Savory Mongolian Beef Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Asian Delight
Sizzling woks and tantalizing aromas dance through kitchens when a mouthwatering Mongolian beef recipe hits the stovetop.
Tender strips of beef glisten with a glossy, sweet-savory sauce that promises pure culinary excitement.
Home cooks adore this classic dish for its perfect balance of flavors and impressive restaurant-quality results.
Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of succulent meat and rich, umami-packed seasonings.
The simple ingredients come together with surprising ease, making this recipe a weeknight dinner champion.
Spice lovers and meat enthusiasts will find themselves falling head over heels for this irresistible Asian-inspired masterpiece.
Prepare to transform your dinner routine with a dish that delivers maximum flavor and minimal cooking stress.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Calories: 378 kcal
Servings: 7
Mongolian Beef Ingredient Checklist
For The Protein:
Beef Blade Steak: Premium cut with rich marbling that promises tender, juicy meat perfect for quick stir-frying and absorbing deep flavor profiles.
For The Flavor Enhancers:
Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar: Magical combination creating sweet-salty depth with complex caramelized undertones that transform ordinary beef into restaurant-quality dish.
Ginger, Garlic: Aromatic powerhouses bringing zesty warmth and pungent complexity, essential for authentic Asian-inspired cooking.
For The Binding And Cooking Agents:
Cornflour: Secret weapon for creating silky sauce coating and achieving beautifully crisp meat exterior with golden-brown seal.
Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking medium ensuring even heat distribution and preventing ingredient sticking during high-temperature preparation.
Shallots: Delicate onion variety adding fresh, mild sharpness and vibrant green color as elegant finishing garnish.
Cooking Tools Needed for Mongolian Beef
Sharp knife: Essential for slicing steak against the grain precisely and evenly.
Cutting board: Sturdy surface for preparing meat safely.
Slow cooker: Key appliance for cooking beef with rich, tender results.
Measuring jug: Perfect for mixing sauce ingredients smoothly.
Grater: Helps create finely grated fresh ginger.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Useful for stirring ingredients and mixing sauce.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate sauce and water measurements.
Chopping board: For cutting shallots as final garnish.
Mongolian Beef Instructions You Can Follow
Meat Preparation Slice beef against the grain into thin, delicate pieces after trimming away excess fat.
Coating Magic Gently dust each beef slice with a light cornflour layer to create a delightful crispy exterior.
Flavor Symphony Whisk together a magical blend of zesty ginger, aromatic garlic, rich brown sugar, deep soy sauce, and smooth vegetable oil until perfectly combined.
Liquid Harmony Add a splash of water to the sauce mixture, creating a silky smooth consistency that will infuse the meat with incredible flavors.
Slow Cooking Ritual Pour the enticing sauce over the cornflour-coated beef in your slow cooker, ensuring every piece gets loving coverage.
Patience and Perfection Cook on high heat for four hours, giving the mixture a gentle stir midway to distribute the mouthwatering sauce evenly.
Delicious Finale Garnish with fresh, crisp shallots and serve alongside fluffy rice and vibrant steamed vegetables for a complete culinary experience.
Flavor Adjustments for Mongolian Beef
Choose flank steak or sirloin for the most tender results, trimming visible fat to enhance the dish's flavor and texture.
Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for extra heat, or include a dash of sesame oil to boost the authentic Asian flavor profile.
Replace beef with tofu or try chicken for a different protein option, ensuring you adjust cooking time accordingly for each alternative.
Prepare the sauce and slice meat in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before slow cooking to save time during busy weekdays.
Experiment with toppings like toasted sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or crushed peanuts to add crunch and visual appeal to your final dish.
Serving Suggestions for Mongolian Beef Dinners
Flavor Fusion Plate: Pair the tender Mongolian beef with fluffy jasmine rice, allowing the savory sauce to soak into each grain for maximum taste enjoyment.
Veggie Power Boost: Layer steamed broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers around the beef to create a colorful, nutritious plate that adds crunch and freshness to your meal.
Garnish Galore: Sprinkle finely chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a light drizzle of chili oil to elevate the dish's visual appeal and add extra layers of texture and heat.
Quick Weeknight Transformation: Transform leftovers into a delicious beef wrap by using large lettuce leaves, adding some quick-pickled cucumber for a zesty crunch and making a speedy lunch option.
Keeping Mongolian Beef Ready for Later
Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
Freezer-Friendly Hack: Portion cooled Mongolian beef into freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months for quick future meals.
Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated beef gently in a skillet with a splash of extra soy sauce to restore moisture and prevent drying. Microwave as a last resort, adding a tablespoon of water to maintain tenderness.
Meal Prep Magic: Prepare beef in larger batches during weekends, dividing into individual portions for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. Pair with pre-cooked rice or instant microwaveable grains for ultimate convenience.
Sizzling Mongolian beef recipe delivers a bold fusion of tender meat and zesty sauce, promising restaurant-quality flavors at home. Diners will savor each spicy, umami-rich bite with minimal cooking effort.
Ingredients
Scale
1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) beef blade steak
¾ cup (180 ml) soy sauce
½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
¼ cup (30 g) cornflour (cornstarch)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp grated ginger
4 cloves garlic, crushed
Shallots, for garnish
Instructions
Meat Preparation: Trim ribeye or flank steak, slicing diagonally against the grain into thin 1 cm strips for optimal tenderness.
Coating Process: Generously dust beef strips with cornstarch, ensuring an even, light layer to create a crispy exterior when cooking.
Marinade Creation: Whisk together ginger, garlic, dark brown sugar, soy sauce, and vegetable oil in a mixing container until a smooth, fragrant liquid forms.
Sauce Development: Incorporate water into the marinade, stirring consistently to achieve a balanced, integrated flavor profile.
Slow Cooking Setup: Transfer cornstarch-coated beef to slow cooker, thoroughly coating each piece with the prepared aromatic sauce.
Cooking Process: Set slow cooker to high temperature, cooking for 3.5-4 hours and gently stirring midway to ensure even sauce distribution and prevent sticking.
Finishing Touch: Allow beef to rest 5-10 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken before serving.
Presentation: Garnish with green onions and plate over steamed jasmine rice, accompanied by lightly seasoned steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables.
Notes
Slice Strategically: Cut meat diagonally against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing experience.
Cornstarch Coating Technique: Evenly dust beef strips with cornstarch to create a protective layer that locks in moisture and produces a delightfully crispy exterior during cooking.
Marinade Magic: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to develop a balanced, harmonious sauce that infuses deep flavor into the meat during slow cooking.
Slow Cooker Success: Stir beef mixture midway through cooking to prevent sticking and guarantee even sauce distribution, resulting in consistently flavorful and perfectly cooked Mongolian beef.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.