Mongolian Beef Recipe

Mongolian Beef Recipe is a easy Chinese-American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Cook! Stacey Cook on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 33 min

Cost: $8.86 total, $2.21 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Beef (flank steak) (thinly sliced across the grain)
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (light soy sauce)
  • 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce (Chinese oyster sauce)
  • 1 tsp Dark Soy Sauce (adds color and depth)
  • 1 tsp Granulated Sugar (for marinate and a pinch in oil)
  • 0.25 tsp Baking Soda (helps tenderize the beef)
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch (1 tbsp for marinating, 1 tbsp for slurry)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil (for flavor)
  • 2 tbsp Cooking Oil (vegetable or canola) (high smoke point)
  • 4 slices Ginger (peeled, about 1‑inch long)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 0.5 medium Bell Pepper (red, sliced into strips)
  • 0.5 medium Onion (yellow, sliced into strips, layers separated)
  • 4 stalks Green Onions (separate stems and leaves, cut into 2‑inch sections)
  • 1 small Chili Pepper (optional, sliced thin for mild heat)
  • 1 tsp Rice Vinegar (adds acidity)
  • pinch Salt (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare aromatics and vegetables

    Slice ginger, mince garlic, cut half a bell pepper into strips, slice half an onion into strips and separate its layers, cut green onions into 2‑inch sections and keep stems and leaves separate, and optionally slice a mild chili pepper.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Slice and marinate the beef

    Cut the beef across the grain into thin slices, then toss with soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, baking soda, 1 tbsp cornstarch, cracked black pepper, a splash of water, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Mix until the liquid is mostly absorbed.

    Time: PT6M

  3. Make cornstarch slurry

    In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 tbsp cornstarch with cold water and stir until fully dissolved.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Pre‑cook vegetables

    Heat the wok over medium‑high heat, add a splash of oil, then quickly stir‑fry the onion and bell‑pepper strips with a pinch of salt and a little sugar for about 30 seconds. Remove and set aside.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Sauté ginger

    Add a little more oil if needed, then add the ginger slices and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds to release flavor.

    Time: PT30S

  6. Cook beef and aromatics

    Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Let it sear until the bottom is lightly golden, then flip. Add the green‑onion stems, sliced chili (if using), and minced garlic. Toss for a few seconds.

    Time: PT4M

  7. Season the beef

    Drizzle a little more oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and rice vinegar over the beef. Stir‑fry until the color is even.

    Time: PT30S

  8. Thicken the sauce

    Stir the cornstarch slurry again to prevent settling, then pour it into the pan. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

    Time: PT1M

  9. Finish with vegetables

    Return the pre‑cooked onion and bell‑pepper strips to the pan, add the green‑onion leaves, and sprinkle a pinch of cracked black pepper. Toss quickly to combine.

    Time: PT1M

  10. Serve

    Transfer the Mongolian Beef to a serving dish and serve immediately over steamed rice.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
25 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Gluten (if soy sauce contains wheat), Dairy‑free, Nut‑free

Allergens: Soy, Shellfish (oyster sauce), Wheat (if soy sauce contains wheat)

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Mongolian Beef Recipe

Recipe by Cook! Stacey Cook

A quick and flavorful Chinese-American stir‑fry featuring tender sliced beef, ginger, garlic, onion, bell pepper and a savory sweet‑savory sauce. Perfect served over steamed rice for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

EasyChinese-AmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
12m
Prep
7m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
29m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.86
Total cost
$2.21
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Separate onion layers before cooking
  • Slice beef against the grain
  • Marinate beef until most liquid is absorbed
  • Stir cornstarch slurry before adding to pan
  • Do not overcook the vegetables

Safety Warnings

  • Adding sugar to hot oil can cause splatter; add carefully.
  • Use a sharp knife and watch your fingers when slicing raw beef.
  • Hot oil can cause burns; keep face away from the pan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Mongolian Beef in Chinese‑American cuisine?

A

Mongolian Beef is a staple of Chinese‑American takeout menus, created in the United States by adapting northern Chinese flavors with a sweet‑savory sauce that appeals to a broad palate. It reflects the fusion of traditional Chinese stir‑fry techniques with American preferences for bold, glossy sauces.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Mongolian Beef in China?

A

In China, the dish is not traditionally called “Mongolian Beef.” Similar beef stir‑fries exist in northern provinces, using soy‑based sauces and scallions, but the sweet brown glaze and heavy use of oyster sauce are American innovations. Regional versions may use hoisin sauce or omit the sugar.

cultural
Q

How is Mongolian Beef traditionally served in Chinese restaurants?

A

It is typically served hot, glossy, and slightly caramelized over a bed of steamed white rice. Some restaurants also pair it with fried rice or noodles, and garnish with sliced green onions for color and freshness.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Mongolian Beef commonly associated with in Chinese culture?

A

While not tied to a specific holiday, Mongolian Beef is popular for family gatherings, birthday meals, and casual dinner parties because it is quick to prepare, crowd‑pleasing, and pairs well with other dishes on a shared banquet.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with Mongolian Beef?

A

Mongolian Beef pairs nicely with steamed or fried rice, simple vegetable stir‑fries like bok choy with garlic, egg rolls, and a light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil.

cultural
Q

What makes Mongolian Beef special or unique in Chinese‑American takeout menus?

A

Its signature glossy, slightly sweet sauce, quick cooking time, and the use of tender flank steak sliced against the grain give it a distinctive texture and flavor that stands out among other beef dishes like beef and broccoli.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Mongolian Beef at home?

A

Common errors include overcooking the beef, which makes it tough; adding the cornstarch slurry too early, causing a gummy texture; and overcrowding the pan, which steams rather than sears the ingredients.

technical
Q

Why does this Mongolian Beef recipe use a cornstarch slurry instead of adding thickener later?

A

The slurry is added near the end so the sauce thickens quickly without losing its glossy sheen. Adding it earlier can cause the starch to break down during prolonged heat, resulting in a dull, gummy sauce.

technical
Q

How do I know when the beef is properly cooked and not overdone?

A

The beef should be browned on the outside but still pink‑red in the center after a quick sear. It finishes cooking when the sauce coats the pieces and the interior reaches about 130‑135°F; any longer will make it chewy.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cook! Stacey Cook specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cook! Stacey Cook focuses on approachable home‑cooking tutorials, offering step‑by‑step videos for classic comfort foods, quick weeknight meals, and family‑friendly recipes with clear visual instructions.

channel

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