30-minute Easy Crispy Mongolian Beef

Flank steak has always held a special place in my heart. Growing up, we often enjoyed it during family gatherings, grilled to perfection and bursting with flavor. One of my favorite memories revolves around a chilly Sunday evening when my dad decided to whip up a quick Mongolian beef dish. The aroma filled the house, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for sharing stories and laughter. That comfort food experience has stayed with me, and now, I love to recreate it for my family, making crispy Mongolian beef in just 30 minutes.

This easy recipe transforms tender flank steak into a crispy delight. The combination of garlic, fresh ginger, and the sweetness of brown sugar creates a stir-fry that tantalizes the taste buds. The best part? You can whip it up in no time, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. Each bite delivers a satisfying experience, and with simple ingredients on hand, you’ll have everything you need to create a delectable dinner. Join me on this delicious journey to make your kitchen come alive with vibrant flavors and comforting classics.

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. With this easy crispy Mongolian beef recipe, you’ll learn just how simple it can be to create restaurant-quality meals at home. Let’s dive into the details and discover how to bring this dish to life!

Understanding Crispy Mongolian Beef

Fundamentals

Crispy Mongolian beef is all about balance. You want the flank steak to be both tender and crispy while enveloped in a savory sauce that’s sweet and slightly spicy. The cornstarch forms a protective layer, ensuring that the beef crisps up nicely when cooked.

Flank steak is an excellent cut for this dish due to its lean nature. It absorbs flavors remarkably well while maintaining a juicy texture. The use of soy sauce and brown sugar enriches the dish, bringing depth to the overall taste profile.

Preparation/setup

Start by preparing your flank steak. Thinly slice it against the grain. This technique ensures that each bite remains tender. Next, coat the sliced beef in cornstarch. This step is crucial—it creates the crispy exterior that makes this dish so delightful.

Set your station for cooking: have minced garlic and grated ginger ready to go. Those aromatic elements add an incredible layer of flavor and enhance the overall dish. Gather your green onions as well, as they will serve as a fresh garnish when the meal is complete.

Ingredients

To make delicious crispy Mongolian beef, gather these ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped

Directions

1. Coat the sliced flank steak in cornstarch and set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add the beef in batches, cooking until crispy and browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Remove beef from the pan and set aside.
5. In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds.
6. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes; stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Return the beef to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
8. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Mastering the Technique of Crispy Mongolian Beef

Technique

Achieving that perfect crispiness requires maintaining the right cooking temperature. High heat is essential—too low and the beef will steam rather than sear, resulting in a less-than-desirable texture.

Cook the flank steak in batches to ensure it doesn’t overcrowd the pan. Each piece should have enough space to sizzle and brown effectively. This step helps retain the moisture within the meat while delivering that crispy exterior.

Tips/tricks

• Preheat the pan: Always ensure your pan is hot before adding the oil and beef. A hot surface allows for superior caramelization.
• Don’t skip cornstarch: The coating creates that signature crunch. Give your beef a good toss in cornstarch to ensure even coverage.
• Control the heat: If the meat browns too quickly, lower the heat slightly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Perfecting the Results of Your Crispy Mongolian Beef

Perfecting results

Letting the beef sit for a minute or two after frying can improve the crispness. This resting period allows excess oil to drain off, preserving the texture.

If you’re aiming for a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce further. This technique intensifies the flavors while thickening the sauce without the need for extra thickeners.

Troubleshooting/variations

If the beef isn’t as crispy as you’d like, the likely culprit is moisture. Ensure that the flank steak doesn’t have excess moisture before coating it with cornstarch. Pat it dry with a paper towel if necessary.

For variations, think about incorporating vegetables. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can add vibrant color, flavor, and nutrition to the dish without complicating the process.

Serving Your Crispy Mongolian Beef with Flair

Serving/presentation

Presentation makes a difference in elevating the meal experience. Serve your crispy Mongolian beef in a large bowl, garnished with chopped green onions for a burst of color and freshness.

Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you have them on hand. The contrast of textures and colors creates an appealing dish that invites everyone to dig in.

Pairings/storage

Serve this dish with steamed rice or lo mein noodles. The sauce perfectly complements the grains, soaking into them for added flavor. For a quick salad on the side, toss together cucumber, carrot, and sesame dressing.

To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to avoid losing that crispiness—microwave on low power or quickly stir-fry in a hot pan to bring it back to life.

Flank steak makes for a delightful meal when prepared as crispy Mongolian beef. With simple ingredients and quick cooking techniques, you can create a dish that is sure to impress. Enjoy this recipe in just 30 minutes; it’s perfect for gatherings or simple family dinners. Embrace the joy of cooking with vibrant flavors that bring people together.

30-minute Easy Crispy Mongolian Beef

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and easy recipe for crispy Mongolian beef made with tender flank steak, garlic, ginger, and a sweet soy sauce glaze.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped

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Instructions

1. Coat the sliced flank steak in cornstarch and set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add the beef in batches, cooking until crispy and browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Remove beef from the pan and set aside.
5. In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds.
6. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes; stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Return the beef to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
8. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Notes

Let the beef rest after frying to improve crispness. Pair with steamed rice or lo mein noodles for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir Fry
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Mongolian Beef, quick dinner, easy beef recipe, stir-fry