Easy Mongolian Beef Recipe and 10 Tasty Side Dishes Ideas

Ingredients:

- 1 lb flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)

- 1/4 cup cornstarch

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 3 cloves garlic (minced)

- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)

- 1/2 cup soy sauce

- 1/2 cup brown sugar

- 1/2 cup water

- 4 green onions (cut into 2-inch pieces)

- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the sliced flank steak in a bowl and coat it with cornstarch. Make sure every piece is evenly covered. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb.

2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in small batches, cooking until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and water to the skillet. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Allow it to cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Return the beef to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the beef is well coated.

6. Add the green onions and stir them in quickly before turning off the heat. Drizzle with sesame oil if desired.

7. Serve your tasty Mongolian beef hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Making Mongolian beef at home can be even easier and tastier with these tips:

1. Slice Beef Thinly: Always slice the beef very thinly against the grain. This breaks tough muscle fibers, ensuring the meat cooks quickly and becomes tender, which is important for a dish with quick cooking times.

2. Cornstarch Coating: Lightly coating the beef with cornstarch helps create a thin crust when cooked. This not only improves texture but also thickens the sauce, allowing it to cling better to the meat.

3. Use a Hot Pan: A hot skillet or wok ensures the beef sears immediately when it touches the pan. This locks in juices, prevents overcooking, and gives the beef a delicious golden-brown surface.

4. Control Sauce Sweetness: Adjusting the amount of brown sugar in the recipe lets you control sweetness. Some people prefer a sweeter Mongolian beef, while others enjoy a more balanced flavor with stronger soy sauce notes.

5. Add More Vegetables: Enhance the dish by adding vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers. They bring freshness, extra nutrients, and additional crunch, making the overall meal more colorful and satisfying.

6. Cook in Batches: Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking beef. Working in small batches helps every slice sear properly instead of steaming, which makes the meat more flavorful and gives a better texture.

7. Use Flank or Sirloin: Flank steak is the traditional cut for Mongolian beef because it absorbs flavor well. However, sirloin is also a great option, as it’s naturally tender and works beautifully with the rich sauce.

If you have some leftovers from your Mongolian beef recipe, don’t worry. This dish stores very well, and you can enjoy it later without losing much of its flavor.

To refrigerate, place the cooled Mongolian beef in an airtight container. It can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. When you reheat it, use a skillet on medium heat for the best texture, or simply warm it in the microwave.

For longer storage, you can freeze Mongolian beef. Put it into a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat gently.

Mongolian beef is rich in flavor, so pairing it with the right side dishes makes the meal even better. Here are ten tasty options:

1. Steamed White Rice – A classic side that balances the savory and sweet sauce of Mongolian beef.

2. Fried Rice – Adds extra flavor and texture with egg, vegetables, and light seasoning.

3. Garlic Noodles – Soft noodles tossed with garlic and soy sauce go perfectly with the dish.

4. Stir-Fried Vegetables – Crunchy broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers add freshness to your plate.

5. Egg Rolls – Crispy and filled with vegetables, they make a nice appetizer or side.

6. Dumplings – Soft dumplings filled with meat or vegetables complement the beef’s strong flavors.

7. Spring Rolls – Lighter and fresh, they add a refreshing contrast to the rich beef.

8. Asian Slaw – A tangy cabbage slaw with sesame dressing brings crunch and balance.

9. Sesame Green Beans – Fresh green beans tossed with sesame oil and seeds add a nutty taste.

10. Kimchi – This spicy, fermented Korean side dish adds heat and sharpness to the meal.