Mongolian Beef Recipe (Restaurant Style at Home)
Mongolian Beef being a beloved Chinese-American dish, famous for its sweet, savory, and slightly garlicky sauce coating tender slices of beef and a restaurant favorite, recreating it at home is easier than you think. With simple ingredients, proper techniques, and a few insider tips, you can enjoy restaurant-quality Mongolian Beef without leaving your kitchen.
What Makes Mongolian Beef Special?
Despite its name, Mongolian Beef originated in Taiwan, not Mongolia. The dish features thinly sliced beef quickly stir-fried with green onions in a sweet soy-based sauce. Its popularity stems from:
- Tender beef with a crispy edge
- Balanced sweet and savory flavor
- Quick cooking time, ideal for weeknight dinners
Unlike traditional Chinese dishes, Mongolian Beef leans slightly sweeter and is a favorite in Chinese-American cuisine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for tenderizing)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
Optional Add-ins: Bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas for extra vegetables.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
- If using baking soda, toss the beef slices with it and let rest for 15 minutes to enhance tenderness. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
- Coat beef slices evenly with cornstarch. This creates a crispy exterior when fried.
2. Make the Sauce
Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, water, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, and Chinese cooking wine in a bowl. Stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Cook the Beef
- Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry beef in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding.
- Remove and set aside.
4. Prepare the Sauce in the Wok
- Add a bit more oil if needed.
- Sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Combine and Serve
- Return beef to the wok and toss to coat in sauce.
- Add optional vegetables and cook until just tender.
- Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Pro Tips for Restaurant-Style Mongolian Beef
- Tenderizing Beef: Baking soda helps break down proteins. Always rinse well afterward.
- Cornstarch Coating: Creates a crispy layer that holds the sauce beautifully.
- Balancing Flavors: Adjust sugar to taste for sweeter or less sweet versions.
- Adding Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots not only add nutrition but also color and texture.
- Cooking in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure beef cooks evenly and crisps properly.
Nutritional Benefits
While Mongolian Beef is indulgent, this home-cooked version can be made healthier with:
- Lean beef for high protein
- Low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium
- Added vegetables for fiber, vitamins, and minerals
Approximate Nutritional Info (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 10g
Variations You Can Try
- Spicy Mongolian Beef: Add 1–2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Mongolian Beef Noodles: Serve over stir-fried noodles instead of rice.
- Vegetable-Loaded Mongolian Beef: Include bell peppers, snow peas, and carrots for a nutrient-packed meal.
- Crockpot Version: Slow-cook beef with sauce for a hands-off approach, though the crispy texture won’t be the same.
Why Make Mongolian Beef at Home?
- Customization: Adjust sweetness, spice, and vegetable additions to your taste.
- Healthier Ingredients: Control oil, sugar, and sodium levels.
- Cost-Effective: Restaurant portions can be expensive; home-cooked meals are budget-friendly.
- Quick Weeknight Meal: Ready in 25–30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Final Thought
Mongolian Beef is delicious, versatile, and surprisingly easy to recreate at home. With the right ingredients, technique, and optional vegetable add-ins, you can enjoy a restaurant-style meal without leaving your kitchen.
Whether served over fluffy white rice or noodles, this dish is perfect for family dinners, date nights, or casual weeknight meals. Try it tonight and enjoy the rich, sweet-savory flavors that make Mongolian Beef a favorite worldwide.
