Mongolian Beef Recipe 5 Quick & Flavorful Ways to Enjoy Beef
You don’t have to wait for your favorite Chinese restaurant to deliver Mongolian Beef when you can easily create it at home. With a few simple ingredients and these easy variations, you can enjoy the dish exactly how you like it. Here are five ways you can prepare Mongolian Beef recipe with just a few tweaks to the classic recipe.
Table of Contents
1. Classic Mongolian Beef recipe Stir-Fry
Let’s start with the traditional recipe—the classic Mongolian Beef stir-fry. If you’re new to this dish, this version is the perfect introduction.
Ingredients for Classic Mongolian Beef Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef (sirloin or flank steak) | 1 lb |
| Soy Sauce | ½ cup |
| Brown Sugar | ¼ cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Ginger (fresh, grated) | 1 tbsp |
| Green Onions (sliced) | 4 stalks |
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain for the most tender results. If you want it even thinner, freeze the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing—it makes the process much easier.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a pan over medium-high heat, and add a little oil. Once the oil is hot, add the beef and stir-fry until it’s browned and cooked through. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
- Garnish and Serve: Add the sliced green onions and serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Key Points:
- This recipe is quick, taking less than 30 minutes to prepare.
- It balances the sweetness of the brown sugar with the umami of the soy sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser.
2. Mongolian Beef Recipe with a Sweet & Spicy Kick
Do you love a bit of heat in your food? If so, this sweet and spicy Mongolian Beef Recipe variation is just what you need.
Ingredients for Sweet & Spicy Mongolian Beef Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef (flank steak) | 1 lb |
| Soy Sauce | ½ cup |
| Brown Sugar | ⅓ cup |
| Chili Paste | 1-2 tbsp |
| Green Onions (chopped) | 4 stalks |
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef: As with the classic recipe, slice the beef against the grain.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili paste. Adjust the amount of chili paste based on your desired spice level.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning the sauce.
- Combine: Once the beef is cooked through, pour in the sauce and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Garnish: Add the green onions on top before serving.
Key Points:
- The chili paste adds the perfect amount of spice to this version.
- Adjust the heat level to suit your preference—more chili paste means more heat!
3. Mongolian Beef Recipe with Vegetables
Want to make your Mongolian Beef Recipe a bit more nutritious? Adding vegetables gives the dish extra flavor and texture while providing a healthy balance.
Ingredients for Mongolian Beef Recipe with Veggies
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef (sirloin or flank steak) | 1 lb |
| Soy Sauce | ¼ cup |
| Brown Sugar | ¼ cup |
| Bell Pepper (sliced) | 1 medium |
| Carrots (sliced) | 1 large |
| Broccoli (florets) | 1 cup |
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef thinly, just as you would for the classic recipe.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In a separate pan, stir-fry the bell pepper, carrots, and broccoli until they’re tender yet still crisp.
- Make the Sauce: Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger to create the sauce.
- Cook the Beef: Stir-fry the beef until browned and cooked through.
- Combine: Pour the sauce over the beef, add the vegetables, and stir to coat everything evenly.
Key Points:
- Adding vegetables not only makes the dish healthier but also adds different textures and flavors.
- You can switch out the veggies based on what you have available.
4. Mongolian Beef with a Coconut Twist
If you’re looking to add a creamy and rich element to your Mongolian Beef, this coconut twist will certainly impress.
Ingredients for Coconut Mongolian Beef
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef (sirloin or rib-eye) | 1 lb |
| Coconut Milk | ½ cup |
| Soy Sauce | ¼ cup |
| Brown Sugar | ¼ cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 tbsp |
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef thinly, ensuring it’s against the grain.
- Make the Sauce: Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and coconut milk in a bowl.
- Cook the Beef: In a pan, stir-fry the beef until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Combine: Add the sauce to the beef and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, thickening into a creamy consistency.
Key Points:
- The coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness and creamy texture to the dish.
- This version is perfect for anyone looking for a richer, more indulgent Mongolian Beef.
5. Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
If you’re short on time but still want a delicious dinner waiting for you when you get home, try the slow cooker method for Mongolian Beef.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef (flank steak) | 1 lb |
| Soy Sauce | ½ cup |
| Brown Sugar | ⅓ cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Green Onions (chopped) | 4 stalks |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp |
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef and add it to your slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
- Cook in the Slow Cooker: Pour the sauce over the beef, cover, and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Thicken the Sauce: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix cornstarch with a little water and add it to the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Serve: Top with green onions and serve over rice.
Key Points:
- The slow cooker method makes the beef tender and allows all the flavors to meld together.
- This is a set-it-and-forget-it option for busy days.
Tips for Perfect Mongolian Beef Every Time
Selecting the Right Beef for Mongolian Beef
When making Mongolian Beef, the key to achieving that perfect tenderness is selecting the right cut of beef. Flank steak, sirloin, and rib-eye are all great choices due to their tenderness and ability to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Flavor Boosters for Extra Taste
Want to elevate your Mongolian Beef even more? Consider adding a splash of sesame oil, a dash of hoisin sauce, or some chili flakes for added depth and flavor.
Troubleshooting Common Mongolian Beef Mistakes
- Too Saucy? If your sauce is too thin, simply thicken it with cornstarch or let it cook a little longer.
- Tough Beef? Be sure to slice the beef against the grain and opt for a tender cut of meat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best beef for Mongolian Beef?
Flank steak, rib-eye, and sirloin are all excellent choices for Mongolian Beef. These cuts are tender and cook quickly, making them perfect for stir-frying.
How do you make Mongolian Beef more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, add fresh ginger, garlic, and a splash of sesame oil. You can also adjust the soy sauce and brown sugar balance to suit your taste.
Can I make Mongolian Beef ahead of time?
Yes, Mongolian Beef can be made ahead. For the slow cooker version, simply prep it in the morning, and it will be ready for dinner.
Is Mongolian Beef spicy?
Traditional Mongolian Beef is not spicy, but you can adjust the heat by adding chili paste or red pepper flakes.
Conclusion: Enjoy Mongolian Beef at Home with Ease
Mongolian Beef is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that can bring the flavors of a restaurant meal to your home kitchen. Whether you choose the classic version, a spicy variation, or a coconut-infused twist, this dish is sure to satisfy. Try out these 5 quick and flavorful ways to enjoy Mongolian Beef, and soon enough, it will become one of your go-to recipes.