Alexa Bernier
If you’re craving a restaurant-style beef dinner that comes together quickly, this Tender Mongolian Beef with Garlic Ginger Soy Glaze is a great choice. Thin slices of flank steak are lightly coated in cornstarch, quickly seared until beautifully browned, then tossed in a rich, glossy sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and hoisin.
The result is tender beef coated in a sweet, savory glaze with plenty of garlic and ginger flavor. A sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds adds a fresh finish, while a little red pepper flakes can bring some gentle heat.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Steamed jasmine rice, for serving
How to Make Mongolian Beef
1. Prepare the Beef
Place the thinly sliced flank steak in a bowl and sprinkle it with cornstarch. Toss well so every piece gets a light, even coating. Let the beef sit for about 10 minutes. This short resting time helps the coating adhere and gives the beef a delicious texture when seared.
2. Mix the Sauce
While the beef rests, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil until the sugar is mostly dissolved and everything is well combined.
3. Sear the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches rather than overcrowding the pan. Cook each batch for about 2–3 minutes, turning as needed, until the pieces are nicely browned.
Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and continue with the remaining batches.
4. Build the Garlic Ginger Glaze
Reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger to the same skillet. Cook for approximately 30 seconds, stirring constantly, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Pour in the prepared soy sauce mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer.
5. Combine Everything
Return the browned beef to the skillet. Toss it thoroughly in the sauce so each piece is covered in the shiny glaze.
Allow everything to simmer for another 2–3 minutes. The sauce will gradually thicken and cling to the beef, creating that signature glossy Mongolian beef finish.
6. Finish and Serve
Stir in the sliced green onions and red pepper flakes, if using. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top just before serving.
Spoon the hot Mongolian beef over steamed jasmine rice and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Mongolian Beef
Slice the steak against the grain. This is one of the easiest ways to keep flank steak tender. Look for the direction of the muscle fibers and slice across them rather than along them.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cooking the beef in batches gives each piece enough contact with the hot pan to brown properly instead of steaming.
Use fresh ginger and garlic. Fresh aromatics make a noticeable difference in the flavor of the finished sauce.
Keep an eye on the sauce. Once the beef is added, the glaze can thicken quickly. A short simmer is enough to coat the meat without making the sauce overly thick.
Adjust the heat to your taste. Red pepper flakes are completely optional. Leave them out for a milder family-friendly version or add a little extra for more spice.
What to Serve with Mongolian Beef
This sweet and savory beef pairs especially well with fluffy jasmine rice, which absorbs the extra sauce beautifully. For a lighter meal, you can serve it with steamed broccoli, green beans, snap peas, or another favorite vegetable.
You can also add a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame on the side for a fresh contrast to the rich glaze.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 465 kcal per serving
This easy Mongolian beef recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender seared beef, sweet soy glaze, fresh garlic, and ginger makes every bite incredibly satisfying.
