If you have ever wished you could recreate that lively, smoky, sizzling Mongolian BBQ recipe experience right in your own kitchen, you are in for a treat. I still remember the first time I stepped into a Mongolian BBQ restaurant, the sizzling grills, the dizzying array of fresh vegetables, meats, and savory sauces. I was completely hooked. Since then, I have made it a mission to perfect an easy yet authentic Mongolian BBQ recipe that captures all the magic without needing a commercial grill.
This dish is the ultimate customizable meal, making it ideal for family dinners, entertaining guests, or even prepping meals for the week. Whether you want a healthy stir-fry, a hearty noodle bowl, or a low-carb feast, Mongolian BBQ is a fun and interactive way to bring everyone to the table. Plus, it is a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables and proteins you might already have on hand.
In this recipe, I will guide you step-by-step to recreate the bold flavors, the perfect sear, and the saucy, savory bite that defines a great Mongolian BBQ recipe. It is easier than you think, and once you try it, you might just ditch takeout for good.
Table of contents
Why This Mongolian BBQ Recipe Works
There are countless reasons why this Mongolian BBQ recipe stands out, but let me share a few that make it a staple in my kitchen.
First, the beauty of Mongolian BBQ is its flexibility. You can customize the dish based on your cravings or what you have available, beef, chicken, shrimp, tofu, or a colorful medley of vegetables all shine here. Plus, by controlling your sauce, you can tweak the spice level, sweetness, and saltiness to suit your personal taste perfectly.
Second, the method of cooking is both quick and rewarding. By stir-frying the ingredients at a high heat, you lock in the flavors and achieve that signature slightly charred, caramelized edge that gives Mongolian BBQ its irresistible flavor.
Lastly, this homemade version is healthier and fresher than many restaurant options. You know exactly what goes into your meal, no mystery oils or hidden sodium bombs. It is perfect for clean eating, meal prepping, or simply indulging without the guilt.
Whether you are a seasoned home chef or just starting out, this Mongolian BBQ recipe is foolproof, fun, and endlessly delicious. Get ready to impress yourself, and everyone else at your table.
Recipe Card
Mongolian BBQ Recipe
Cuisine: TaiwaneseDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes20
minutes400
kcalThis Mongolian BBQ recipe brings the rich, savory flavors of a restaurant-style stir-fry right to your kitchen. With tender slices of meat, vibrant vegetables, and a delightful Mongolian BBQ sauce, this dish is quick, easy, and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients
- For the Mongolian BBQ Sauce
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional for heat)
- For the Stir-Fry
1 lb (450g) beef or chicken, thinly sliced
1 onion, sliced
1 bell pepper, julienned
1 cup broccoli florets
1 carrot, julienned
1 zucchini, thinly sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Cooked noodles or steamed rice, for serving
Sesame seeds & sliced green onions, for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce:
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Set aside. - Cook the Meat:
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced meat and stir-fry until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside. - Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in onions, bell pepper, broccoli, carrot, zucchini, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp. - Combine & Serve:
Add the cooked meat back to the wok, pour in the Mongolian BBQ sauce, and stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Serve over noodles or rice, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- Meat Choices: You can use beef, chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you prefer.
- Sauce Sweetness: Adjust the sugar level in the sauce according to your taste.
Tips for a perfect Mongolian BBQ Recipe
- Slice Meat Thinly: For tender and flavorful slices, cut meat against the grain and freeze it for 15 minutes before slicing.
- Use High Heat: Stir-fry at high heat to achieve a crisp and vibrant texture for your vegetables.
- Thinly Slice Your Proteins: Whether you are using beef, chicken, or tofu, make sure to slice everything thinly and evenly. Thin slices cook quickly and soak up the delicious sauce better, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes Mongolian BBQ so addictive.
- Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add more ginger or garlic if you like stronger flavors. For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and add to the sauce.
- Balance Your Sauce: Taste your sauce before you cook! If it is too salty, add a splash of water or a bit of honey. If it is too sweet, a dash of soy sauce or vinegar can bring it back into balance. A great Mongolian BBQ recipe is all about finding that savory-sweet harmony.
Fun Variations on the Mongolian BBQ Recipe
Classic Beef Mongolian BBQ
This is the most traditional version and what most people picture when they hear Mongolian BBQ recipe. Thinly sliced beef, such as sirloin or flank steak, is flash-cooked with a sweet and savory sauce. I like to add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds at the end for an extra layer of flavor. If you want an even deeper taste, marinate the beef for an hour before stir-frying.
Chicken Mongolian BBQ
For a lighter alternative, chicken is a fantastic choice. I usually opt for boneless skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and tender even over high heat. If you prefer, chicken breast works well too, especially if you marinate it in a bit of soy sauce and ginger beforehand. Pair it with lots of crisp veggies like broccoli and snap peas for a wholesome twist.
Seafood Mongolian BBQ
Seafood lovers, rejoice! Shrimp, scallops, or even squid can be stunning in a Mongolian BBQ recipe. Seafood cooks incredibly fast, so keep a close eye while stir-frying. I suggest adding a little squeeze of fresh lime and a pinch of chili flakes to brighten up the dish. Serve it over jasmine rice for a meal that feels both elegant and effortless.
Vegetarian Mongolian BBQ
If you are looking for a meatless option, the vegetarian Mongolian BBQ recipe is just as satisfying. Use tofu, tempeh, or even jackfruit as your protein. I like to pan-fry the tofu until it is golden and crispy before tossing it in the sauce. Load up with colorful veggies like bell peppers, bok choy, mushrooms, and carrots. It is hearty, vibrant, and packed with flavor.
FAQs
Beef (like flank steak or sirloin) and chicken are the most popular, but you can also use shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Then, just give it a stir before using.
Simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Traditional Mongolian BBQ isn’t particularly spicy. But, you can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili flakes based on your preference.
Yes, you can freeze the stir-fry without the noodles or rice. So, let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Mongolian BBQ is a dish that brings excitement to the table with its customizable, stir-fried flavors and endless possibilities for variation. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight dinner or something more elaborate for a family gathering, this recipe delivers. The best part? It’s incredibly flexible, so you can use any protein, adjust the vegetables to your liking, and control the spice level to fit your taste buds. Plus, the savory, slightly sweet sauce binds everything together beautifully.
If you’re someone who loves building your own meals and experimenting with different ingredients, Mongolian BBQ is a must-try! And trust me, once you get the hang of the basic steps, you’ll be able to tweak it to suit any dietary preference or craving. So, don’t hesitate to dive into the stir-fry fun, your taste buds will thank you!
If you are looking for more recipes with Beef, check out the Ground Beef Bulgogi Recipe and the Dirty Rice Recipe with Ground Beef!
Leave a Reply