Stir-Fries

Mongolian Beef Stir Fry

Name: Mongolian Beef Stir Fry
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) beef strips, such as sirloin or ribeye; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 2 carrots, peeled and grated; 1 cup snow peas, sliced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnish; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish; Salt and pepper, to taste

By Dahlia Greenwood · June 19, 2026 · Stir-Fries

Prep20 min

Cook15 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had Mongolian Beef Stir Fry at a Chinese restaurant. The combination of tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and savory sauce was love at first bite. Since then, I've been on a mission to recreate this dish at home, and after countless experiments, I'm excited to share my version with you.

This recipe is a staple in my household, and I make it at least once a week. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

One of the things that sets this recipe apart is the use of high-quality ingredients. I use tender beef strips, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. The result is a dish that's not only delicious but also authentic.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make Mongolian Beef Stir Fry at home. From preparation to cooking, I'll share my tips and tricks to ensure that your dish turns out perfect every time.

So, if you're ready to take your cooking to the next level and impress your family and friends with a delicious Mongolian Beef Stir Fry, let's get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
The dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion
The use of high-quality ingredients ensures that the dish is not only delicious but also authentic
The recipe is customizable, so you can add your favorite vegetables or protein sources
The dish is budget-friendly and can be made for a fraction of the cost of takeout
The recipe is family-friendly and can be made in large quantities
The dish is crowd-pleasing and is sure to impress your friends and family

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making a great Mongolian Beef Stir Fry is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the dish quickly over high heat. This helps to preserve the texture of the beef and vegetables, while also creating a savory sauce that's full of flavor.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of a wok or large skillet. This allows you to cook the ingredients quickly and evenly, while also creating a nice caramelized crust on the beef and vegetables.

In addition to the ingredients and cooking technique, the sauce is also an important component of this recipe. The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil creates a savory and slightly sweet sauce that complements the beef and vegetables perfectly.

Overall, the combination of high-quality ingredients, quick cooking technique, and savory sauce makes this Mongolian Beef Stir Fry recipe a winner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Mongolian Beef Stir Fry recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most important components are the beef, vegetables, and sauce. For the beef, I recommend using tender strips of beef, such as sirloin or ribeye. For the vegetables, you can use a combination of bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas. The sauce is made with a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose fresh and high-quality components. This will ensure that your dish turns out delicious and authentic.

1 lb (450g) beef strips, such as sirloin or ribeyeI recommend using tender strips of beef, such as sirloin or ribeye, for this recipe. You can also use other types of beef, such as flank steak or skirt steak, but make sure to slice them thinly against the grain.
2 tablespoons vegetable oilVegetable oil is used for stir-frying the beef and vegetables. You can also use other types of oil, such as peanut oil or avocado oil, but make sure to choose a neutral-tasting oil that can handle high heat.
1 onion, slicedOnions add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish. You can use any type of onion, such as yellow or white, but make sure to slice them thinly so they cook evenly.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a fundamental component of many Asian dishes, and it adds a pungent flavor to the sauce. You can use more or less garlic depending on your taste preferences.
1 bell pepper, slicedBell peppers add a crunchy texture and sweet flavor to the dish. You can use any color bell pepper, such as green, red, or yellow, but make sure to slice them thinly so they cook evenly.
2 carrots, peeled and gratedCarrots add a sweet and crunchy texture to the dish. You can use any type of carrot, such as orange or purple, but make sure to peel and grate them so they cook evenly.
1 cup snow peas, slicedSnow peas add a crunchy texture and sweet flavor to the dish. You can use any type of snow pea, such as flat or round, but make sure to slice them thinly so they cook evenly.
2 tablespoons soy sauceSoy sauce is a fundamental component of many Asian dishes, and it adds a savory and umami flavor to the sauce. You can use any type of soy sauce, such as light or dark, but make sure to choose a high-quality brand that is low in sodium.
1 tablespoon oyster sauceOyster sauce adds a savory and umami flavor to the sauce. You can use any type of oyster sauce, such as vegetarian or vegan, but make sure to choose a high-quality brand that is low in sodium.
1 teaspoon sesame oilSesame oil adds a nutty and aromatic flavor to the sauce. You can use any type of sesame oil, such as light or dark, but make sure to choose a high-quality brand that is low in sodium.
1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnishScallions add a fresh and oniony flavor to the dish. You can use any type of scallion, such as green or white, but make sure to chop them finely so they add a nice texture to the dish.
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnishSesame seeds add a nutty and crunchy texture to the dish. You can use any type of sesame seed, such as white or black, but make sure to choose a high-quality brand that is fresh and aromatic.
Salt and pepper, to tasteSalt and pepper are used to season the dish to taste. You can use any type of salt and pepper, such as sea salt or black pepper, but make sure to choose a high-quality brand that is fresh and aromatic.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerTongs or spatula

