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Savory Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry Recipe Easy Perfect Weeknight Dinner

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A quick and easy Mongolian beef stir-fry with a sweet-savory sauce served over fluffy jasmine rice, perfect for busy weeknights and comforting meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or avocado oil)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup (190 g) jasmine rice, rinsed well
  • 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) water
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, steamed broccoli or snap peas

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Drain well.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rice with 1 1/2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
  4. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 more minutes to finish steaming. Fluff with a fork before serving.
  5. While rice cooks, thinly slice 1 lb flank steak against the grain. Pat dry with paper towels.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup water, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and optional 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside.
  7. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  8. Add beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned but not overcooked. Remove beef and set aside.
  9. In the same pan, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  10. Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the pan. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently until sauce thickens to a glossy consistency (1-2 minutes).
  11. Return beef to the pan, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook for another minute to heat through and meld flavors. Add a splash of water if sauce thickens too much.
  12. Serve the Mongolian beef over jasmine rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Add steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when searing beef to avoid steaming instead of browning. Pat beef dry before searing for better caramelization. Let rice rest covered off heat to finish steaming and avoid mushiness. Adjust sweetness and saltiness of sauce to taste. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. For a healthier twist, use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mongolian beef, stir-fry, quick dinner, weeknight meal, beef recipe, jasmine rice, easy recipe, savory sauce