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Mongolian Beef Recipe

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This Mongolian Beef is tender, caramelized, and coated in a rich, garlicky-sweet soy sauce with just the right amount of heat. It’s a quick and easy stir-fry that’s better than takeout—ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef:

  • 1 lb flank steak (or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ½ cup beef broth (or water)
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, adds depth)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

For Garnish:

  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

  1. Slice the steak thinly against the grain into bite-sized strips.
  2. Toss the slices in cornstarch until evenly coated. Let sit for 10 minutes (this helps crisp the beef and thicken the sauce).

Step 2: Make the Sauce

  1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
  2. In a small cup, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add beef slices in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned and crispy. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Combine & Simmer

  1. In the same pan, pour in the sauce and bring to a simmer.
  2. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and let cook for 1-2 minutes, until thickened.
  3. Return the crispy beef to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

  • Top with green onions and sesame seeds.
  • Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles!

Notes

Extra crispy beef? Use less sauce and fry the beef in more oil.
Want more veggies? Add broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots.
Like it spicier? Increase the red pepper flakes or add Sriracha.
Gluten-free? Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.