Description
Mongolian Beef is a popular Chinese-American stir-fry featuring tender, thinly sliced flank steak coated in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin, ginger, and garlic. This quick and flavorful dish is a delightful homemade alternative to takeout and pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Beef
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Finish
- 4 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds, optional
Instructions
- Coat the Beef: Place the thinly sliced flank steak in a bowl and toss thoroughly with cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. This coating helps create the signature crispy texture when cooked.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef slices in a single layer to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the beef is crispy and browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and grated fresh ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn them.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to start thickening, cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss thoroughly to ensure each slice is coated with the glossy sauce.
- Add Green Onions: Stir in sliced green onions and cook everything together for another minute to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the Mongolian Beef hot, garnished with optional sesame seeds. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Slice the beef as thinly as possible against the grain to maximize tenderness.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dish by reducing or increasing the amount of brown sugar according to your taste preference.
- Serve with steamed rice or your favorite noodles to complete the meal.
- For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
