Ingredients
Beef and Coating
- 2 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain (about 1/4 inch thick)
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
Cooking & Sauce
- 1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 1 medium white onion, quartered
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 4 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces
To Serve
- White rice or chopped iceberg lettuce
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Thinly slice 2 pounds of flank steak against the grain into strips about 1/4 inch thick. Trim any large pieces of fat and pat the beef dry with paper towels to ensure even cooking.
- Make the flour coating: In a large bowl or shallow dish, whisk together 1 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt to create the dredging mixture.
- Dredge the beef: Coat the beef strips in the flour mixture evenly, shaking off any excess flour. Set the coated beef aside.
- Cook the beef in batches: Heat 1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beef strips in batches, making sure they do not touch. Cook for 4-5 minutes per batch until the beef is fully cooked and browned on all sides. Transfer cooked beef to a plate and repeat with remaining strips.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the quartered white onion, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Add a teaspoon or two of oil if the skillet is dry. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Create the sauce: Stir in 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce, and 1/2 cup light brown sugar. Mix until sugar dissolves and bring the mixture to a low simmer.
- Combine beef with sauce: Return the cooked beef strips to the skillet. Toss them in the sauce to coat evenly. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce thicken for 2 to 4 minutes. Stir in the scallions just before serving.
- Serve: Plate the Mongolian beef over steamed white rice or a bed of chopped iceberg lettuce as a lighter alternative. Enjoy immediately.
- Feedback: If you’ve tried this recipe, feel free to leave your comments or star ratings to share your experience.
Notes
- For best results, slice the flank steak thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
- You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
- Ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding beef to get a good sear and browning.
- Cooking in batches avoids overcrowding the pan, which helps the beef crisp up instead of steaming.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness and allow the sweetness of the brown sugar to balance the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese