30-Minute Mongolian Beef Recipe

Say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade with this irresistible 30-Minute Mongolian Beef! Tender slices of seared sirloin are coated with a glossy, garlicky-sweet sauce, delivering all your favorite flavors in a fraction of the time you’d expect from a restaurant. Weeknight perfection just got a whole lot more exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised by how simple these ingredients are, but each one plays a crucial role in building the unforgettable flavor and signature texture of 30-Minute Mongolian Beef. This recipe is all about bold flavor, luscious sauce, and perfect steak in a hurry!

• Sirloin Steak (1½ lb, 1-inch thick): Sirloin is wonderfully tender but holds up to quick searing, making it ideal for fast stir-fry dishes.
• Cornstarch (⅓ cup): Helps create that restaurant-style crispness around the steak and thickens the sauce at the end.
• Canola Oil (¼ cup): A neutral oil with a high smoke point; perfect for a hot, fast sear.
• Salt (¼ tsp): Just a sprinkle is all you need to finish and elevate the flavors before the sauce goes on.
• Fresh Ginger (1 tbsp, grated): Gives a warming, aromatic kick that sets the tone for the stir-fry.
• Garlic (4 tbsp, minced): The backbone of the sauce—don’t be shy!
• Red Pepper Flakes or Chili Oil: For customizable heat, add as much or as little as your tastebuds demand.
• Tamari Sauce (⅓ cup, or soy sauce): Tamari makes the recipe gluten-free and brings classic umami depth; soy sauce is a perfect substitute if you don’t need gluten-free.
• Water (½ cup): Loosens the sauce just enough to coat everything evenly.
• Brown Sugar (⅓ cup): The not-so-secret ingredient for that glossy, sticky, and sweet finish.
• Green Onions (8 stalks, green parts only): Stirred in at the end for a burst of color, freshness, and a subtle oniony snap.

Variations

This 30-Minute Mongolian Beef is endlessly customizable! Whether you’re avoiding gluten, want more veggies, or crave an extra kick, there are so many easy ways to adapt this dish to your taste and kitchen staples.

• Use Flank Steak: Swap sirloin for flank or even ribeye for a slightly different texture and flavor—the quick searing method stays the same!
• Boost the Veggies: Toss in sautéed bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets just before serving for extra crunch and color.
• Sugar Swap: Coconut sugar or honey can replace the brown sugar if you prefer a different sweetness profile.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium tamari or soy sauce and cut back on the brown sugar for a lighter sauce.
• Spice It Up: Craving more heat? Drizzle in more chili oil or stir in a spoonful of sambal oelek during the final simmer.

How to Make 30-Minute Mongolian Beef

Step 1: Slice and Tenderize the Steak

Start by slicing your sirloin steak into thin, ¼-inch slices. For the most tender results, lay your slices flat, cover them with plastic wrap, and give them a quick, gentle pounding with a meat mallet. This little extra step ensures buttery, restaurant-style Mongolian beef right at home!

Step 2: Coat the Beef

Transfer the steak slices into a large zip-top bag, sprinkle in the cornstarch, and massage everything together until each piece is evenly coated. The cornstarch not only helps crisp the beef in the pan, but will also turn the sauce glossy and thick later on—don’t skip it!

Step 3: Sear the Steak

Get a large frying pan hot over medium-high heat, then pour in the canola oil. Working in batches, lay the steak in a single layer and sear quickly—30 seconds per side is perfect. This keeps the meat juicy and tender. Set the cooked steak aside and sprinkle with that pinch of salt.

Step 4: Make the Aromatic Sauce

In the same pan, add grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili oil or red pepper flakes if you’re in the mood for a little heat. Sauté just until fragrant—10 to 15 seconds is all you need. Then stir in the tamari (or soy sauce), water, and brown sugar, bringing the mixture to a quick boil.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Add the cooked steak back to the bubbling sauce, folding it gently so every piece gets coated. Let everything simmer for another 20-30 seconds as the sauce thickens until it’s glossy and clings to the beef. Shut off the heat, toss in the scallions, stir one last time, and serve right away—over rice, noodles, or wrapped in crisp lettuce cups!

How to Serve 30-Minute Mongolian Beef

Garnishes

A fresh sprinkle of extra green onions on top is a Mongolian beef must—their crisp bite and vibrant color make the dish pop. If you’re feeling fancy, toasted sesame seeds or a light drizzle of chili oil can push things over the edge in both flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

Classic steamed white rice is always a hit—its soft, fluffy texture soaks up every last drop of sauce. For a twist, serve your beef over rice noodles, cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option, or tuck it inside tender lettuce leaves for a lighter meal. Quick stir-fried veggies or cucumber salad make refreshing companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking beyond the bowl? Layer the beef in lettuce wraps for party appetizers, pile atop fried rice, or serve on a big platter family-style so everyone can dish up their own. For a DIY Mongolian beef “bar,” set out bowls of toppings like peanuts, herbs, and extra sauces for a fun, interactive dinner night!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the Mongolian beef cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for fast lunches or a next-day dinner that tastes just as fabulous as night one.

Freezing

30-Minute Mongolian Beef freezes beautifully! Store fully cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—the sauce may thicken a little more, but the flavors stay amazing.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water as needed to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally, so the beef stays juicy and the sauce doesn’t over-reduce.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving bold, saucy comfort but need dinner on the table in a hurry, this 30-Minute Mongolian Beef delivers every single time. Gather your staples, fire up your skillet, and treat yourself to something better than takeout—right in your own kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it!

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