16 Delicious Sides to Serve with Mongolian Beef

Mongolian beef is a beloved Chinese takeout dish featuring tender strips of beef stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and scallions in a sweet and savory sauce. With its rich flavors and silky texture, it makes a stellar entree. However, on its own it can feel a bit one-note.

That’s why pairing Mongolian beef with complementary side dishes is key. The right sides can round out the meal and provide delicious contrasting flavors, textures, and colors.

Follow this guide to whip up the perfect meal by choosing from 16 sensational sides that go great with Mongolian beef.

Choose a Rice or Noodle

Mongolian beef is usually served over a bed of white rice, which soaks up the luscious sauce. Feel free to stick with the classic, but here are some other excellent rice and noodle sides to consider:

• Fried Rice – Toss cubed beef into veggie fried rice for a one-pan meal.

• Lo Mein Noodles – These soft wheat noodles pair nicely.

• Rice Noodles – Soak up sauce with glass noodles or pad thai rice noodles.

• Brown Rice – Nutty, chewy texture stands up well to the sauce.

• Cauliflower Rice – Low-carb alternative with a mild flavor.

• Quinoa – Fluffy, protein-packed grains offer a nutritional boost.

Add Veggies

Since Mongolian beef is focused on the protein, adding veggies helps create a well-rounded meal. Here are some easy veggie sides:

• Stir-fried Vegetables – Broccoli, carrots, peppers – whatever you like!

• Steamed Broccoli – Simple and healthy. Toss with sesame oil.

• Sauteed Spinach – Quick-cooking with a pop of green.

• Asian-style Green Beans – Toasted sesame seeds & soy sauce.

Fresh Salad

The sweet and savory flavors of Mongolian beef pair nicely with light, crunchy salads.

• Kale Salad – Massaged kale with almonds and sesame dressing.

• Veggie Salad – Lettuce, shredded carrots, cucumber, tomato.

• Cabbage Slaw – Thinly sliced napa or red cabbage with scallions.

• Edamame Salad – Chilled edamame, corn, and red onion.

Baked or Fried Starches

Carbs are a must for soaking up the tasty sauce. Baked or fried starches complement the beef perfectly.

• Potstickers – Pan-fried dumplings make a perfect starter.

• Egg Rolls – Classic fried rolls with cabbage and pork or veggies.

• Fried Wontons – Crispy wonton wrappers filled with pork or chicken.

• Garlic Bread – Slices of baguette spread with garlicky butter.

Lighter Sides

Cleanse your palate between bites of Mongolian beef with lighter sides like:

• Miso Soup -savory, simple Japanese classic.

• Wonton Soup – Chicken broth with wontons or veggies.

• Cucumber Salad – Cool, crisp sliced cukes in rice vinegar.

• Seaweed Salad – Rehydrated seaweed packs nutrients.

What Do Restaurants Serve with Mongolian Beef?

At Chinese restaurants in America, Mongolian beef is most often accompanied by:

• Steamed white rice
• An egg roll or crab rangoon
• Fortune cookies

So feel free to keep it simple with just rice and an app!

In China, Mongolian beef may be served with:

• Fried flat noodles instead of rice
• Shared dishes like soup and steamed veggies

Tips for the Best Side Dishes

• Pick 1 starch: Rice, noodles, or bread. No need to serve all.

• Add 1 veggie: Fresh or cooked.

• Include 1 crunchy dish: Salad, slaw, or fried item.

• Keep it light: Miso soup, seaweed salad, or cucumbers.

• Make it a meal: Offer 2-3 sides plus Mongolian beef.

• Cook Mongolian beef first: Sides can wait until beef is done.

• Prep ahead: Wash and chop veggies earlier in the day.

Sample Mongolian Beef Meal Menus

Here are some sample menus with tasty combinations of sides:

Simple Meal

• Mongolian Beef
• Steamed jasmine rice
• Miso soup
• Fortune cookies

Chinese Takeout Style

• Mongolian Beef
• White rice
• Egg roll
• Fortune cookies

Healthy Dinner

• Mongolian Beef
• Brown rice
• Sauteed broccoli
• Seaweed salad

Impressive Dinner Party

• Mongolian Beef
• Lo mein noodles
• Kale salad
• Veggie fried rice
• Potstickers

Mongolian Beef is Even Better with Sides

Mongolian beef is delicious, but serving it alongside complementary sides makes it a well-rounded, satisfying meal. Sides provide extra flavors, nutrients, and textures that perfectly accent the savory stir-fried beef.

Using this guide, you can easily whip up the ideal pairings. Try mixing and matching different veggie dishes, noodles, salads, and fried foods. With so many excellent options, you’ll never get bored with the sides you serve with your Mongolian beef.