Name: Mongolian Beef Easy Flavor Packed Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 0.75 lb flank steak 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 0.25 cup soy sauce; 0.25 cup brown sugar 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 0.25 cup water 3 green onions, chopped; 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

There are few dishes more satisfying than a plate of Mongolian Beef, sizzling with caramelized edges and bathed in a glossy, garlicky-sweet sauce. This quick stir fry hits all the right notes—savory, sweet, and just a hint of spice—and it comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for weeknight dinner or craving takeout-style comfort, this homemade version delivers big on flavor without the fuss.

The magic lies in how fast it all cooks. Thin slices of beef sear in a hot pan until browned and tender, then get tossed with a sticky sauce that clings to every bite. The end result is a silky, restaurant-quality stir fry that’s bold, balanced, and surprisingly simple to whip up at home.

Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Beef

This recipe is perfect for busy nights because it feels like something special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. The sauce is a perfect blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic—flavors that instantly transport you to your favorite Asian restaurant. It’s naturally dairy-free and easy to adapt for gluten-free diets. Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

What Cut of Beef Should I Use for Mongolian Beef?

Flank steak is the classic choice for Mongolian Beef, thanks to its bold flavor and tender texture when sliced thinly against the grain. If you can’t find flank steak, skirt steak or sirloin are great alternatives. The key is thin slices and a quick sear at high heat—this keeps the beef juicy and lets the edges caramelize for that irresistible bite.

Ingredients for the Mongolian Beef Easy Flavor Packed Stir Fry

The ingredient list is short but mighty. Each one brings something essential to the table, creating that classic sweet-salty sauce and crisp-tender beef.

Flank steak
Cornstarch
Soy sauce
Brown sugar
Garlic
Ginger
Vegetable oil
Water
Green onions
Red pepper flakes (optional)

How To Make the Mongolian Beef Easy Flavor Packed Stir Fry

Step 1: Slice and Prep the Beef

Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. Toss it with cornstarch until coated evenly. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prep the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef until browned and crispy at the edges, about 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Bring it Together

In the same pan, pour in the sauce. Let it bubble and thicken slightly, then return the beef to the pan. Toss to coat everything evenly. Add chopped green onions and stir through for a burst of freshness.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

How to Serve and Store This Stir Fry

This stir fry is best served hot, right off the stove, spooned generously over a bed of rice or tucked into lettuce cups for a low-carb twist. It feeds about 4 people, but you might find yourself wishing for seconds. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. To reheat, just warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Mongolian Beef?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Fluffy rice soaks up all that rich sauce beautifully.

Garlic Green Beans

Crisp and buttery, they add a perfect veggie contrast.

Egg Rolls

Crispy on the outside, soft and savory inside. A great starter or side.

Sesame Noodles

Chilled or warm, they pair beautifully with the sweet-savory notes of the beef.

Spicy Cucumber Salad

Cool, crunchy, and slightly tangy to balance the bold flavors.

Roasted Broccoli

Charred edges and a bit of lemon juice bring brightness to your plate.

Fried Rice

Turn this into a full Chinese takeout-style spread with classic fried rice.

Want More Beef Dinner Ideas?

If you love this quick and flavorful Mongolian Beef, here are a few other comforting and creative beef recipes worth trying:

Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce Recipe when you’re craving creamy with protein.
Crockpot Steak Bites Recipe for a hands-off, melt-in-your-mouth option.
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for cozy weeknight comfort.
Chipotle Steak Recipe (Copycat) if you’re craving fast-casual flavor at home.
Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Melt when only cheesy indulgence will do.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use flank steak or go with sirloin? Did you toss in extra heat or keep it sweet?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better, every day.

Explore beautifully curated Asian-inspired recipes and bold beef dinners on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new favorite weeknight meals: Janet Dishes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Mongolian Beef is a stir fry everyone should have in their back pocket. It’s quick, incredibly flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. Once you make it at home, you’ll wonder why you ever waited for takeout. Let this be your go-to when you’re craving something saucy, sizzling, and seriously crave-worthy.