This Homemade Mongolian Beef recipe is a quick and easy 30-minute recipe that the whole family will love. The caramelized tender beef and saucy vegetables are delicious with the sweet and savory garlic and ginger sauce. Serve this over rice, quinoa, or noodles, and dinner is made!

Mongolian Beef and vegetables over a bed of rice with a spoon and a napkin.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Mongolian Beef

We love recreating our favorite takeout recipes, such as Chow Mein and Chicken Fried Rice. This Chinese restaurant-inspired Mongolian Beef is so EASY to make and tastes just as amazing as P.F. Chang’s Mongolian beef bowl. Thinly sliced beef seared until crispy with carrots, bell peppers, and green onions in a sweet and spicy sauce that adds so much flavor to the beef.

Mongolian beef and broccoli garnished with chives and sesame seeds

Ingredients for Mongolian Beef Stir Fry

  • Beef – When sliced into thin strips, flank steak is ideal for a tender stir-fry that won’t become tough and chewy. You can substitute top sirloin, skirt steak, flat iron steak, top round, or even rib-eye steak with great results. Cut the beef against the grain.
  • VegetablesJulienne the carrot and red bell pepper, and slice the green onions or scallions into longer pieces which is nice for a stir fry. Authentic Mongolian Beef is made with just the green onion so if you want to skip the veggies, you can but we love the flavor and texture they add.
  • Cornstarch adds a slightly crisp layer to the outside of the beef, tenderizes the beef, and also helps to thicken up and stabilize the sauce.
  • Saucethe homemade savory-sweet stir fry sauce combines warm aromatic flavors of ginger and garlic with the sweetness of brown sugar and is balanced by savory soy sauce and a hint of spice from sriracha. If you like it spicier, you can also add red pepper flakes.
Prepared ingredients with beef, vegetables and ramekins of sauce ingredients

Natasha’s Tip for Thinly Slicing Beef

If you freeze the beef for 30 minutes, it’s easier to achieve even and thin slices. Also, slicing against the grain helps break down the muscle fibers, preventing the beef from becoming too chewy.

How to Make Mongolian Beef

This recipe comes together quickly and is best when served fresh. Whenever you are making a stir fry over high heat, it cooks fast so make sure all of the ingredients are measured and prepped before starting the recipe.

  • Coat the Beef – Add cornstarch to the beef slices and toss to coat completely.
  • Make the Sauce – In a bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients for the sauce and set aside.
  • Sautee Vegetables – Add oil and butter to a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, saute the vegetables to your desired doneness, stirring frequently. Remove from the skillet and cover to keep warm.
  • Cook Meat – Add more oil and cook the beef in a single layer until it’s crispy and has a good sear (don’t overcook the meat). TIP: Don’t overcrowd the pan, if needed, cook in batches. Add the vegetables back to the beef.
  • Add Sauce – Pour in the sauce and add the green onion, turn the heat down to medium. Cook until the sauce thickens. TIP: If you prefer a spicier sauce, add additional Sriracha to taste. If the sauce is too salty or too thick, add a splash of water. If it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry.
Step by step collage how to make Mongolian beef.

Wok vs. Skillet

Traditionally, a wok is used for stir-frying because it’s meant for high-heat cooking, and the shape makes it easy to toss ingredients for even cooking. I have found that a heavy-bottomed skillet can handle the recipe just fine, so use what you have on hand. The key is to use a pan that is suitable for high-heat cooking, retains heat well to give a good sear, and is large enough that you aren’t crowding the pan (overcrowding causes food to steam cook rather than sear).

What to Serve with Mongolian Beef?

Since this dish is so flavorful and saucy, pair it with simple sides:

  • Ricefluffy white rice, brown rice or even fried rice
  • Steamed Vegetables such as broccoli, bok choy, snow peas, or mix of vegetables
  • Quinoa – a great alternative to rice
  • Spring Rolls or Egg Rolls
  • Noodles – such as lo mein, udon, or soba noodles

Storing and Reheating Mongolian Beef

  • Storing Leftovers – The Mongolian Beef is great for meal prep because it will keep well refrigerated for up to three days. This is also a great recipe to use as meal prep and keep in individual portions to take to work and reheat for lunch.
  • Reheating – It’s always best to reheat using the same method a recipe was cooked so reheat on the stovetop or use the microwave if you’re on the go.
Leftover Mongolian Beef with vegetables smother in a sauce in a skillet with two spoons and a towel.

