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Mongolian Beef

Thin-sliced flank steak coated in cornstarch, quickly pan-fried until crispy, then tossed in a savory-sweet soy and brown sugar sauce with garlic and ginger. A bold, glossy takeout favorite made in under 30 minutes.

30 minEasyServes 4490 cal/serving

Chinese-AmericanDinnerStovetopHigh ProteinLow CarbDairy-FreeNut-FreePork-Free

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs flank steak, sliced thin
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 6 green onions, cut into 1-in pieces

Instructions

  1. 1

    Toss 1.5 lbs sliced thin flank steak with 1/4 cup cornstarch until each slice is lightly coated. Let sit for 10 minutes.

  2. 2

    In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/4 cup water, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to make the sauce. Set aside.

  3. 3

    Heat 1/3 cup vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the beef in a single layer (work in batches to avoid crowding) and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until browned and slightly crispy. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. Remove beef and set aside.

  4. 4

    Reduce heat to medium. In the remaining oil, cook 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  5. 5

    Pour in the sauce and bring to a simmer, stirring, for 1 minute until slightly thickened.

  6. 6

    Return the beef to the pan and add 6 cut into 1-in pieces green onions. Toss everything to coat and cook for 30 seconds more. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Questions

Can I make Mongolian Beef gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 1/3 cup soy sauce. Swap the soy-based sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Mongolian Beef keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Mongolian Beef?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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