Mongolian Beef Stir Fry (Printable version)

Savory beef and scallions stir-fried in signature Mongolian sauce. Quick, easy, and great with rice.

# List of ingredients:

→ Beef

01 - 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
02 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
03 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

→ Sauce

04 - 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
05 - 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
06 - 1/4 cup water
07 - 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
08 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
09 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
10 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

→ Stir-Fry & Aromatics

11 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
12 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
14 - 5 scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces

→ To Serve

15 - Cooked jasmine or white rice, optional
16 - Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

# Directions:

01 - In a mixing bowl, toss sliced flank steak with cornstarch and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil until every piece is evenly coated. Set aside.
02 - In a separate bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, dark brown sugar, water, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth.
03 - Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Arrange beef in a single layer and sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef and transfer to a plate.
04 - Reduce heat to medium-high. Add minced garlic and ginger to the hot pan and stir-fry for 30 seconds until aromatic.
05 - Pour prepared sauce into the pan with aromatics. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened.
06 - Return beef and sliced scallions to the pan. Stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes until beef reaches desired doneness and scallions are vibrant green.
07 - Dish immediately over steamed rice and garnish with toasted sesame seeds as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick enough for a busy weeknight
  • Classic takeout flavor without the usual grease
  • Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables
  • Uses familiar pantry ingredients and everyday beef
  • Never fails to impress guests at dinner
02 -
  • High protein and satisfying without feeling heavy
  • Freezes beautifully for future meals
  • Can be made gluten-free with easy swaps
  • Easy to double for meal prep
03 -
  • Always slice the beef as thin as you comfortably can for a quick stir fry and tenderness
  • Do not crowd the pan when searing beef. Cook in batches for a pro level sear
  • A small squeeze of fresh lime or lemon before serving wakes up all the flavors

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