Craving takeout but want to keep it healthy? This Healthy Mongolian Beef recipe is a game-changer! Made with tender shaved beef, a perfectly balanced sauce, and ready in just 20 minutes, it’s quick, flavorful, and family-approved. As Amy says, “Just made this yummy dish and my family loved it!”
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Love this recipe. Even my fussy husband said it was a keeper. I added broccoli, cauliflower, and thin sliced carrots at the end in with meat and the sauce. I had blanched the vegetables first.
Sandra
Takeout cravings? Solved! This Healthy Mongolian Beef recipe has been shared over 3,000 times and loved by families everywhere. Made with tender shaved beef and a perfectly balanced sweet-savory sauce, it’s a lighter, better-for-you version of the classic that’s ready in no time. Just ask Ashley, who said, “Really really good!! Followed it exactly as written and it was perfect.”
I love my Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich so much that I had to come up with another recipe using shaved beef that keeps my family coming back for more. Whenever I swing by Trader Joe’s, I grab a package of shaved steak to make cheesesteaks—or recipes like this one! If you’re looking for more healthier twists on takeout favorites, try my Korean Fried Chicken or this simple and flavorful Chicken Fried Rice (so good!).
Years of experience tweaking classic dishes into lighter, family-friendly meals have made this one a keeper. With easy techniques for tender shaved beef and a foolproof sauce, this Healthy Mongolian Beef will make dinner a breeze—and a hit. Let’s get started!
I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!
If you have skirt or flank steak, this Easy Beef and Broccoli is a winner. The right marinade makes all the difference in a recipe—and with a blend of warm nuttiness and herbs, this Flank Steak is one of our family favorites.
Why you’ll love this healthier Mongolian Beef Stir Fry
How is this a healthier version of Mongolian beef? I took an old copycat, P.F. Chang’s Mongolian recipe, and reduced the sugar significantly. Plus, using a low-sodium or Liquid Amino’s adds a punch!
Mongolian Beef Stir Fry Ingredients
The ingredients are simple, the taste — out of this world! Print the recipe card at the end of the post for all details.
- Shaved Beef | Thinly sliced steak makes it wonderful and tender and oh so easy! If you can’t find it, use thinly sliced flank or skirt steak. Check out all my shaved steak recipes.
- Soy Sauce | You can use a grain free soy sauce if you need the dish to be gluten-free. It’s a staple in the sauce and adds a kick!
- Dark Brown Sugar | The dark sugar enhances the flavor. If you have light brown sugar, it will work too. You can also add a bit of molasses to deepen the flavor.
- Cornstarch | Used to thicken the sauce, I like using non-GMO; you can also use tapioca flour if you’re allergic to corn.
- Garlic | You can buy minced garlic at Trader Joe’s to make cooking even easier.
- Green Onions | Also called scallions, add great flavor and color to this dish.
- Fresh Ginger | The aroma of fresh ginger can’t be beat—and if you like it spicy, you can always add extra.
- Red Pepper Flakes | They are optional because they carry a punch, but I love to sprinkle them on top.
- Sesame Seeds | This is another optional ingredient, but I use them because I love the hint of nuttiness and beauty they add to the final dish.
Recommended Tools
- I love this Staub Everything pan and it’s aptly named as I use it for everything! It’s larger than most pans, with sloping sides, so it works great for stir-fry and as a decent wok replacement.
- A good sharp knife if you are shaving your own beef steak and a pair of sturdy tongs.
Shaved Beef Tips
- lf you don’t use much fresh ginger, it freezes great; when needed, simply grate while frozen. Or purchase Dorot frozen crushed ginger, love them — I get mine from Trader Joe’s.
How to Make Healthier Mongolian Beef
Sprinkle the shaved steak in the cornstarch, tossing to coat. In your small saucepan, heat the oil and saute the garlic and ginger.
Drizzle in the soy sauce and dark brown sugar, increasing the heat. It must be stirred constantly because sugar burns easily.
After the sugar dissolves, set it aside.
In a heavy skillet (I love my Staub for this) saute the shaved beef in small batches. It only takes about 2 minutes for each batch. Removing the beef to a plate between batches, be sure to bring the heat of your pan back up each time.
When all the meat is cooked, return all the beef to the pan and the Mongolian sauce to coat it. Add the green onions. That’s it! Your Mongolian Beef is ready to serve with rice and broccoli, garnished with the red pepper flakes and sesame seeds.
Variations
Mongolian Chicken Recipe | This recipe is so delicious with chicken too! Tip to get your chicken extra thin, freeze for 20-30 minutes then slice.
This Mongolian Beef recipe is very flexible—you can change the spiciness with an addition of more ginger and red pepper flakes. If you really want to heat up the spice index, add a little cayenne powder! Your eyes may water, but it will still be delicious!
