Name: Mongolian Beef Recipe: Savory and Sweet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak (thinly sliced); 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed); 1/4 cup water; 1 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp grated fresh ginger; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 4 green onions (sliced); 1 tsp sesame seeds; Optional: Extra green onions (sesame seeds); Suggested Pairings: Rice (green tea)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Mongolian Beef is a classic main dish, perfect for family dinners or small gatherings. This restaurant-style favorite features tender beef strips coated in a savory-sweet sauce with a hint of ginger and garlic, delivering bold, satisfying flavors in every bite. Presented on a white ceramic platter, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, this Mongolian Beef offers a vibrant, appetizing aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a traditional version, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing dish that brings Asian-inspired flair to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Mongolian Beef:

1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
4 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

For Serving:

Optional: Extra green onions, sesame seeds
Suggested Accompaniments: Steamed rice, stir-fried broccoli
Suggested Pairings: Green tea, light beer
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic platter
Suggested Equipment: Large skillet or wok, mixing bowl, small bowl, knife, cutting board, measuring cups/spoons, tongs

Step-by-Step Process

Prepare Beef: Pat the flank steak slices dry with paper towels. In a mixing bowl, toss beef with cornstarch until evenly coated. Shake off excess cornstarch and set aside.
Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste the sauce and adjust with additional soy sauce (for saltiness) or brown sugar (for sweetness) to ensure a balanced flavor.
Cook Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until crispy and golden. Remove beef to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Cook Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the white parts of the green onions and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine: Return beef to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes until heated through. Stir in the green parts of the green onions.
Serve: Transfer beef and sauce to a white ceramic platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice, stir-fried broccoli, green tea, or light beer.

Tips for Better Mongolian Beef

Slice beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness; partially freeze for 20 minutes to make slicing easier.
Taste the sauce before cooking to balance savory, sweet, and umami flavors; adjust with soy sauce or sugar.
Use a hot skillet or wok to achieve a crispy exterior on the beef; avoid overcrowding the pan.
Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness; adjust seasoning after cooking if needed.
Present on a white ceramic platter to highlight the glossy beef and vibrant green onions.
Make ahead: Slice beef and prepare sauce up to 1 day in advance; store separately in the fridge.
For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and add to the simmering sauce.
Enhance aesthetic: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions on a white ceramic platter for a vibrant, restaurant-style look.

Variations and Customization

Gluten-Free Mongolian Beef: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and gluten-free hoisin sauce.
Low-Sodium Mongolian Beef: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce salt in the sauce; taste and adjust.
Spicy Mongolian Beef: Increase red pepper flakes to 1/2 tsp or add 1 sliced red chili.
Vegetable-Packed Mongolian Beef: Add 1 cup sliced bell peppers or snap peas with the green onions.
Chicken Mongolian: Substitute flank steak with 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, sliced thinly.
Keto Mongolian Beef: Replace brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener (e.g., erythritol) and hoisin with a keto version; serve with cauliflower rice.
Ginger-Forward Mongolian Beef: Double the ginger to 2 tsp for a bolder flavor.
Mild Mongolian Beef: Omit red pepper flakes and reduce ginger to 1/2 tsp for a milder taste.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave with a splash of water to revive the sauce.
Freeze cooked beef and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Serve hot for the best crispy texture and bold flavor.
Use as a main dish with rice or noodles, or in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
Pair with green tea or light beer to complement the savory-sweet flavors.
Present on a white ceramic platter with vibrant garnishes for an appetizing, restaurant-style charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 4 servings:

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 1100mg
Total Carbohydrates: 25g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 30g
Vitamin A: 6% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 10% Daily Value
Calcium: 4% Daily Value
Iron: 15% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (low-sodium soy sauce reduces sodium to ~800mg). High in protein; moderate in fat and carbs. Enjoy vegetables for balance.

Conclusion

This Mongolian Beef recipe delivers a savory-sweet main dish, perfect for any occasion, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-style classic. Its quick preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite. The crispy beef and glossy sauce delight with every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing appeal.