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Easy Crispy Mongolian Beef

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, tender Mongolian beef with a sweet-savory caramelized sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and comforting dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced across the grain
  • ½ cup cornstarch (65g) or arrowroot powder for gluten-free
  • Vegetable oil (for frying), about 1 inch deep
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce (120ml) or tamari for gluten-free
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar (70g)
  • ½ cup water (120ml)
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the beef thinly (about ¼ inch thick) across the grain for tenderness.
  2. Coat the beef slices evenly with cornstarch in a mixing bowl.
  3. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering (around 350°F).
  4. Fry the beef in batches for 2-3 minutes per batch until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. For extra crispiness, let beef rest 5 minutes then fry again for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Remove all but 1 tablespoon of oil from the pan. Sauté minced garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and water to the pan. Stir and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  7. Return the crispy beef to the pan and toss to coat evenly. Cook for another minute to meld flavors.
  8. Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions and optional red pepper flakes. Serve immediately over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables.

Notes

Double frying the beef gives the best crispy texture but is optional. Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying to keep oil temperature high and beef crispy. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it. Pat beef dry before coating to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mongolian beef, crispy beef, quick dinner, easy recipe, sweet-savory sauce, homemade Mongolian beef