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Flavorful Mongolian Beef Recipe Easy Homemade Better Than Takeout

Flavorful Mongolian Beef Recipe - featured image
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A quick and easy homemade Mongolian beef recipe with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors, featuring tender beef strips coated in a caramelized sauce that rivals takeout.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • ¼ cup cornstarch (30g)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (can substitute with canola or peanut oil)
  • ½ cup soy sauce (120ml), regular or low-sodium
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar (70g), packed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (optional but recommended)
  • ¼ cup beef broth or water (60ml)
  • 3 stalks green onions, sliced thinly on an angle
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the beef: Lay your flank steak flat and slice thinly across the grain into strips about ¼ inch thick (about 6mm). Set aside in a large bowl.
  2. Coat the beef: Add ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch to the beef strips and toss until every piece is lightly coated.
  3. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup (120ml) soy sauce, ⅓ cup (70g) brown sugar, ¼ cup (60ml) beef broth or water, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside.
  4. Heat the oil: In your wok or skillet, warm 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 2-3 minutes).
  5. Cook the beef: Add the coated beef strips in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Let them sear for about 2 minutes without stirring, then toss to cook evenly until browned and crispy around the edges (total about 4-5 minutes). Remove beef and set aside.
  6. Sauté aromatics: Lower heat to medium, add a touch more oil if pan is dry, then add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir constantly for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
  7. Add the sauce: Pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Let it bubble and reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens into a glossy glaze.
  8. Return beef to pan: Toss the cooked beef back into the pan, stirring thoroughly so every strip is coated with the sticky sauce. Let it cook together for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
  9. Finish and garnish: Remove from heat, sprinkle sliced green onions and red pepper flakes (if using) on top.

Notes

Use high heat when cooking the beef to get a nice sear but watch carefully to avoid burning the sauce. If sauce thickens too fast, splash a teaspoon of water to loosen it. For gluten-free, swap soy sauce with tamari and ensure brown sugar is pure cane sugar. Slice cold beef for easier thin slicing. Cook beef in batches to avoid overcrowding and sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mongolian beef, homemade Mongolian beef, easy stir-fry, quick dinner, beef recipe, Asian cuisine, sweet and savory beef

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/flavorful-mongolian-beef-recipe-easy-homemade-better-than-takeout/