Keto Mongolian Beef (Low-Carb)
It’s easy to swap out the rice for cauliflower rice. It’s delicious and you probably won’t notice a lot of difference.
Instead of cornstarch, use almond flour. It will make a lovely thick sauce with a great flavor.
Pro Tips for the best Mongolian Beef
- When you’re cooking the batches of meat, make sure the oil is at the right temperature. This is flash cooking, and it needs to be hot! It’s okay if your meet isn’t cooked all the way through, it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Use the right cut of beef | typically Mongolian beef recipe is made from thinly sliced flank steak, but top round, or skirt steak may also be used. Or be like me and buy it all shaved super thin from your butcher or Trader Joe’s.
- Once you’re done stir frying the meat, remove excess oil. This will keep it tasting fresh!
- Instead of using vegetable oil, swap it out for a high quality olive oil or avocado oil for their high flashpoint temperatures.
Use the right soy sauce!
I have had readers say that this recipe is way too salty, which had made me confused, as I make this for our family often and nobody has complained that it’s too salty. After much research, I believe it has to do with the soy sauce:
- Use the right soy sauce, making sure it’s low sodium; or use a soy sauce replacement such as Bragg’s Liquid Amino’s or Coconut Aminos.
Frequently Asked Questions
I recommend that you still brown your beef in a skillet first, but if you really don’t have time, then you may just toss it in the slow cooker, mix sauce ingredients and pour over. Cover and cook on low 4-5 hours, high 2-3 hours.
Yes! Toss the meat frequently in the air fryer basket until it is as crisp as you like, then add it to the skillet to coat it with the Mongolian sauce you’ve prepared.
Yes, it’s so quick and easy on the stovetop, try it in the Instant Pot!
Brown the shaved steak on the SAUTE mode in batches, once browned. Turn off Instant Pot, deglaze pan with a little water if needed. Return beef to the Instant Pot, mix the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl and pour over the shaved beef. Place the lid on the Instant Pot, turn the valve to close, Pressure Cook on High for 6-8 minutes. Use the Instant Release method, as soon as time is up, stirring in sliced green onions and sprinkling on red pepper flakes and/or sesame seeds.
Some readers have claimed that it’s way too salty, the saltiness can vary from person to person. First tip, taste the sauce before you finish the dish. If it’s too salty for you, add a few splashes of rice vinegar (vinegar or acid neutralizes the salt) or lemon juice.
More shaved beef recipes
We love shaved steak in this house, it’s a shortcut to a quick and easy meal. You have to try our popular Cheesesteak sandwich recipe, these Philly Cheesesteak sliders and this low-carb Philly cheesesteak casserole.
New England Steak Bomb Sandwich Recipe
This Steak Bomb recipe is New England’s version of the Philly Cheesesteak, kicked up with “hots”, melted provolone cheese, salami and smashed mushrooms. A hot sub, dripping with juicy shaved steak sautéed with mushrooms, peppers and caramelized onions, on a toasted sub roll.
Best Cheesesteak Sandwich Recipe
30 minutes to the best Philly Cheesesteak sandwich recipe! Tender, shaved beef, caramelized onions, lots of flavor thanks to Worcestershire Sauce and oodles of gooey, stringy, drippy cheese — piled on top of a buttery, toasted french roll.
Best Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe (Low-Carb)
Creamy, cheesy, and full of classic flavors, this is the Best Philly Cheesesteak Casserole! It’s a low-carb and easy recipe that uses this tasty sandwich’s traditional ingredients but in an oven-baked dish.
Best Philly Cheesesteak Sliders Recipe
Ready for the oven in 20 minutes, this Philly Cheesesteak Sliders recipe packs all the savory and cheesy flavors of a traditional Philly sandwich into steak sliders! A great recipe for game day, summer BBQ, tailgating, or just a delicious and easy weeknight dinner.
39 Best Shaved Steak Recipes (Easy Steak Meals)
Today I’m sharing 39 easy shaved steak recipes that the whole family will love! Shaved steak, also called shaved beef is a cut of meat you need to embrace! Most of these are healthy shaved steak recipes are ready in 30 minutes or less!
How to serve Mongolian Thinly Sliced Beef
- Rice | White rice will be ready in the same amount of time, but plan ahead if you are making brown rice since takes twice as long to cook, our personal favorite is Jasmine, but any rice will work.
- Noodles | Yummy, Mongolian beef noodles, yes please! Try cooking Udon, Soba or wide Rice Noodles.
- Riced Cauliflower | Keeping it low-carb and Keto, serve with steamed riced cauliflower.
- Steamed or Roasted Veggies | I steamed broccoli to go with ours, but feel free to saute up some peppers and onions, add shaved carrots. Or serve with oven-roasted sweet potatoes and broccoli.
- Delicious served with this Asian Ramen Salad.