How to Make Mongolian Beef Stir Fry

1
Slice the beef into thin strips and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
5
Add the sliced bell pepper and cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes.
6
Add the grated carrots and cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes.
7
Add the sliced snow peas and cook until tender, about 1-2 minutes.
8
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to combine.
9
Add the cooked beef back into the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce and vegetables.
10
Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the beef is coated.
11
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
12
Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.
13
Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as tender beef and fresh vegetables, to ensure that the dish turns out delicious and authentic.
Cook the ingredients quickly over high heat to preserve the texture and flavor of the dish.
Use a wok or large skillet to cook the ingredients, as this will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the ingredients from steaming instead of stir-frying.
Don't overcook the ingredients, as this will make them tough and rubbery.
Add the sauce towards the end of cooking, as this will help to prevent it from becoming too thick and sticky.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, as this will ensure that the dish is balanced and flavorful.
Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds, as this will add a fresh and nutty flavor to the dish.
Serve immediately, as this will help to preserve the texture and flavor of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the ingredients, which can make them tough and rubbery.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not cooking the ingredients quickly over high heat, which can prevent them from stir-frying properly.
Adding too much sauce, which can make the dish too salty and sticky.
Not tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed, which can affect the balance and flavor of the dish.
Not garnishing with chopped scallions and sesame seeds, which can add a fresh and nutty flavor to the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Add other vegetables, such as mushrooms or baby corn, to the dish.
Use different types of protein, such as chicken or pork, instead of beef.
Add noodles or rice to the dish, to make it more filling and satisfying.
Use different types of sauce, such as hoisin or sriracha, to add more flavor to the dish.
Add spices or herbs, such as cumin or basil, to the dish, to give it more flavor and aroma.
Make the dish vegetarian or vegan, by using tofu or tempeh instead of meat, and adjusting the sauce accordingly.
Serve the dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad, to make it a more balanced and nutritious meal.

What to Serve With Mongolian Beef Stir Fry

This Mongolian Beef Stir Fry recipe is perfect for serving over rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad, to make it a more balanced and nutritious meal.

Some other serving suggestions include:

Steamed dumplings or potstickers, for a more filling and satisfying meal.

Fried wontons or egg rolls, for a crispy and savory snack.

A side of pickled ginger or kimchi, to add a sour and spicy flavor to the dish.

Steamed dumplings or potstickersFried wontons or egg rollsA side of pickled ginger or kimchiSteamed vegetables or a salad

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Mongolian Beef Stir Fry recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cook the dish in a skillet or wok over medium heat, until the ingredients are warmed through and the sauce is bubbly.

You can also freeze the dish, by placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and storing it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the dish overnight in the fridge, and then cook it in a skillet or wok over medium heat, until the ingredients are warmed through and the sauce is bubbly.

When storing or reheating the dish, make sure to use airtight containers or freezer bags, to prevent the ingredients from drying out or becoming contaminated. You can also add a little bit of water or broth to the dish, to help keep it moist and flavorful.

Some other storage and reheating tips include:

Using a thermometer to ensure that the dish is reheated to a safe internal temperature, of at least 165°F (74°C).

Stirring the dish frequently, to prevent the ingredients from burning or sticking to the pan.

Adding a little bit of oil or broth to the dish, to help keep it moist and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of beef should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of beef, such as sirloin or ribeye, but make sure to slice it thinly against the grain. This will help to ensure that the beef is tender and cooks evenly.

Can I use other types of protein, such as chicken or pork?

Yes, you can use other types of protein, such as chicken or pork, instead of beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly, to ensure that the protein is cooked through and safe to eat.

Can I make this recipe ahead and store it in the fridge?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cook the dish in a skillet or wok over medium heat, until the ingredients are warmed through and the sauce is bubbly.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, you can freeze this recipe, by placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and storing it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the dish overnight in the fridge, and then cook it in a skillet or wok over medium heat, until the ingredients are warmed through and the sauce is bubbly.

What type of sauce should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of sauce, such as soy sauce or oyster sauce, but make sure to choose a high-quality brand that is low in sodium. You can also adjust the amount of sauce to your taste, by adding more or less of it to the dish.

Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to this recipe, such as vegetables or spices, to make it more flavorful and nutritious. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly, to ensure that the ingredients are cooked through and safe to eat.

How do I prevent the ingredients from sticking to the pan?

To prevent the ingredients from sticking to the pan, make sure to use a non-stick skillet or wok, and to add a little bit of oil or broth to the dish. You can also stir the ingredients frequently, to prevent them from burning or sticking to the pan.

Can I serve this recipe with other dishes?

Yes, you can serve this recipe with other dishes, such as steamed dumplings or fried wontons, to make it a more filling and satisfying meal. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad, to make it a more balanced and nutritious meal.

The Full Recipe

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