10+ Best Mongolian Recipes You Need To Try Once

Mongolian cuisine is a hidden gem in the world of food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and deeply rooted in tradition.

Think tender meats, warming broths, and dishes that’ll make you feel like you’re sitting in a cozy yurt under the vast Mongolian sky.

But here’s the kicker—most people haven’t even scratched the surface of what this cuisine has to offer.

Ready to dive into a culinary adventure? We’ve rounded up the best Mongolian recipes you absolutely need to try at least once.

From sizzling stir-fries to soul-soothing soups, these dishes are packed with flavor and history.

1. Mongolian Beef

Let’s kick things off with a crowd-pleaser—Mongolian Beef.

This dish is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with tender strips of beef coated in a rich, glossy sauce.

It’s a staple in many American Chinese restaurants, but the Mongolian version has its own unique twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 4 green onions, sliced

How to Make It:

1. Toss the beef slices in cornstarch until fully coated.
2. Heat oil in a pan and fry the beef until crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
4. Pour in soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
5. Add the beef back to the pan, coating it in the sauce.
6. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Why We Chose It:
This dish is a no-brainer for our list. It’s quick, easy, and delivers a flavor punch that’ll have you coming back for seconds.

Plus, it’s a great introduction to Mongolian-inspired cuisine.

2. Buuz (Mongolian Dumplings)

Buuz are the ultimate comfort food. These steamed dumplings are filled with juicy meat and spices, making them a favorite during Mongolian celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Mix flour and water to form a dough. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. Combine ground meat, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper for the filling.
3. Roll the dough into small circles and place a spoonful of filling in the center.
4. Fold the edges to seal the dumplings.
5. Steam for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

Why This Made It to Our List:
Buuz are a staple in Mongolian cuisine and a must-try for anyone looking to explore authentic flavors. They’re perfect for sharing, too!

3. Khuushuur (Mongolian Fried Meat Pies)

Imagine a savory hand pie filled with spiced meat—that’s Khuushuur for you. It’s crispy, juicy, and downright addictive.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Oil for frying

How to Make It:

1. Mix flour and water to form a dough. Let it rest.
2. Combine ground beef, onion, salt, and pepper for the filling.
3. Roll the dough into circles, add filling, and fold into half-moons.
4. Fry in hot oil until golden brown.

Why We Selected It:
Khuushuur is a street food favorite in Mongolia. Its crispy exterior and flavorful filling make it a standout dish.

4. Tsuivan (Mongolian Noodle Stir-Fry)

Tsuivan is a hearty noodle dish loaded with meat and veggies. It’s comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb homemade or store-bought noodles
• 1/2 lb beef or lamb, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

How to Make It:

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions.
2. Sauté meat, onion, and carrots in oil until tender.
3. Add garlic and soy sauce, then toss in the noodles.
4. Stir-fry until everything is well combined.

Why We Chose It:
Tsuivan is a one-pot wonder that’s both filling and flavorful. It’s a must-try for noodle lovers.

5. Boodog (Mongolian Barbecue)

Boodog is a traditional Mongolian barbecue where meat is cooked inside an animal’s skin. It’s a unique and adventurous dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole goat or lamb
• Vegetables (potatoes, carrots, onions)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Clean the animal and stuff it with vegetables and seasonings.
2. Seal the skin and cook over an open fire until the meat is tender.

Why This Made It to Our List:
Boodog is a true taste of Mongolian tradition. It’s a bold choice for adventurous eaters.

6. Guriltai Shul (Mongolian Noodle Soup)

This noodle soup is a warm hug in a bowl. Perfect for chilly days!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef or lamb, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 cup noodles
• 6 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Sauté meat, onion, and carrots until browned.
2. Add broth and simmer until meat is tender.
3. Cook noodles separately and add to the soup before serving.

Why We Chose It:
Guriltai Shul is simple yet deeply satisfying. It’s a staple in Mongolian households.

7. Airag (Fermented Mare’s Milk)

Airag is a traditional Mongolian drink made from fermented mare’s milk. It’s tangy, fizzy, and an acquired taste.

Ingredients:

• Fresh mare’s milk
• A wooden barrel for fermentation

How to Make It:

1. Pour fresh mare’s milk into a wooden barrel.
2. Stir continuously for several hours to ferment.

Why This Made It to Our List:
Airag is a unique part of Mongolian culture. It’s a must-try for the adventurous foodie.

8. Boortsog (Mongolian Fried Dough)

Boortsog are sweet, fried dough bites that pair perfectly with tea or coffee.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Oil for frying

How to Make It:

1. Mix all ingredients to form a dough.
2. Roll out and cut into small pieces.
3. Fry until golden brown.

Why We Chose It:
Boortsog are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and even easier to love.

9. Chanasan Makh (Boiled Meat)

This dish is all about simplicity. Tender boiled meat served with a side of salt—it’s pure and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef or lamb
• Water
• Salt to taste

How to Make It:

1. Boil meat in water until tender.
2. Serve with a sprinkle of salt.

Why This Made It to Our List:
Chanasan Makh showcases the natural flavors of the meat. It’s a minimalist’s dream.

10. Suutei Tsai (Mongolian Milk Tea)

This salty milk tea is a staple in Mongolian households. It’s warming and unique.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp tea leaves

How to Make It:

1. Boil water with tea leaves.
2. Add milk and salt, then simmer.
3. Strain and serve hot.

Why We Chose It:
Suutei Tsai is a cultural icon. It’s a must-try for anyone exploring Mongolian cuisine.

11. Aaruul (Dried Curd)

Aaruul is a traditional Mongolian snack made from dried curds. It’s tangy, chewy, and packed with protein.

Ingredients:

• Fresh curds

How to Make It:

1. Spread curds thinly on a flat surface.
2. Dry in the sun until hardened.

Why This Made It to Our List:
Aaruul is a unique snack that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Conclusion

Mongolian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be explored.

From hearty meats to comforting soups, these dishes offer something for everyone.

So, what are you waiting for? Pick a recipe, roll up your sleeves, and start cooking.