Once you give this homemade version of the Classic P.F. Chang’s Mongolian Beef a try, it will be on repeat for dinner.

Mongolian Beef

5 from 268 votes
Mongolian beef and vegetables over white rice
EASY Mongolian Beef recipe with the BEST sauce! Thinly sliced beef with vegetables in flavor-packed sauce ready in under 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 4 people

Mongolian Beef Ingredients

  • 1 carrot, peeled and julienned
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 Tbsp neutral oil, divided*
  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain*
  • 1/4 cup corn starch
  • 1/3 cup green onions, thickly sliced (from 4 stems)
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds, optional garnish

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled and grated
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, (packed)
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce, *
  • 1 tsp Sriracha, or added to taste

Instructions

  • Place beef slices in a bowl, add cornstarch and stir to completely coat.
  • In a bowl, combine the ingredients for the sauce and stir until well combined, set aside.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 Tbsp oil with 1 Tbsp butter over medium/high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the carrot and peppers and stir fry until crisp-tender or to your desired tenderness, stirring frequently. Remove the vegetables to a separate plate.
  • Increase to high heat and add 1 Tbsp oil. Once hot, add the beef and sear for about 2 minutes per side to create a crispy coating. Add more oil if the skillet seems dry. Do not crowd the pan and cook the beef in batches if needed.
  • Add the vegetables back into the skillet with the green onion. Add the sauce and stir to combine. Turn heat to medium/low and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired and serve.

Notes

Substitutions: 
Beef – You can also use top sirloin, skirt steak, flat iron steak, top round, or even rib eye steak. Cut the beef into thin slices across the grain. If you freeze the steak for 30 minutes, it will be easier to thinly slice.
Oil – use an oil with a high smoke point such as peanut oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil, or extra light olive oil
Soy Sauce – Use Tamari Sauce for gluten-free Mongolian Beef. If using regular soy sauce, add it to taste since it has more salt. 

Nutrition Per Serving

377kcal Calories32g Carbs26g Protein16g Fat5g Saturated Fat76mg Cholesterol816mg Sodium596mg Potassium2g Fiber20g Sugar3651IU Vitamin A42mg Vitamin C59mg Calcium3mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Mongolian Beef
Amount per Serving
Calories
377
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
16
g
25
%
Saturated Fat
 
5
g
31
%
Cholesterol
 
76
mg
25
%
Sodium
 
816
mg
35
%
Potassium
 
596
mg
17
%
Carbohydrates
 
32
g
11
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
20
g
22
%
Protein
 
26
g
52
%
Vitamin A
 
3651
IU
73
%
Vitamin C
 
42
mg
51
%
Calcium
 
59
mg
6
%
Iron
 
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Keyword: mongolian beef, mongolian beef recipe, PF Changs Mongolian Beef
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 377
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

More Easy Asian Recipes

5 from 268 votes (152 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Alexa
    March 9, 2022

    Delicious! Made with venison tenderloin and it was excellent!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 9, 2022

      Wonderful! Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

  • Shannon
    February 28, 2022

    My picky 10 year old who does not eat many vegetables devoured this. My husband and I enjoyed it as well. I think I will try it with a little less sugar next time.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 28, 2022

      Yay, that’s fantastic feedback, thanks for sharing! I’m happy to know that your family enjoyed this recipe.

      Reply

  • Nataliya
    February 20, 2022

    Perfect proportions, so delicious. It’s my go to recipe for a quick flavorful meal. I serve it with white rice. Also tastes very good reheated for lunch the next day.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 20, 2022

      Hello Nataliya, thanks for sharing your feedback with us. So glad you loved the recipe!

      Reply

  • Linda
    January 26, 2022

    Just made this for dinner and received rave reviews by the family! So delicious! Will put this in the dinner rotation! Thanks again for another wonderful recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 26, 2022

      That is the best when kids love what we moms make. That’s so great!

      Reply

  • Kevin Bogdanow
    January 20, 2022

    Made this tonight. Delicious! My wife gets excited on Thursday night (my night for cooking) when I tell her it’s one of your recipe’s Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      January 20, 2022

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review.

