Mongolian beef is a classic Chinese takeout dish that features tender strips of beef coated in a sweet, savory sauce With its bold, sticky flavors, mongolian beef is delicious but it can be challenging to find the perfect side dishes to complement it. Luckily, there are many excellent options that pair wonderfully with the rich, complex tastes of this beef stir-fry
In this article, we’ll explore 33 of the best side dishes to serve with mongolian beef From hearty starches to crisp, refreshing vegetables, you’ll find plenty of ideas to round out your meal and take it to the next level
The Best Starches and Grains for Mongolian Beef
Steamed White Rice
You can’t go wrong with a bowl of steaming hot white rice. The soft, fluffy grains easily soak up the sweet mongolian beef sauce, making every bite even more savory and delicious. Steamed rice provides the perfect neutral base to showcase the sauce’ssticky flavors. Jasmine and basmati rice are particularly aromatic varieties that pair nicely.
Fried Rice
For a heartier option, try fried rice loaded with vegetables, eggs, and even meat like shrimp or chicken. The lightly charred rice grains have a delicious toasted flavor that stands up well to mongolian beef. And the addition of scrambled eggs and vegetables makes it a nicely balanced one-dish meal.
Lo Mein or Chow Mein Noodles
Chewy lo mein or chow mein noodles tossed in a savory sauce are an excellent alternative to rice. They soak up that luscious mongolian beef sauce beautifully. Bonus points if you add extra veggies like broccoli, carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts to make it a complete meal in one bowl.
Garlic Noodles
Buttery garlic noodles are a match made in heaven with mongolian beef. Their rich, garlicky flavor complements the sweetness of the beef sauce flawlessly. The slippery noodles also provide a nice textural contrast to the tender beef strips.
Sesame or Scallion Pancakes
For something different, try sesame pancakes or scallion pancakes. Their crispy, flaky texture and mild flavor are perfect for soaking up the bold mongolian beef sauce. The nutty sesame seeds or sharp scallions also bring extra flavor.
Bao Buns
Fluffy Chinese steamed buns called bao make fantastic vehicles for mongolian beef. Their soft, pillowy texture soaks up all the rich sauce. And they often have a slightly sweet flavor that balances the savoriness of the beef.
Crisp, Fresh Vegetables
Stir-Fried Vegetables
A colorful medley of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas is a foolproof side. Their bright crispy freshness balances the sticky sweetness of the beef. Toss them in a little sesame oil, garlic, and ginger for extra flavor.
Steamed Broccoli
For something simple, steamed broccoli is a nice light option. The vibrant green florets pair perfectly with the brown saucy beef. Liven it up with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of soy sauce or oyster sauce if desired.
Salad with Asian Vinaigrette
A leafy salad tossed in a tangy Asian vinaigrette can help cut through the rich beef sauce. Use a mix of crunchy romaine, spinach, and napa cabbage dressed with a blend of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger. Top with sliced almonds for crunch.
Cucumber Salad
Cool sliced cucumbers and carrots in a light rice vinegar dressing provide a refreshing, palate-cleansing accompaniment to mongolian beef. The crunch of the veggies balances the tender beef beautifully.
Kimchi
Spicy, funky kimchi is a great way to offset the sweetness of the beef and add another layer of flavor. The bubbly fermented cabbage also aids digestion. Mix it into rice or enjoy it straight up on the side.
Asian Slaw
For crunch, make a quick Asian slaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and crispy wonton strips. Toss in a tangy dressing of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. It cuts right through the rich sauce.
More Hearty Side Dishes
Egg Rolls
You can’t go wrong with some crispy egg rolls on the side. They provide a wonderfully crunchy contrast to the tender beef along with sampled the classic flavors of mongolian beef sauce ingredients like garlic, ginger, and soy.
Potstickers or Wontons
Savor pan-fried potstickers or wontons dipped in a mix of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil alongside the beef. The tender dumplings stuffed with pork and scallions make a tasty pairing.
Spring Rolls
For something lighter, try fresh spring rolls wrapped in rice paper and filled with shrimp, rice noodles, lettuce, mint, and cucumber. Their refreshing crunch stands up well to the beef.
Hot and Sour Soup
A bowl of hot and sour soup is highly recommended with mongolian beef. The bold, tangy broth helps cut through the sticky sweet sauce and reinvigorates the palate.
Fried Tofu
Crispy cubes of fried tofu tossed in a savory garlic, ginger, and soy sauce glaze are a nice vegetarian side option. The tofu’s fried exterior provides great textural contrast to the saucy beef.
Simple Roasted Veggies
Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, or brussels sprouts caramelized with just a bit of oil, salt, and pepper make a tasty hassle-free side. Their charred edges and tender interiors pair beautifully with the mongolian beef.
Refreshing Beverages
Jasmine Green Tea
Jasmine green tea’s gentle floral aroma and slightly bitter taste help cleanse the palate after the robust flavors of mongolian beef. The astringency cuts through the sauce’s richness nicely.
Chrysanthemum Tea
Light, subtly sweet chrysanthemum tea also makes a pleasing accompaniment. Its delicate floral notes tame the savoriness of the beef.
Plum Wine
For something bolder, try plum wine, which has a sweet yet slightly tart bite. It contrasts nicely with the complex sweet, salty, and savory flavors of the beef.