How to store this Shaved Steak Recipe
If you have any left over, store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. To reheat, microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between. Or even better, warm a skillet and toss the Mongolian beef recipe in the hot pan for a few minutes.
Freezing Mongolian Beef is easy too, this sauce and beef will freeze well, up to 3 months stored in an airtight container in the freezer. To reheat, allow to thaw overnight and then follow the instructions above.
If you love quick and easy weeknight dinners, try these:
- Healthy 3-Ingredient Raspberry Glazed Salmon
- Best Philly Cheesesteak Sliders Recipe
- Easy Tamale Pie Casserole Recipe with Cornmeal Crust
- The Best Skillet Shepherd’s Pie
- Turkey (or Chicken) Divan
- Honey Bourbon Chicken {30 Minute Meal}
More from The Fresh Cooky
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Video
Equipment
Ingredients
Mongolian Beef
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil* I use avocado oil + extra if needed
- 2 teaspoons garlic finely minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger freshly grated
- ¼ – ½ cup low sodium soy sauce scant, be sure you use low sodium soy sauce or replacement such as Liquid Amino's or Coconut Amino's so it's not too salty.
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar packed
- 1 pound shaved beef I love Trader Joe’s shaved steak
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch non-GMO
- 3-6 scallions trimmed and thinly sliced
Serving Suggestions
- Red pepper flakes
- Sesame seeds
- Steamed broccoli roasted veggies, riced cauliflower
- Cooked brown or white rice for serving
- Or try Udon Soba or Rice Noodles
Instructions
- Toss shaved steak in a mixing bowl coating evenly with corn starch, set aside.
- In a small saucepan heat a few teaspoons of oil, adding garlic and ginger sauting for 30 seconds. Add soy sauce, brown sugar and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly over medium heat until sugar is dissolved and sauce is reduced slightly. About 4 minutes, set aside.
- In a large skillet (love my ), over medium-high heat, adding a little more oil if needed, saute the shaved steak in batches, not crowding the pan. The shaved steak will cook quickly, flip the pieces as they brown, should only take about 2 minutes. Remove the finished steak to a plate or paper towel lined tray, repeat with all of the meat, adding oil if necessary.
- TIP | make sure the oil returns to a nice high temperature each time before adding more beef. I like to remove mine just as it’s getting a little crispy on the edges, but still pink in the middle, it will finish cooking later.
- If any extra oil in pan, pour off or use paper towels to remove. Return skillet to medium-high heat, return all of the beef to the pan, pour the Mongolian sauce over and toss to coat. Add green onions, stirring constantly about 3 minutes until meat is reheated and sauce is thickened and glazes the meat. Serve over rice, with some steamed broccoli, sprinkle with red pepper flakes and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Crockpot Instructions: I recommend that you still brown your beef in a skillet; however you may just toss it in the slow cooker, mix sauce ingredients and pour over. Cover and cook on low 4-5 hours, high 2-3 hours. Air Fryer | Toss the meat frequently in the air fryer basket until it is as crisp as you like, then add it to the skillet to coat it with the Mongolian sauce you’ve prepared. Instant Pot Instructions | Brown the shaved steak on the SAUTE mode in batches, once browned. Turn off Instant Pot, deglaze pan with a little water if needed. Return beef to the Instant Pot, mix sauce ingredients together in a small bowl and pour over the shaved beef. Place the lid on the Instant Pot, turn the valve to close, Pressure Cook on High for 6-8 minutes. Use the Instant Release method, as soon as time is up, stirring in sliced green onions and sprinkling on red pepper flakes and/or sesame seeds. Keto Mongolian Beef | It’s easy to swap out the rice for cauliflower rice. It’s delicious and you probably won’t notice a lot of difference. Instead of cornstarch, use almond flour. It will make a lovely thick sauce with a great flavor.
Nutrition
Sheryl
Found this recipe as I Was standing in Trader Joe’s with shaved steak in my hand and googling what to do with shaved steak! I got the frozen ginger there as well. I hesitate to cook with beef because it’s hard to get it tender – shaved steak is the secret. I will definitely make it again! I like that I can adjust the sauce to my liking, a little less sugar and soy sauce next time – but sure tasted like restaurant mongolian beef to me. Thank you!
So glad you loved it Sheryl! And yes make it yours to your taste!
Patty Henderer
This recipe was so easy and quick. My family loved it! Thank you so much for the recipe, will make this again.
I love hearing that Patty! Thank you for your sweet comment!
Anna Treat
This recipe is unbelievably easy and delicious. I was concerned about the soy making this too salty so I used half soy/half coconut aminos, perfect. If you like your stir fry saucy just double sauce recipe, but not needed. I am actually just about to make the sauce to use as a dipping sauce! Highly recommend.
Thank you Anna!! Love your tips!!