Mongolian Beef is a delectable medley of tender beef and fragrant scallions in a sweet and savory sauce. So easy to make at home yet tastes so much better than take-out!
One dish G and I order all too frequently from our neighborhood Chinese restaurant for takeout or delivery is Mongolian beef. We just can’t seem to get enough of this delightful medley of tender beef and fragrant scallions in a sweet and savory brown sauce!
Unfortunately for my tummy, G and I decided at the beginning of the year to eat out less and resolved to enjoy more home-cooked meals. Fortunately, the delectable flavors of Mongolian beef are easy enough to replicate. With less than 30 minutes cook time, this recipe is so simple to make yet so much better than takeout.
One crucial component of a great Chinese stir-fry is velveting. This Chinese cooking technique of marinating meat in cornstarch and quickly blanching in a bath of hot oil ensures the beef stays tender, silky and smooth in texture during the high heat used in the stir-fry. So please, please, do not skip this step! Trust me, the extra work is worth it.
Mongolian Beef is a delectable medley of tender beef and fragrant scallions in a sweet and savory sauce. So easy to make at home yet tastes so much better than take-out!
- 2 pounds beef sirloin, sliced thinly
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine
- oil
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 thumb-size ginger, peeled and minced
- 1 large onion, peeled and sliced thinly
- 1 bunch green onions, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch lengths
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup light soy sauce (I used Kikkoman)
- 3 tablespoons Hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
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In a small bowl, combine egg white, cornstarch, Chinese cooking wine and 1 tablespoon oil. Whisk together until smooth and frothy. Add beef and massage marinade onto meat. Marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. In a colander, drain beef.
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In a bowl, combine stir-fry sauce ingredients: water, soy sauce, Hoisin sauce, Chinese cooking wine and sugar. Stir until well blended. Add cornstarch and stir until dissolved and mixture is smooth. Set aside.
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In a wok over high heat, heat about 1/4 cup oil. Add beef in a single layer and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly browned. With a slotted spoon, remove meat and drain on paper towels.
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Remove excess oil except for about 1 tablespoon. Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring regularly, for about 30 seconds or until aromatic. Add onions and cook, stirring regularly, for about 30 to 40 seconds or until half done.
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Stir stir-fry sauce to disperse cornstarch that may have settled on the bottom and add to wok. Cook, whisking regularly, until smooth and thickened.
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Return beef to wok and add green onions. Continue to cook, tossing gently, for about 1 to 2 minutes or until meat is heated through. Serve hot.
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That looks so good. I love being able to make my own versions of restaurant or take out food.
Don’t you just love copycat recipes? We get to eat our favorites at home for a lot less than it cost in restaurants and we know what goes into our food! I
I so miss mongolian meals already. I used to eat at a mongolian diner almost everyday as we could choose any ingredients. Would love to eat now.
No need to go the diner now. You can enjoy this right in your own home 🙂
This dish sounds so good! I have only had takeout for mongolian and so to make it at home would be great.
It’s just as delicious as takeout and surprisingly easy to make!
This recipe looks delicious and easy to make! Whenever we go out for Chinese food I usually order mongolian beef.
Thanks, Dana. I hope you give this recipe a try. It tastes just as good as what you’ll find in restaurants but cheaper to make at home 🙂
Omg can we say yum?!?! I must try your recipe!!!!
Thanks, Courtney 🙂
I don’t remember the last time I had mongolian beef. It sure does look very delish, can’t wait to try it.
Thanks, Amir.
Everyone knows that I love beef so much so I will definitely try this. Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome, Kathy. I hope you try it. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy beef. 🙂
This looks so delicious! Mongolian beef is a favorite of mine as well and I have been trying to do less take out, so I will definitely be trying this recipe!
Tt’s cheaper than eating out yet so much better 🙂
It’s been a while since I cooked beef, I don’t really include it in my diet anymore. But I’m sure this will be a hit with the family. It’s quite easy to cook as well!
Try subbing firm tofu in place of beef. They’ll go get great in this stir-fry dish 🙂
My family would love this at home. I had no idea about “velveting”. I’ll have to try it!
You need to try velveting, you’ll be amazed how the moist and tender the meat turns out 🙂
I’m positively drooling! That looks so appetizing and easy to make since it’s less than 30 minutes.
Thanks, Liz.
I didn’t know that process wss called velveting> 🙂 This recipe sounds great.
I didn’t know that process was called velveting. 🙂 This recipe sounds great.
Give it a try, you’ll be amazed how tender and moist the meat turns out with this simple step 🙂
I want mongolian beef from chinese restaurant. I think it is one of the best selling in a chinese restauran near our place.
Yes, it’s one of the popular items in restaurants. So delicious!
These are a yummy recipe! I bet my hubby would love thes
Yes, I am sure the hubby would love this. Mine does 🙂
I love Asian cuisine. I can’t wait to try this recipe.
Asian food is my ultimate comfort food. Lots of flavor and texture 🙂
This looks amazing. We love Mongolian beef, but I’ve never attempted it on my own. I might just have to give this a try 🙂
It’s quick and easy to make, you’d be done in far less time than it would take to go to the restaurant. 🙂
Looks amazing and super tasty, I must try it
Thanks, Amy. Please do try it, much better than take out 🙂
It looks so delicious!! My husband will love this beef.
Oh yes, the hubby will love this 🙂
Made this last night. It was awesome!
Thanks, Ruby, for your feedback. I am glad you enjoyed it.