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Flavorful Mongolian Beef Recipe Easy Better Than Takeout Dinner

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This flavorful Mongolian beef recipe features tender, thinly sliced flank steak coated in a crispy cornstarch crust and tossed in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce with a hint of heat. It’s quick, easy, and better than takeout.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch (about 45g)
  • 23 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce (120ml)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed (70g)
  • 1/2 cup water (120ml)
  • 2 teaspoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 45 green onions, sliced thin on the diagonal
  • Optional: sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Slice the beef thinly, about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick, cutting against the grain.
  2. Toss the sliced beef in cornstarch until evenly coated.
  3. Heat 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
  4. Fry the beef in batches for about 2 minutes per side until browned and slightly crispy. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
  6. Pour the sauce mixture into the hot skillet and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring frequently.
  7. Add the fried beef and sliced green onions to the skillet. Toss together over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until beef is coated and warmed through.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness. Fry in small batches to keep beef crispy. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen. For gluten-free, use tamari and arrowroot powder instead of soy sauce and cornstarch. Vegetarian version can use mushrooms or seitan.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mongolian beef, beef stir-fry, easy dinner, quick recipe, Asian cuisine, sweet and savory sauce, better than takeout