How to Make the Perfect 15 Minute Mongolian Beef
Chinese American · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
This 15 minute Mongolian beef rivals any restaurant version with its tender strips of beef coated in a sweet and savory sauce. It is one of the most satisfying quick recipes you can make for a fast and impressive weeknight dinner.
Why this recipe works
This 15 Minute Mongolian Beef recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 34g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lb flank steak thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Slice and Prep Beef
Slice flank steak as thin as possible against the grain for maximum tenderness. Thin slices are the key to fast and even cooking in this quick recipe.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until smoking. Add beef slices in batches and sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side until browned.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Add garlic and ginger to the pan and stir fry for 30 seconds. Pour in soy sauce and brown sugar and stir constantly for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the beef.
Step 4: Serve
Serve over steamed rice topped with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an authentic finishing touch.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- flank steak → skirt steak or sirloin as equally quick cooking and tender cuts
- brown sugar → coconut sugar for a slightly less refined sweetener alternative
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Slicing the beef too thick which requires longer cooking time and toughens the meat
- Overcrowding the pan with all the beef at once which causes steaming instead of searing
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 34g protein, 18g carbs, 22g fat, 1g fiber.
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