Quick & Easy Mongolian Beef: A 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner Winner served on a rustic wooden table, garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds.

Quick & Easy Mongolian Beef: A 30-Minute Dinner

Bybookletrecipes
Spread the love

Quick & Easy Mongolian Beef: A 30-Minute Dinner

Ever find yourself staring into the fridge at 6 PM, craving Chinese takeout but wanting something homemade? After years of experimenting with Asian dishes like General Tso’s Chicken and Mongolian Chicken, I’ve mastered what’s become my go-to weeknight savior: Quick & Easy Mongolian Beef: A 30-Minute Dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Trust me, this recipe is about to become your new dinner hero.

The Magic of Quick & Easy Mongolian Beef: A 30-Minute Dinner

Despite its name, Mongolian beef isn’t actually Mongolian at all. This beloved Chinese-American creation has won hearts worldwide with its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Picture this: tender strips of beef with crispy edges, glazed in a rich sauce that’s got just the right hint of ginger and garlic. Add in some fresh scallions for that perfect pop of color and crunch, and you’ve got a dish that’s guaranteed to make it into your regular dinner rotation.

Making It Your Own

Over my years of cooking this quick and easy Mongolian beef, I’ve discovered a few game-changing tweaks. While traditional recipes call for flank steak, I’ve found that sirloin steak gives you an extra tender result that melts in your mouth. If you can’t find sirloin, strip steak works beautifully too. The real secret to nailing this dish lies in two ingredients: fresh garlic and ginger. Trust me, the pre-minced stuff just won’t cut it here. And for those who like their food with a kick? A dash of chili oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes transforms this dish into something truly spectacular.

Side view of Quick & Easy Mongolian Beef: A 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner Winner served with steamed rice and garnished with fresh green onions.

Let’s Get Cooking Quick & Easy Mongolian Beef: A 30-Minute Dinner

Here’s where the magic happens. First, you’ll want to slice your steak against the grain into thin strips, about ¼ inch thick. If you’re feeling fancy (or just want to ensure maximum tenderness), give those strips a quick once-over with a meat pounder. Now comes my favorite trick: coating the beef in cornstarch. This isn’t just about getting that restaurant-style crispy exterior – it’s also going to give you a silky, thickened sauce that clings to every bite.

While your coated beef rests for 15 minutes, you can prep your other ingredients. This is the perfect time to mince your garlic and ginger, and slice those green onions. When it’s time to cook, heat up your largest frying pan with a generous splash of canola oil over medium-high heat. The key to getting that perfect sear? Cook your beef in batches. Overcrowding the pan is the enemy of crispy beef, so give those strips some breathing room. Thirty seconds per side is all it takes – we’re looking for a nice crust while keeping the inside tender.

Once your beef is seared and seasoned with a pinch of salt, it’s sauce time. In goes the minced ginger and garlic (and chili oil if you’re feeling spicy), followed by a combination of tamari or soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Let it come to a boil, then add your beef back to the pan. Watch as the sauce thickens and coats each piece perfectly. A final toss with fresh green onions, and you’re done!

Supporting image of Quick & Easy Mongolian Beef: A 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner Winner, showcasing garnishes and details to complement the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

While this quick and easy Mongolian beef is traditionally served over steamed jasmine rice (my personal favorite), don’t be afraid to mix it up. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra nutrition, while rice noodles offer a fun twist on the classic presentation. For a lighter option, try serving it in crisp lettuce wraps with a sprinkle of crispy cellophane noodles – it’s a game-changer for summer dinners.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound sirloin steak, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • ½ cup soy sauce or tamari
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 4 green onions, sliced
  • Optional: chili oil or red pepper flakes to taste

I’d love to hear how this Quick & Easy Mongolian Beef: A 30-Minute Dinner turns out in your kitchen! Did you try any variations? Maybe added some extra vegetables or adjusted the heat level? Drop a comment below and share your experience.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for recipe updates .

bon appétit .