Mongolian Beef is one of the most popular Chinese-inspired beef dishes enjoyed all around the world. It is especially famous for its tender beef slices, rich glossy sauce, and perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Moreover, this dish is commonly served in Chinese restaurants and is loved for its bold taste and quick cooking style.
Although many people think Mongolian Beef is complicated, the reality is quite different. In fact, you can easily prepare restaurant-style Mongolian Beef at home with simple ingredients and easy steps. Additionally, this homemade version tastes even better because you can control the sweetness, saltiness, and spice level according to your preference.
Furthermore, Mongolian Beef is a perfect option for busy weekdays because it cooks quickly. At the same time, it is elegant enough to serve for family dinners or special occasions. Therefore, if you are looking for a flavorful beef recipe that is both easy and impressive, Mongolian Beef is an excellent choice.
What Is Mongolian Beef?
Mongolian Beef is a Chinese-American dish made with thinly sliced beef stir-fried in a rich brown sauce. The sauce is usually prepared with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a small amount of chili for heat. As a result, the dish has a glossy appearance and a deep, satisfying flavor.
Despite its name, Mongolian Beef does not actually come from Mongolia. Instead, it originates from Chinese cuisine and became popular through Chinese restaurants worldwide. Nevertheless, its unique taste and texture have made it a favorite among beef lovers.
Why This Mongolian Beef Recipe Is Perfect for Your Dinner
This recipe is ideal for your Dinner because:
It is highly popular worldwide
Making in simple, easy-to-understand
Perfect for beginners and home cooks
Suitable for Pakistani kitchens with easily available ingredients
Moreover, beef recipes attract a large audience, making this Mongolian Beef recipe a valuable addition to your blog.
Ingredients for Mongolian Beef
For Beef Marinade
500 grams beef (sirloin or boneless, thinly sliced)
2 tablespoons cornflour
1 tablespoon soy sauce
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon oil
For Mongolian Sauce
½ cup water
1 teaspoon cornflour (mixed with water)
¼ cup soy sauce
½ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
For Stir Fry
3 tablespoons oil
4 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
1 tablespoon ginger (finely chopped)
2–3 green onions (spring onions)
2 dried red chilies (optional)
Sesame seeds for garnish
How to Make Mongolian Beef – Step by Step
Step 1: Slice the Beef Correctly
First of all, slicing the beef properly is extremely important. Always cut beef against the grain into thin slices. This step ensures that the beef remains tender after cooking. If the beef is slightly frozen, slicing becomes even easier.
After slicing, place the beef in a bowl and prepare it for marination.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
Now add soy sauce, cornflour, black pepper, and oil to the beef slices. Mix everything well until the beef is evenly coated. Cornflour helps in tenderizing the beef and also gives it a crispy texture when fried.
Let the beef marinate for at least 20–30 minutes. However, if you have more time, marinating for one hour gives even better results.
Step 3: Prepare the Mongolian Sauce
Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. In a bowl, mix water, soy sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely. Then add cornflour slurry to thicken the sauce later.
This sauce is the heart of Mongolian Beef, so taste it and adjust sweetness or saltiness according to your liking.
Step 4: Fry the Beef
Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in batches. Fry the beef quickly until it becomes slightly crispy on the outside. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the beef to release water.
Remove the fried beef and set it aside.
Step 5: Stir Fry the Aromatics
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Add chopped garlic, ginger, dried red chilies, and spring onions. Stir fry for a few seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
This step adds depth and aroma to the dish.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Now pour the prepared Mongolian sauce into the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly. After that, add the fried beef back into the sauce.
Gently toss everything together so the beef is evenly coated with the glossy sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes and then turn off the flame.
Serving Suggestions
Mongolian Beef tastes best when served hot. It pairs perfectly with:
Steamed white rice
Fried rice
Noodles
Vegetable stir fry on the side
Moreover, sprinkling sesame seeds and fresh spring onions enhances both taste and presentation.
Tips for Perfect Mongolian Beef
Always slice beef against the grain
Use high heat for stir frying
Do not overcook beef
Balance sweetness and saltiness carefully
Health Notes
Although Mongolian Beef is slightly sweet, you can make it healthier by reducing sugar or using honey. Additionally, using lean beef cuts reduces fat content while keeping the dish flavorful.
Storage and Reheating
You can store Mongolian Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in a pan on low heat. However, avoid microwaving for too long, as beef may become chewy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mongolian Beef is a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dish that is easy to prepare at home. This recipe delivers restaurant-style taste with simple ingredients and clear steps. Moreover, it is perfect for both everyday meals and special dinners.