Name: Easy Mongolian Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak (sliced at least 1/4" thin); 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup light brown sugar (packed); 1/2 cup soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce ((optional, adds heat)); 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for sauce thickening)

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, then Easy Mongolian Beef is just the ticket. This dish is a delightful combination of tender beef, a sweet and savory sauce, and an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe highlights how simple cooking can be while still delivering incredible flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

Easy Mongolian Beef is a favorite for many reasons. First, the use of thinly sliced beef ensures that it cooks quickly and remains tender. The marinade, which includes soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic, creates a well-balanced flavor profile that is both sweet and savory. The addition of cornstarch not only thickens the sauce but also gives the beef a beautiful glaze. Plus, with just a few simple steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready to enjoy at home.

Shopping List

1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, sliced at least 1/4″ thin
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce (optional, adds heat)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for sauce thickening)
1 teaspoon ground ginger

Kitchen Gear Checklist

Sharp knife – For slicing the beef thinly.
Cutting board – A sturdy surface to prepare your ingredients.
Large skillet or wok – Ideal for stir-frying the beef quickly.
Mixing bowl – For combining the marinade ingredients.
Whisk – To ensure the sauce ingredients are well blended.
Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.

Build Easy Mongolian Beef Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by slicing the beef sirloin or flank steak against the grain into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. This technique helps ensure the meat remains tender after cooking.

Step 2: Season the Beef

In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced beef with 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss everything together until the beef is evenly coated. This helps to create a wonderful texture and flavor.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of packed light brown sugar, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon ground ginger. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add the 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce to the mix.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned beef in a single layer. Allow it to sear for about 2-3 minutes without stirring, letting it develop a nice brown crust.

Step 5: Add the Sauce

Once the beef is browned, pour the sauce over the beef in the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If needed, you can add an additional tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the skillet from heat and serve the Easy Mongolian Beef over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Holiday & Seasonal Touches

Add seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or snow peas for a pop of color and crunch.
Serve with a side of stir-fried bok choy to elevate your meal.
For a holiday twist, consider adding orange zest or juice to the sauce for a refreshing citrus note.

Notes from the Test Kitchen

The key to tender beef is slicing it against the grain. This breaks up the muscle fibers, making each bite easier to chew. If you find that your beef is tough, try marinating it for an additional 30 minutes in the sauce before cooking.

Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste.
If you want to cut down on sugar, use a low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the brown sugar slightly.
This recipe can easily be doubled for a larger crowd. Just ensure your skillet is big enough to handle the increased volume of beef.

Storage & Reheat Guide

Leftover Easy Mongolian Beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it over medium heat in a skillet until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

Bring It to the Table

Your Easy Mongolian Beef is now ready to impress family and friends! Set the table with a beautiful presentation, perhaps topping each serving with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh green onions. This dish not only looks great but tastes phenomenal, offering a perfect balance of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

With its straightforward preparation and delightful taste, Easy Mongolian Beef is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Happy cooking!