Mongolian Beef

How to Make Mongolian Beef: A Chinese-American Comfort Food Classic

Mongolian Beef is one of those beloved Chinese-American dishes that never fails to impress. It’s savory, sweet, and packed with flavor. The key to making Mongolian Beef at home is ensuring that the beef comes out tender and juicy, with a glossy sauce that sticks perfectly to every piece. Today, we're going to share the secrets to preparing Mongolian Beef just like you would get in a restaurant — with a few helpful tips and tricks!

The Secret to Tender Beef

The first secret to making Mongolian Beef at home is marinating the beef to get that perfect, tender texture. Most restaurants use a method that involves baking soda and cornstarch to break down the meat, making it super tender and juicy when stir-fried. This technique helps replicate that classic "wok tenderness" you know and love.

We recommend using flank steak for this dish because it’s affordable, flavorful, and works beautifully in stir-fries. Here's how to marinate the beef:

Marinade Ingredients

Baking soda (to tenderize the meat)

Cornstarch (to give the beef a silky texture)

Salt (to enhance the flavor)

Water (to help distribute the marinade evenly)

A bit of oil (to prevent sticking while cooking)

Mix all these ingredients together and massage them into the beef. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2-4 hours, or overnight if you have the time. The longer it marinates, the more tender the beef will be!

Preparing Vegetables and Aromatics

While the beef is marinating, prep your vegetables and aromatics:

Garlic and Ginger: These are essential for the deep flavor of Mongolian Beef. Slice your garlic thinly and mince the ginger into small strips. These will bring fragrance and complexity to the dish.

Bell Peppers and Onions: These add a beautiful crunch and color to the dish. Cut them into large, bite-sized pieces to balance the tenderness of the beef.

Scallions: They’ll be used for garnish and to add a pop of fresh flavor. Slice the whites to cook in the stir-fry, and slice the greens on a bias for garnish.

Making the Sauce

Now for the sauce — this is where the magic happens! You’ll need the following ingredients for the perfect Mongolian Beef sauce:

Oyster Sauce: This is the base of the sauce, giving it that deep umami flavor.

Hoisin Sauce: Adds sweetness and a glossy finish.

Soy Sauce: For a salty, savory backbone.

Vinegar: A small splash will brighten up the sauce.

Cornstarch and Water: These create a slurry, which will help thicken the sauce into a beautiful glaze.

Combine these ingredients and mix them together until smooth. The cornstarch will thicken the sauce as it heats up, giving it that glossy texture that coats the beef perfectly.

Cooking the Beef

Now that everything is prepped and marinated, it’s time to cook!

1. Heat a wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s scorching hot.

2. Add the marinated beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. You want to get a nice sear on the beef for maximum flavor.

3. After the beef is browned (but still medium-rare), remove it from the wok and set it aside. Drain off any excess oil.

4. In the same wok, add the garlic, ginger, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, letting the aromatics release their fragrance.

5. Add the onions and scallions (the whites) to the wok and cook for another minute.

6. Pour in the sauce and bring it to a simmer. The cornstarch will help thicken it into a nice, glossy glaze.

7. Finally, toss the beef back into the wok, coat it in the sauce, and cook for a minute or two until everything is heated through and well-coated.

Serving Mongolian Beef

Mongolian Beef is best served family-style, with steamed rice or crispy noodles on the side to soak up that delicious sauce. Top the dish with the sliced green scallions for a pop of freshness and a little crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tender, Flavorful Beef: The marinating technique ensures that your beef will be perfectly tender and absorb all the flavors of the sauce.

Quick and Easy: Despite the marination time, the actual cooking part only takes about 10-15 minutes. It's a perfect weeknight meal!

Customizable: Feel free to add other veggies like snow peas or broccoli to make it your own.

Restaurant-Worthy: With the right technique and ingredients, you can recreate the restaurant experience right at home.

This Mongolian Beef recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. It combines rich flavors, tender beef, and vibrant vegetables for a satisfying and comforting meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dish will always impress!