Description
This Mongolian Beef and Spring Onions recipe features tender beef flank steak coated in a crispy cornstarch crust, then tossed in a savory, sweet soy-based sauce with aromatic garlic, ginger, and fresh green onions. Perfectly balanced and best served over soft rice noodles or steamed rice, this dish offers a classic Chinese-style beef experience made quickly and easily on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
- ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger root
- ⅔ cup dark brown sugar
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup water
- 1 pound beef flank steak, sliced 1/4 inch thick on the diagonal
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 2 bunches green onions, cut in 2-inch lengths
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients. Gather all ingredients to ensure smooth cooking and have them measured and ready before starting.
- Make the Sauce. Heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and grated ginger; cook and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant to unlock their flavors.
- Simmer Sauce. Stir in the dark brown sugar, soy sauce, and water. Increase heat to medium-high and stir continuously until the sauce boils and slightly thickens, approximately 4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Coat the Beef. Place the sliced beef into a large bowl and sprinkle with cornstarch. Mix thoroughly until the beef is evenly coated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the cornstarch to absorb slightly for a crispier texture when fried.
- Heat Oil for Frying. In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer if possible to maintain the exact temperature for proper frying.
- Fry the Beef. Shake off any excess cornstarch from the beef slices. Working in batches, fry the beef pieces a few at a time in the hot oil. Stir briefly and fry until the edges become crisp and golden, about 2 minutes. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Combine and Cook. Remove excess oil from the skillet, leaving a little to cook. Heat the skillet over medium heat, add the fried beef slices, and pour in the prepared sauce. Add the green onions and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook until the onions soften slightly but remain bright green, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Serve. Serve the Mongolian beef hot, ideally over soft rice noodles or steamed rice for a complete meal. Enjoy immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For best results, slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 375°F to ensure the beef crisps perfectly without absorbing excess oil.
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar to your taste.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control the salt level in the dish if desired.
- This dish is best eaten fresh as the crispy beef can lose texture upon standing.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese