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Crispy Mongolian Beef

crispy Mongolian beef - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy Mongolian beef with a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce topped with toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (65g)
  • Vegetable oil for frying (can substitute canola or peanut oil)
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (80ml), low sodium preferred
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (50g)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup water (120ml)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • Green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain into strips about 1/4 inch thick and set aside in a bowl.
  2. Place cornstarch in a shallow bowl and dredge each beef slice in it, shaking off excess. Let rest for 10 minutes to absorb moisture.
  3. Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly. Set aside.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef strips in a single layer (in batches if needed) and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  5. Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, cook minced garlic and grated ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and sesame oil in a bowl, then pour into skillet. Stir and simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Return crispy beef to skillet and toss quickly to coat evenly. Avoid overcooking to maintain crispiness.
  7. Plate the beef and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Make sure the pan is hot before adding beef to get a crispy texture. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Pat beef dry before coating. Toast sesame seeds just before serving for best flavor. Toss beef quickly in sauce and serve immediately to keep crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mongolian beef, crispy beef, quick dinner, easy recipe, sesame seeds, flank steak, sweet and savory sauce