell pepper and broccoli (if using) and stir fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

1. Return the beef to the skillet and pour in the sauce.

2. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the Mongolian Beef Stir Fry over steamed rice.

2. Garnish with additional green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Tips for the Best Mongolian Beef Stir Fry

1. Slice the Beef Thinly: Cutting against the grain ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the beef in batches to avoid steaming instead of browning.

3. Adjust the Sauce: Add more brown sugar for sweetness or a splash of rice vinegar for tanginess.

4. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger make a big difference in flavor.

5. Prep Ahead: Slice the beef and veggies ahead of time for a quicker cooking process.

Variations of Mongolian Beef Stir Fry

Here are some creative ways to customize your stir fry:

1. Spicy Mongolian Beef

Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

2. Mongolian Chicken Stir Fry

Swap the beef for thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs.

3. Vegetarian Mongolian Stir Fry

Use tofu or mushrooms instead of beef for a plant-based version.

4. Add More Veggies

Incorporate carrots, snap peas, or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.

5. Low-Carb Option

Serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Serving Suggestions

Mongolian Beef Stir Fry is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to make it a complete meal:

• With Steamed Rice: White or brown rice is the classic choice.

• With Noodles: Serve over lo mein or rice noodles for a change.

• With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple cucumber or Asian slaw salad.

• With Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: Add a crispy appetizer for a restaurant-style experience.

Health Benefits of Mongolian Beef Stir Fry

This dish isn’t just tasty—it’s also packed with nutrients:

• Protein: Beef provides a good source of high-quality protein.

• Vitamins and Minerals: Bell peppers and broccoli are rich in vitamins A and C.

• Low in Calories: When served with a moderate portion of rice, this dish is a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, sirloin or ribeye works well, but flank steak is ideal for its tenderness.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.

What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?

Oyster sauce or a mix of soy and honey can be used as a substitute.

Why This Recipe Works

Mongolian Beef Stir Fry is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. The tender beef, crisp vegetables, and rich sauce come together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make.

Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to takeout, allowing you to control the ingredients and customize it to your liking.

Final Thoughts

Mongolian Beef Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish perfect for any night of the week.

With its tender beef, vibrant veggies, and irresistible sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout!

So, grab your skillet and get cooking. Your taste buds—and your family—will thank you!