Go Back

Classic Mongolian Beef Recipe

This Classic Mongolian Beef Recipe (Takeout Style at Home) brings tender beef strips coated in a glossy sweet-savory sauce, ready in under 30 minutes for the perfect homemade takeout meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, asian
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 1 lb flank steak thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil for frying
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar packed
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
For the Stir-Fry
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1- inch piece of fresh ginger grated
  • 4-5 green onions sliced into 2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup sliced red or green bell pepper optional, for extra crunch
To Serve:
  • Cooked white rice jasmine rice, or noodles
  • Sesame seeds optional, for garnish

Method
 

Step 1 – Prep the Beef
  1. Slice flank steak into thin strips, against the grain.
  2. Toss beef with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
Step 2 – Make the Sauce
  1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, water, brown sugar, hoisin, sesame oil, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Stir well and set aside.
Step 3 – Cook the Beef
  1. Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add beef in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
  3. Fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
  4. Remove beef and set aside.
Step 4 – Stir-Fry Aromatics
  1. In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger.
  2. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add bell peppers and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes.
Step 5 – Combine and Simmer
  1. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir.
  2. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Return the beef to the pan and toss to coat.
  4. Add green onions and stir for 30 seconds.
Step 6 – Serve
  1. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
  2. Garnish with sesame seeds or extra green onions.