      Reply

  • Kevin Bogdanow
    January 20, 2022

    I’m going to make this tonight. I see sesame seeds in the dish, but I don’t see them on the ingredients list. Do you just sprinkle them on top, or mix them in with the sauce? Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 20, 2022

      Hi Kevin, they’re an option topping add.

      Reply

      • Kevin Bogdanow
        January 20, 2022

        Thanks! I didn’t see your reply to my comment before I submitted my review. We did add them on top. It was great!

        Reply

  • Christie
    December 17, 2021

    So easy and SO DELICIOUS! This was a hit in my house and will absolutely be added to our regular menu. I love simple recipes through the week. Thank you so much!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 17, 2021

      Thank you for your awesome review, Christie!

      Reply

  • Ken Strout
    December 1, 2021

    Made this tonight and it was a hit. Easy recipe to follow and comes out great.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 1, 2021

      Great to hear that you loved the result, Ken. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply

  • Susan Sosnowski
    October 26, 2021

    Sooooo good. My daughter is celiac and this recipe is gluten free which she really enjoys. Just watch out for sesame seeds as I was surprised to see wheat in package. It is as good as any Chinese take out and easy to make. Can’t wait to try other recipes as there are many that look good.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 26, 2021

      I’m happy to know that your daughter likes this recipe. Thank you for sharing that with us, Susan. We appreciate your review!

      Reply

  • PJ
    October 23, 2021

    Would really love to make a Keto version of this. Any suggestion on substitutions- this recipe has a high card content. Thanks in advance!

    P.S. You recipes are amazing!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 25, 2021

      Hi PJ, I honestly haven’t tested any other substitution to advise. If you do an experiment, please share with us how it goes!

      Reply

  • Shirley
    August 17, 2021

    Love this recipe. Better than any I have ever had in a restaurant. Definitely faster than take out will never order this out again. And veggies will never be over cooked again. I love snow peas in this too.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 17, 2021

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Shirley! I always homemade is best!

      Reply

  • Richard
    August 17, 2021

    I like the vegetables and beef to stay crispy so I remove the veggies to the bowl with the beef, then add the sauce to the pan. When it thickens I add the veggies and beef back in, toss a few times, and serve.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 17, 2021

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Jirina Murray
    August 15, 2021

    I really like your kitchen. 😋. Please, what is SCHIRACHA? I need for Mongolian beef. Thank you. Jirina

    Reply

  • Sophia R.
    August 9, 2021

    Fantastic Recipe – made it just to my liking with a few changes

    I don’t like soy sauce so I substituted ponzu sauce with only 1/4 cup brown sugar and it was amazing 🙂

    Thank you Natasha

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 10, 2021

      You’re welcome, Sophia. Great to hear that you loved it!

      Reply

  • Bahar
    August 8, 2021

    Wow! We made it once, and since then we’re craving for it from time to time, and make it couple of times, again!
    Thanks for sharing recipes that actually “works “! 😌🙏🏻

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 8, 2021

      Hi bahar, glad that you’re enjoying my recipe. Hope you will try my other recipes. Thank you.

      Reply

  • Judy Hickman
    July 27, 2021

    What oil do you use for this dish?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      July 28, 2021

      Hi Judy, I used extra light olive oil

      Reply

  • Tara
    July 16, 2021

    This was a great recipe but a little too sweet for me. The next time I make it I will reduce the amount of brown sugar and up the sriracha just a bit…nice and saucy!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 16, 2021

      Hi Tara, I’m glad you gave it a try! I hope you love it even more the second time around!

      Reply

  • Linda Mac
    July 7, 2021

    I made this last night and it was absolutely delicious! This will definitely be one of my go to recipes!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 7, 2021

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite, Linda!

      Reply

  • Karen K.
    July 6, 2021

    I made this tonight. It was so quick & easy, not to mention absolutely delicious! Thanks for a great recipe that I will definitely make again.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 6, 2021

      That’s so great, Karen! Thank you so much for sharing that with me!

      Reply

  • Tina Bright
    July 5, 2021

    This is amazing, definitely making this again, thank you

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 5, 2021

      You’re welcome, Tina! I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

As Featured On

Never Go "Hangry" Again!

Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.