Name: Easy Mongolian Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak (or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (optional); 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium for a lighter option); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional); 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)

Description

This Easy Mongolian Beef is a savory and sweet stir-fry that comes together in no time! The tender beef is coated in a rich sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic, then cooked until perfectly caramelized. Serve this dish over rice for a quick, flavorful meal that tastes like it’s from your favorite takeout spot.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb flank steak (or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced (optional)
1/4 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium for a lighter option)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)

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Instructions

Prepare the Beef:
Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. For even slicing, slightly freeze the beef before cutting.
Cook the Beef:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef to the pan in a single layer and sear it for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s browned and crispy. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the sauce begins to simmer. If you want a thicker sauce, stir in cornstarch mixed with a bit of water, and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Combine the Beef and Sauce:
Return the beef to the skillet and toss it in the sauce to coat evenly. Let the beef simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the beef is fully coated.
Garnish and Serve:
Top with chopped green onions and serve over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
For a lighter version, you can substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative, such as tamari.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner, Beef, Stir-fry
Method: Stir-fry, Skillet
Cuisine: Chinese-American