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Mongolian Beef with Crispy Flank Steak

Mongolian Beef with Crispy Flank Steak

This Easy Mongolian Beef with Crispy Flank Steak recipe delivers tender, thinly sliced flank steak coated in a perfectly crispy crust and tossed in a sticky, savory-sweet Mongolian sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish balances crunchy textures with bold umami flavors and is perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or quick gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

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

Sauce

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (or substitute with honey or mirin)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

Garnishes and Optional

  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, to taste)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Flank Steak: Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain for tender and quick cooking. Toss the steak slices with cornstarch until thoroughly coated to create a crispy crust when fried.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and minced fresh ginger until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
  3. Fry the Steak: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the cornstarch-coated steak slices in small batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side until golden brown and crispy, then transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Remove extra oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the crispy steak back into the pan and toss to coat well with the thickening sauce.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Stir in chopped green onions and optional chili flakes for freshness and mild heat. Serve immediately over steamed rice or your preferred noodles, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

  • Slice the steak thin and uniform to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
  • Do not skip cornstarch coating as it creates the signature crispy crust.
  • Use high heat frying for golden crispness without overcooking the beef.
  • Fry steak in small batches to maintain crisp texture and avoid steaming.
  • Use fresh minced garlic and ginger for best flavor; avoid pre-minced alternatives when possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mongolian Beef, Crispy Flank Steak, Asian Stir Fry, Quick Dinner, Savory Sweet Sauce