Sparkling Water with Lime
Simple sparkling water with lime wedges offers bright, effervescent refreshment between bites of mongolian beef. The lime’s acidity cuts the sauce’s richness.
Satisfying Sweet Endings
Almond Cookies
Crisp Chinese almond cookies make the perfect subtle sweet ending after an intense, savory meal. Their light almond flavor and sandy texture provide just the right amount of sweetness.
Green Tea Ice Cream
Scoops of green tea ice cream offer richness along with cleansing astringency. The creamy treat cools the palate after the spices in the beef.
Fresh Mango
Slices of ripe, juicy mango balance the beef’s savory flavors with bright, tropical sweetness. The fruit’s enzymes also help digest the heavy meal.
Sesame Seed Balls
Sweet sesame balls rolled in seeds provide delicious nutty crunch and chewy red bean paste centers. They satisfy the craving for something sweet without overwhelming the palate after mongolian beef.
In conclusion, mongolian beef’s complex sweet, savory, salty, and spicy flavors require equally dynamic side dishes to complement them. The options above, from a simple bowl of steamed rice to crunchy Asian slaw and beyond, all make excellent pairings that can take your meal to new heights of flavor. With the right sides, mongolian beef becomes an even more well-rounded, harmonious, and mouthwatering dining experience.
What kind of noodles go with Mongolian beef?
Garlic noodles are a fantastic match. The chewy texture and garlicky goodness complement the beef’s rich sauce. Lo mein or rice noodles also work well, adding a comforting, hearty element to the dish. Noodles bring that satisfying, slurp-worthy experience to the table.
FAQ on What Side Dish Goes With Mongolian Beef
Stir-fried bok choy and green beans are my go-tos. The crunch and slight bitterness of these veggies balance the sweet, savory sauce perfectly. Toss them in sesame oil and garlic for added flavor. They add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the richness of the beef.
The Only Mongolian Beef Recipe You’re Ever Gonna Need
FAQ
What is a good side dish with Mongolian beef?
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Amy Roloffhttps://amyjroloff.com‘Mongolian’ Beef with Vegetables – Amy RoloffI think the beef and vegetables is best served over white or Jasmine rice. Serve the beef and vegetables over white rice and topped with green onions.
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TikTok · christyhttps://www.tiktok.comLet’s make Mongolian beef! Serve it with a side of rice and steamed br…Jan 4, 2021 — 342 Likes, TikTok video from christy (@wangchristy): “Let’s make Mongolian beef! Serve it with a side of rice and steamed broccoli for a full meal. #
What vegetables come with Mongolian beef?
Mongolian beef is a stir-fried beef and vegetable dish. The sliced beef is tender and crispy, and the vegetables are usually strips of onion and bell peppers, cooked just enough so they are still crunchy and refreshing.
What rice goes with Mongolian beef?
What to Serve with Mongolian Beef. Like most stir-fry recipes, rice is a perfect choice for soaking up that garlicky ginger sauce. Steamed or baked white rice will do the trick.
What vegetables go well with beef?
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Root Vegetables:Potatoes (baked, mashed, au gratin, or roasted), carrots (roasted or glazed), parsnips, and sweet potatoes offer a hearty and complementary flavor to beef.
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Green Vegetables:Green beans, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, and broccoli can be roasted, steamed, or sautéed and provide a fresh and healthy contrast to the richness of beef.
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Other Vegetables:Mushrooms (sautéed or roasted), onions (roasted or caramelized), bell peppers (stir-fried or roasted), and tomatoes (fresh or roasted) can add flavor and visual appeal to beef dishes.
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Leafy Greens:Spinach (creamed or sautéed) and kale (salad or roasted) offer a nutritious and flavorful pairing with beef.
What goes well with Mongolian beef?
Rice is one of those classic easy side dishes that go perfectly with Mongolian Beef. When you order this dish in a restaurant or for take-out, it’s almost always paired with white steamed rice. I like to mix things up a bit and serve wild rice instead of white rice. It’s healthier for you and gives a nice texture. Brown rice works well too.
How to make the best beef Mongolian?
To make the best beef Mongolian, you need to find the right meat. A regular cut of beef will not work for this dish; you need to get a quick fry steak that is thin and tender, which means it cooks up quickly to serve your guests faster. Don’t let the sauce sit in the pan too long, or it will burn and become bitter.
What makes Mongolian beef so special?
It’s the sweet and savory sauce that really makes Mongolian beef stand out in a sea of Chinese beef dishes though. The strong flavor of ginger and garlic is incredibly addicting. And honestly, I’ll take anything that is served on top of a mountain of steamed rice. It is my happy place, after all.
What kind of steak do you use for Mongolian beef?
Flank steak (sliced against the grain) is most commonly used to make Mongolian beef, although any quick cooking beef works great. We use New York strip steaks in our version, as flank steak isn’t always found at all grocery stores and New York strip steaks generally are.
Is Mongolian beef sweet or sour?
The sweet-and-sour combination of Mongolian beef can be found in other dishes, such as the Taiwanese dish called Three Cup Chicken. The trick to making good Mongolian beef is to the sauce just before serving rather than before frying, as this helps seal in the juices and gives a better flavor.