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Crispy Mongolian Beef

Crispy Mongolian Beef

Crispy Mongolian Beef is a flavorful dish featuring tender flank steak strips coated in a crunchy cornstarch crust, then tossed in a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy soy-ginger sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers bold umami flavors with a satisfying crispy finish, easy to prepare with common pantry ingredients and adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef

  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1/2 cup)

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup for low sugar)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Optional: toasted sesame seeds, finely chopped cilantro, extra red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Slice the flank steak into thin, even strips against the grain for maximum tenderness. Pat the beef dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the cornstarch will adhere properly.
  2. Coat in Cornstarch: Place the beef strips in a bowl and toss with cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated, creating the base for a crispy crust when fried.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) to create a balanced sweet and savory sauce.
  4. Fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the beef strips in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan, until golden and crispy on the edges, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  5. Combine and Cook the Sauce: Pour out excess oil from the pan, leaving a small amount for flavor. Add the prepared sauce to the pan and bring it to a simmer, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. Toss Beef in Sauce: Return the fried beef to the pan and toss gently to coat all pieces thoroughly with the sauce. Cook for an additional minute so the flavors blend perfectly.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly sliced green onions over the beef just before serving. Optionally, add toasted sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, or extra red pepper flakes for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Dry your beef well before coating to ensure the cornstarch crisps properly.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to keep the oil temperature high and the beef crispy.
  • Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor impact.
  • Adjust the brown sugar quantity gradually to balance sweetness according to taste.
  • Serve immediately for optimal crispiness and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mongolian beef, crispy beef, Asian beef recipe, easy dinner, soy ginger sauce, gluten free beef