Description
Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender flank steak coated in crispy cornstarch and cooked in a sweet-savory soy sauce glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines aromatic garlic and ginger with optional spicy red pepper flakes, garnished with fresh green onions. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that delivers bold Asian flavors in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Coating
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cooking Oil and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Toss the sliced beef in cornstarch until evenly coated and let it rest for about 10 minutes to absorb the coating, which helps create a crispy texture when cooked.
- Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely browned. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary. Remove the cooked beef and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Heat: Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the beef is heated through and flavors meld.
- Add Green Onions: Stir in the chopped green onions just before serving to add freshness and a pop of color. Serve the stir-fry hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- For a healthier version, substitute brown sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol.
- Add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to increase nutrition and add vibrant color.
- Increase red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños for a spicier dish.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free without losing flavor.
- Cook the beef in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure a good sear.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mongolian
Keywords: Mongolian beef, stir-fry, quick dinner, beef recipe, Asian cuisine, sweet and savory beef, flank steak stir-fry
