What To Serve With Mongolian Beef (23 BEST Side Dishes!)

I first discovered Mongolian beef when I was looking for a quick and easy slow cooker recipe that was full of flavour and an interesting change from the usual stews and casseroles, and ever since I first made it many years ago, it’s been a regular in my weekly meal rotations! 

It’s a dish made with tender slices of beef cooked in a slightly sweet and savoury sauce, and it’s surge in popularity is likely thanks to it featuring on the menu of P.F. Chang’s, an American chain restaurant that serves up Asian fusion cuisine. 

Its roots are widely debated, though many think that the version of the recipe that most people enjoy today was likely first cooked up in a kitchen of a Chinese takeaway, possibly somewhere in the Western world! 

That’s right – it’s very likely not actually Mongolian in origin at all. 

Either way though, it’s a delicious dinner that’s super family friendly and perfect for batch cooking and freezing. 

That makes it a winner in my eyes! 

But what about the sides? 

Here’s the quick answer… 

The best choices for what to serve with Mongolian beef include steamed rice, fried rice, stir-fried green beans, glazed carrots, chow mein, rice vermicelli, Asian slaw, cucumber salad, spring onion pancakes, egg drop soup, and hot and sour soup. 

Let’s take a look at these ideas and more in some greater detail… 

(You might also want to check out what to serve with Mongolian chicken for more ideas). 

Essential Sides

Choosing the right sides for your Mongolian beef can turn a good meal into a great one.

You’ll want sides that complement the rich flavours without overwhelming them.

Steamed Rice

Steamed rice is a classic companion to Mongolian beef. Its subtle flavour and fluffy texture make it an ideal base to soak up the sauce.

• Benefits:
  • Absorbs flavours well
  • Light and doesn’t compete with the main dish

Fried Rice

Alternatively, fried rice adds an extra layer of taste and texture to your meal.

It combines rice with a mix of vegetables, eggs, and sometimes meat, offering a more complex side option.

• Ingredients:
  • Rice
  • Mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, sweetcorn)
  • Eggs
  • Optional: small diced chicken or prawns
• Texture & Flavour:
  • Savoury with a slight crispiness
  • Richer than steamed rice

Vegetable Accompaniments

Pairing the right vegetables with Mongolian beef enhances the meal by adding texture and complementary flavours.

Here are some particularly alluring choices…

Stir-Fried Green Beans

For a crisp and flavourful side, stir-fried green beans are a stellar match.

Quickly stir-fry your green beans in a hot pan with a touch of oil and garlic. Season with a sprinkle of salt to taste.

This method preserves the beans’ vibrant green colour and provides a crunchy contrast to the tender beef.

• Preparation: Stir-fry
• Seasoning: Garlic, salt
• Texture: Crisp

Glazed Carrots

Glazed carrots lend a subtly sweet complement to the savoury richness of Mongolian beef.

Slice your carrots thinly and simmer them in a mixture of butter, a little sugar, and a dash of water until they are tender and the glaze has thickened.

• Preparation: Sauté, then simmer
• Flavours: Sweet and buttery
• Texture: Tender

Roasted Potatoes

Roasties might not be the most traditional accompaniment for a Chinese inspired meal, but they’re absolutely delicious and they appeal to the whole family, and that makes them a winner in my eyes! 

They’re hearty and comforting, making them a great choice during the cold winter months. 

Noodle Selections

When pairing noodles with Mongolian beef, you want to choose varieties that complement the robust flavours of the dish.

The right noodles can absorb the sauce and make each bite more enjoyable.

Chow Mein

Chow mein noodles are a splendid choice for Mongolian beef.

They’re typically stir-fried to a crisp texture, which adds a delightful crunch to your meal.

Here’s how you can serve them:

• Prepare the Chow Mein: Stir-fry the noodles until golden and then set aside.
• Combine with Beef: Toss them with your Mongolian beef to allow them to soak up the sauce.

Rice Vermicelli

Rice vermicelli noodles offer a lighter alternative that’s perfect for those who prefer a more delicate noodle.

They’re thin and absorbent, ideal for soaking in the Mongolian beef’s sauce.

To serve them properly:

• Cook the Vermicelli: Boil the noodles until they’re soft, which typically takes just a couple of minutes.
• Mix with the Dish: Gently fold them into the Mongolian beef to fully coat them in the flavoursome sauce.

Salad Variations

Salads are a great light choice for what to serve with Mongolian beef. 

Asian Slaw

Ingredients:

• ½ head of cabbage, shredded
• 2 medium carrots, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 bunch coriander, chopped
• 2 spring onions, sliced
• Dressing: 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

1. Toss the cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, coriander, and spring onions in a large bowl.
2. Whisk the dressing ingredients together and pour over the vegetables.
3. Mix well and let the slaw sit for about 15 minutes before serving to meld the flavours.

Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• Dressing: 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon light soy sauce, ½ teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sugar, a pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Combine cucumbers and red onion in a mixing bowl.
2. Stir the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and salt together in a separate bowl until the sugar dissolves.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the cucumbers and onions, and toss gently to coat.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to blend.

Seaweed Salad 

A good seaweed salad is savoury, sour, and garlicky, and it’s perfect if you’re looking for something light but authentic. 

Crispy kale 

Seaweed is typically readily available in Asian supermarkets, but if you can’t get your hands on any, or you just want to use up ingredients that you already have in the fridge, try crispy kale instead! 

I like to cook mine in the air fryer. 

Just make sure you keep a close eye on it, as it can burn easily if you’re not careful. 

Veggie Spring Rolls

Veggie spring rolls make for a deliciously crispy side dish for Mongolian beef, or you can serve them as a starter if you prefer with some sweet chilli dipping sauce. 

Garlicky pak choi 

I love this recipe for garlic and soy pak choi. 

It requires just a handful of simple ingredients, and it’s just as good as the versions that you might find in your local Chinese restaurant. 

Steamed broccoli 

Want to keep things super simple? 

A side serving of steamed broccoli is just the ticket! 

Make sure that you steam it only briefly so it retains its colour and a satisfying crunch. 

Bread Options

When pairing bread with Mongolian beef, you have a couple of excellent choices that complement the rich flavours of the dish superbly.

Spring Onion Pancakes

Spring onion pancakes, known as cong you bing, are a delightful option.

These savoury pancakes are both flaky and crispy, offering a light yet aromatic taste from the fresh spring onions incorporated into the dough.

Pairing these with your Mongolian beef adds a satisfying texture that contrasts with the tender beef.

For more serving ideas, take a look at what to serve with spring onion pancakes. 

Mantou Buns

Mantou buns are another traditional choice.

These buns are soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet steamed bread, which serves as a perfect vehicle for soaking up the sauce.

You can enjoy mantou buns plain or slightly toasted for an extra bit of crunch.

Crusty Baguette

A crusty baguette is just wonderful for soaking up all those flavoursome juices. 

Spread with plenty of butter, add a green veggie side for balance and nutrition, and you’re good to go! 

Soup Pairings

When choosing a soup to complement Mongolian beef, consider textures and flavours that will balance the rich, savoury taste of the beef.

Egg Drop Soup

Egg drop soup is a comforting and simple choice.

Its delicate, silky texture pairs well with the robust flavours of Mongolian beef.

You’ll appreciate how the light broth can cleanse your palate between bites of the beef.

• Flavour Profile: Subtly seasoned, often with a hint of white pepper and spring onions
• Texture: Velvety ribbons of egg in a clear, golden broth

Hot and Sour Soup

For a bolder option, hot and sour soup brings a complex combination of flavours that stands up to the hearty nature of Mongolian beef.

This soup’s tang and spice will add an invigorating contrast to your meal.

• Flavour Profile: Spicy, sour, and accented with traditional ingredients like black vinegar and bamboo shoots
• Texture: Thickened with ingredients like tofu and wood ear mushrooms for an interesting chew

Desserts

After savouring the bold flavours of Mongolian beef, you’ll want something sweet to complete your meal.

Choose a dessert that offers a light and refreshing taste to balance the rich main course.

Mango Pudding

Mango pudding is a delightful choice for what to serve with Mongolian beef.

It’s a chilled, creamy delight that often includes sweet mango chunks, and it’s simple to make.

You’ll enjoy this luscious dessert that marries the tropical sweetness of mangoes with a silky, smooth texture.

Fortune Cookies

For a fun and light-touch sweet, fortune cookies are a splendid option.

These crisp and golden biscuits come with a prophetic message hidden inside for an engaging end to your meal.

It’s a playful dessert that can spark conversations and smiles around the table.

Beverage Choices

Selecting the proper drink to accompany your Mongolian beef can enhance the dining experience significantly.

The right beverage helps to cut through the richness of the dish and cleanse your palate.

Green Tea

Green tea is a traditional choice that pairs nicely with Mongolian beef.

It offers a gentle earthy flavour that complements the savouriness of the beef without overpowering it.

• Temperature: Serve the tea hot.
• Brewing time: Steep for 2-3 minutes for optimal taste.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea, with its complex profile, varies from floral to slightly smoky.

It balances out the robust flavours of Mongolian beef beautifully.

• Flavour intensity: Choose a medium-bodied oolong for a harmonious pairing.
• Serving tip: Oolong tea can be enjoyed both hot or at room temperature depending on your preference.

Which of these ideas for what to serve with Mongolian beef will you be trying? 

Leave a comment below and share your thoughts!