Easy 30-Minute Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry 🍖🌶️✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a flavorful, restaurant-quality Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry that can be prepared in just 30 minutes, you’re in the right place! This Better Than Takeout Mongolian Beef recipe combines tender beef slices with a savory, sweet soy-based sauce, along with aromatic garlic and ginger. Perfect for busy weeknights, this quick and delicious dish guarantees a satisfying meal with minimal fuss. Read on to discover how to create this irresistible stir-fry in your own kitchen!
2. Ingredients for Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry
- 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce or oyster sauce (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (for thickening)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry
Preparing the Beef
Start by thinly slicing the beef against the grain. For easier slicing, you can partially freeze the beef for about 30 minutes. Set aside.
Sautéing the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and cook until browned and just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cooking the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Preparing the Sauce
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin or oyster sauce (if using), water or broth, and brown sugar or honey. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the aromatics.
Simmering the Sauce
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then add the cornstarch mixed with water to thicken. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
Combining the Beef and Sauce
Return the cooked beef to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and flavorful.
Finishing Touches
Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals or stir-fry in a hot skillet to maintain the dish’s texture and flavor.
5. Serving Suggestions
This Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine or brown rice, or you can serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For added freshness, serve with fresh vegetable sides like steamed broccoli or stir-fried bell peppers.
6. FAQs About Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry
Can I substitute the beef with chicken or tofu?
Absolutely! Use thinly sliced chicken breast or firm tofu cubes for a vegetarian or different protein option.
How long does it take to prepare this Mongolian Beef?
The entire process takes approximately 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners.
Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, just use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce that are labeled gluten-free to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set — This high-quality nonstick set makes stir-frying easy and cleanup effortless, enhancing your cooking experience.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — Perfect for slicing beef thinly and uniformly, saving you prep time.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker — Keep beverages or ingredients chilled while prepping, ensuring freshness.
8. Additional tips for perfect Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry
- Slice the beef very thinly against the grain for tender bites.
- Adjust the sweetness or saltiness by varying the soy sauce and sugar amounts to suit your taste.
- If you prefer more sauce, simply increase the soy and broth quantities, then thicken accordingly.
9. Conclusion
There you have it—your new Better-Than-Takeout Mongolian Beef recipe ready in just 30 minutes! This stir-fry is an excellent way to enjoy a flavorful, comforting dish with minimal effort. Perfect for busy evenings, it impresses with its rich sauce and tender beef. Try it today and elevate your home-cooked Asian favorites! For more quick and easy Asian-inspired dishes, check out our garlic butter shrimp pasta or explore other flavorful recipes on our site.
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Easy 30-Minute Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry (Better Than Takeout!)
Learn how to make an authentic and flavorful Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry in just 30 minutes with this easy, takeout-style recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this Chinese-inspired dish features tender beef slices cooked in a savory, sweet soy-based sauce with garlic, ginger, and fresh garnishes. Elevate your home cooking with this quick and delicious Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry that surpasses restaurant quality.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce or oyster sauce (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (for thickening)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by thinly slicing the beef against the grain. For easier slicing, you can partially freeze the beef for about 30 minutes. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and cook until browned and just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin or oyster sauce (if using), water or broth, and brown sugar or honey. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the aromatics.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then add the cornstarch mixed with water to thicken. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and flavorful.
- Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Slice the beef very thinly against the grain for tender bites.
- Adjust the sweetness or saltiness by varying the soy sauce and sugar amounts to suit your taste.
- If you prefer more sauce, simply increase the soy and broth quantities, then thicken accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 380 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg