Name: Super Easy Mongolian Beef Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb top sirloin steak (pounded thin and cut into 1-inch strips); 3 tbsp cornstarch (divided); 2 tbsp canola oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); ¾ cup low sodium soy sauce; ¾ cup brown sugar; 3 tbsp hoisin sauce; ½ cup water; ½ tsp red pepper flakes; ½ tsp black pepper; 4 pieces green onions (cut into 2-inch pieces)

There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of tender beef glazed in a sweet and savory sauce, and this Super Easy Mongolian Beef Recipe delivers just that! With its roots in Mongolian cuisine, this dish has become a favorite in Chinese-American restaurants. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly quick to prepare, making it a weeknight dinner hero.

Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy strips of beef, coated in a rich sauce with hints of garlic and sweetness from the brown sugar, all served with vibrant green onions. This easy recipe will have you feeling like a culinary pro in no time!

Why This Super Easy Mongolian Beef Recipe Stands Out

This Super Easy Mongolian Beef Recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it requires minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. The use of top sirloin steak ensures that the beef is tender and flavorful, and the quick cooking time means you can whip up a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. Plus, the balance of sweet and savory flavors creates an irresistible sauce that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.

Ingredient Checklist

To make this delectable dish, you will need the following ingredients:

1 lb top sirloin steak, pounded thin and cut into 1-inch strips
3 tbsp cornstarch, divided
2 tbsp canola oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup low sodium soy sauce
¾ cup brown sugar
3 tbsp hoisin sauce
½ cup water
½ tsp red pepper flakes
½ tsp black pepper
4 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces

Setup & Equipment

Before diving into cooking, here’s what you’ll need:

A large mixing bowl for marinating the beef
A skillet or wok for cooking
A sharp knife for slicing the beef
A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
A measuring cup and spoons for accuracy

The Method for Super Easy Mongolian Beef Recipe

Now that you’re all set up, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this mouthwatering dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Begin by pounding the top sirloin steak until it’s about ¼ inch thick. This helps to tenderize the meat and allows it to cook quickly. Once pounded, slice the beef into 1-inch strips. Place the strips in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Coat the Beef

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cornstarch over the beef strips and toss well to ensure each piece is coated. This step is crucial as it helps create a crispy texture when the beef is cooked.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, water, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. This sweet and savory sauce will bring all the flavors together and elevate your dish.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the beef, as this will help achieve that lovely sear.

Step 5: Cook the Beef

Add the coated beef strips to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the beef is browned and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if needed, cook in batches.

Step 6: Add Garlic and Sauce

Once the beef is cooked, push it to one side of the skillet. Add the minced garlic to the empty side and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour the sauce mixture over the beef and stir everything together. Allow it to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7: Finish with Green Onions

Finally, add the cut green onions to the skillet, tossing them in with the beef and sauce. Cook for an additional minute until they are tender yet still vibrant.

Step 8: Serve

Serve your Super Easy Mongolian Beef hot over a bed of steamed rice or your favorite noodles. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures that make this dish truly special!

Make It Diet-Friendly

This Super Easy Mongolian Beef Recipe can easily be adapted to fit various dietary preferences:

For a lower-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
Substitute the brown sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-sugar version.
Use leaner cuts of beef, such as flank steak, to reduce fat content.
Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.

Pro Perspective

As a food enthusiast, I appreciate a recipe that not only tastes amazing but is also straightforward. Cooking does not have to be complicated to be delicious. This Super Easy Mongolian Beef Recipe exemplifies that philosophy. The key to success lies in the quality of the ingredients and the balance of flavors. Marinating the beef in cornstarch not only tenderizes it but also creates a lovely texture that elevates the entire dish. Don’t skip the garlic; it adds a punch of flavor that complements the sweetness of the sauce beautifully.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, here’s how to handle them:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can freeze the cooked Mongolian beef for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce if needed.

Quick Q&A

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes! While top sirloin is a great choice, you can also use flank steak or ribeye. Just ensure that the beef is thinly sliced for the best texture.

Is it necessary to use hoisin sauce?

Hoisin sauce adds a unique depth of flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can omit it or substitute with a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of sugar.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and sauce in advance and store them separately. When you’re ready to eat, just cook them together for a quick meal.

What can I serve with Mongolian beef?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keep Cooking

If you enjoyed this Super Easy Mongolian Beef Recipe, here are some more delicious dishes to try:

Final Thoughts

This Super Easy Mongolian Beef Recipe is a fantastic addition to your weeknight dinner repertoire. With its quick preparation and bold flavors, it’s sure to impress your family and friends alike. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity; with just a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Don’t be surprised if this becomes a staple in your household! Enjoy every bite of your culinary creation.