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Sticky Mongolian Beef Recipe

Sticky Mongolian Beef Recipe


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4.7 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 3 to 4 1x

Description

Whipping up 30 minute Mongolian Beef brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. Tender strips of beef sizzle in a glossy, savory sauce that’ll have your family asking for seconds before the first bite is finished.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 lbs flank steak

Sauce Components:

  • ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
  • ½ cup water
  • ⅔ cup packed dark brown sugar
  • ¼ cup cornstarch

Preparation Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon minced fresh ginger
  • 3 scallions sliced into 1-inch pieces (green parts only)

Instructions

  1. Dust your flank steak with ¼ cup cornstarch, ensuring each piece gets an even, light coating that helps create a crispy exterior.
  2. Heat ⅓ cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the surface shimmers with warmth around 375°F.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon minced garlic and ½ teaspoon minced ginger to the hot oil, stirring quickly for 15 seconds to release their aromatic flavors without burning.
  4. Carefully place the cornstarch-covered steak pieces into the skillet, allowing each slice to sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a deep golden brown crust forms.
  5. Whisk together ½ cup low sodium soy sauce, ½ cup water, and ⅔ cup dark brown sugar in a separate bowl to create a glossy sauce.
  6. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the browned beef, stirring continuously for 3-4 minutes until the liquid reduces and coats the meat with a sticky glaze.
  7. Toss 3 sliced scallions into the pan during the final minute of cooking, letting them slightly wilt and add a fresh, sharp note to the dish.
  8. Transfer the Mongolian beef to a serving platter, ensuring each piece glistens with the caramelized sauce and scallion garnish.

Notes

  • Cutting the flank steak against the grain ensures tender, easy-to-chew beef that melts in your mouth.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and double-check your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
  • Let the beef sear quickly over high heat to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust without overcooking the meat.
  • Prepping ingredients before cooking helps this dish come together smoothly and prevents burning garlic or overcooking beef.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Sautéed
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 to 4
  • Calories: 669 kcal
  • Sugar: 50 g
  • Sodium: 1130 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 34 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 37 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg