Imagine bringing the sizzling flavors of your favorite takeout right into your kitchen. This Easy Crispy Mongolian Beef Recipe – A Takeout Favorite at Home! is here to satisfy your cravings without leaving you waiting for delivery. With its tender strips of beef coated in a sticky, savory-sweet sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners or a fun weeknight treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, faster than ordering out.
- Authentic Flavor: Perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami goodness.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level.
Tools You’ll Need
Tool | Purpose |
---|---|
Large skillet or wok | For stir-frying the beef and sauce. |
Mixing bowls | To coat and prepare the beef. |
Tongs or chopsticks | For turning and handling the beef slices. |
Measuring cups and spoons | For precise ingredient measurements. |
Whisk | To ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce. |
Ingredients for Easy Crispy Mongolian Beef Recipe
For the Beef
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Flank steak (thinly sliced) | 1 lb | Provides tender, flavorful meat. |
Cornstarch | ¼ cup | Creates a crispy coating when fried. |
Vegetable oil | ½ cup | For frying the beef. |
For the Sauce
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Soy sauce (low-sodium) | ½ cup | Forms the savory base of the sauce. |
Brown sugar | ½ cup | Balances the salty soy sauce with sweetness. |
Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | Adds a fragrant, savory depth. |
Ginger (minced) | 1 tsp | Provides a warm, spicy undertone. |
Water | ¼ cup | Helps adjust the sauce consistency. |
Red pepper flakes (optional) | ¼ tsp | Adds a subtle heat to the sauce. |
Green onions (sliced) | 2 stalks | For garnish and a burst of freshness. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
- Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain.
- Pat the beef dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Toss the beef slices in ¼ cup cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
2. Heat the Oil
- Heat ½ cup vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the beef slices in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
3. Fry the Beef
- Fry the beef slices for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until crispy and golden brown.
- Use tongs to transfer the cooked beef to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- ¼ cup water
- Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for heat.
5. Combine Beef and Sauce
- Discard excess oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and simmer over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add the fried beef slices back into the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle sliced green onions over the beef.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Slice Thinly: Cutting the beef thinly against the grain ensures tenderness.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
- Add Veggies: Stir-fry broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas along with the beef for added nutrition and texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the beef in small batches to achieve a crispy texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~400 |
Protein | 25g |
Total Fat | 15g |
Saturated Fat | 3g |
Carbohydrates | 35g |
Sodium | ~800mg |
FAQs About Easy Crispy Mongolian Beef Recipe
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! While flank steak is ideal, you can use skirt steak, sirloin, or ribeye for similar results.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Mongolian beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce.
4. What can I serve with Mongolian beef?
Serve it with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles. Pair it with stir-fried or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
5. Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! Add extra red pepper flakes, diced chili peppers, or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for more heat.
6. Can I air-fry the beef instead of frying it in oil?
Yes, you can air-fry the beef at 400°F for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lighter version.
Variations to Try
- Sweet and Tangy: Add a splash of orange juice or pineapple juice to the sauce for a citrusy twist.
- Garlic Lovers: Increase the garlic to 4–5 cloves for a more robust flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with crispy tofu or seitan for a plant-based alternative.
- Nutty Finish: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top for added texture.
Why This Recipe Is a Takeout Favorite
This Easy Crispy Mongolian Beef Recipe – A Takeout Favorite at Home! offers everything you love about restaurant-quality dishes without the hassle of leaving your house. The perfectly crispy beef paired with the sweet, savory sauce creates a symphony of flavors that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Conclusion
It’s time to skip the takeout and try making this Easy Crispy Mongolian Beef Recipe – A Takeout Favorite at Home! right in your kitchen. With its simple steps and bold flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
PrintEasy Crispy Mongolian Beef Recipe – A Takeout Favorite at Home!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Craving takeout? Skip the delivery and whip up this Easy Crispy Mongolian Beef Recipe at home! Tender strips of beef coated in a sticky, savory-sweet sauce create a bold and satisfying dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and will have your family asking for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef
- Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain.
- Pat the beef dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Toss the beef slices in cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Heat the Oil
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Fry the Beef
- Add the beef slices in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fry for 2–3 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, water, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook the Sauce
- Discard excess oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and simmer over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine and Serve
- Add the fried beef slices to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Sprinkle with sliced green onions for garnish.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American