Description
This Mongolian Beef recipe brings a takeout favorite right to your kitchen! Tender strips of beef are coated in a savory and slightly sweet sauce, making it a delicious and satisfying dish that’s ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Beef:
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- 2 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
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- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup water
Optional Garnish:
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- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Beef: Slice flank steak into thin strips against the grain. Place cornstarch in a large zip-top bag, add beef strips, and shake to coat. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Make Sauce: In a saucepan, combine vegetable oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and reduces by about half (about 15-20 minutes). Set aside.
- Fry Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add beef strips in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, and cook until browned and crispy. Remove beef and drain on paper towels.
- Combine and Finish: Discard any excess oil from the skillet. Return the beef to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over it. Toss to coat evenly and cook for 2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and/or sesame seeds. Serve immediately over rice.
Notes
- Slicing Beef: Freeze the flank steak for 20 minutes before slicing for easier handling. Always slice against the grain.
- Velveting: Coating the beef in cornstarch helps to tenderize it. Do not substitute with flour.
- Tenderizing: Marinate beef with baking soda for extra tenderness before coating in cornstarch.
- Frying: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the beef. Cook in batches and add more oil if needed.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze in single portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
