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- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons cornstarch Flank steak gives this dish its rich flavor. Cutting it against the grain ensures tenderness. Soy sauce adds saltiness and depth, while cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and gives the beef a nice coating. - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated Vegetable oil helps cook the beef at high heat without burning. Sesame oil brings a nutty flavor that complements the dish. Garlic and ginger add a fragrant aroma and warmth to the sauce. - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup water - 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce - 1 tablespoon chili paste (optional for heat) Brown sugar balances the saltiness of the soy sauce. Water helps create the sauce's base. Hoisin sauce adds sweetness and a bit of spice. If you enjoy heat, chili paste is a great option. 1. Start by slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain. This helps make it tender. 2. In a medium bowl, mix the sliced beef with three tablespoons of soy sauce and two tablespoons of cornstarch. 3. Toss the beef until every piece is coated well. Let the beef marinate for about 15 minutes. This step adds flavor and helps with texture. 1. Heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Add the marinated beef to the skillet in a single layer. If your skillet is small, cook in batches. 3. Sear the beef for 2-3 minutes until it turns brown. Remove it from the skillet and set it aside. 1. In the same skillet, add one tablespoon of sesame oil. Next, toss in three cloves of minced garlic, one inch of grated ginger, and the white parts of four chopped green onions. 2. Sauté these ingredients for 1-2 minutes until they smell great. The garlic and ginger bring warmth to the dish. 3. Stir in a quarter cup of brown sugar, a quarter cup of water, and one tablespoon of hoisin sauce. If you like heat, add one tablespoon of chili paste now. 4. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. 5. Return the beef to the skillet. Toss it in the sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the beef is hot. 6. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the green parts of the chopped green onions. This is how you create a tasty homemade Mongolian beef that feels like takeout! Marinating the beef is key for great taste. The soy sauce and cornstarch mix not only adds flavor but helps tenderize the meat. Let the beef soak for at least 15 minutes. This time allows the flavors to seep in. If you can marinate longer, it’s even better! For the sauce, you want the right thickness. After adding the brown sugar and hoisin sauce, let it simmer. If it’s too thin, cook it longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water. Keep stirring to blend everything well. Use a large, heavy skillet or wok for best results. A non-stick surface helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. The heat should be high enough to brown the beef quickly. This gives it a nice crust while keeping it juicy inside. If you use different meats, adjust your cooking time. Chicken or pork may need a bit longer to cook through, while shrimp cooks quickly. Always check the meat to ensure it's done. Serve the Mongolian beef over fluffy rice. This adds a nice base and helps soak up the sauce. I like to sprinkle extra chopped green onions on top. They add a pop of color and freshness. Adding steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side makes the meal look great. It also adds crunch and color. A nice plate makes every meal feel special! Enjoy making your homemade takeout look as good as it tastes. {{image_2}} If you want to switch proteins, you can use chicken or tofu. Chicken works well and cooks quickly. Just slice it thin like the beef. Tofu is a great choice for a vegetarian option. Press the tofu to remove extra water. Then cut it into cubes. Both options absorb flavors nicely. You can change the flavor by adjusting the sweetness or heat. If you like it sweeter, add more brown sugar. For less sweetness, reduce the sugar. To add heat, use chili paste. If you prefer milder flavors, skip it. You can also try different sauces, like teriyaki or sweet soy sauce. These changes keep the dish fresh and fun. Serving rice with your Mongolian beef is a must. Jasmine rice is fragrant and fluffy. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and is healthier. You can also use fried rice for an extra treat. For veggies, steamed broccoli is perfect. It adds color and crunch. You can try snap peas or bok choy too. These sides balance the meal and make it more complete. To store your leftover Mongolian beef, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature first. This helps keep the beef fresh. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They seal well and resist stains. When reheating, keep the beef moist. Use a skillet over low heat with a splash of water. This method warms the beef without drying it out. You can also use the microwave. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to trap steam. For best taste, eat the leftovers within three days. To freeze Mongolian beef, first let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn. Label the bag with the date. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For quick thawing, place the bag in cold water. Always reheat thoroughly before serving. Yes, you can make Mongolian beef ahead of time. It tastes great after a day or two. Just store it in an airtight container. It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you don't have flank steak, there are good substitutes. You can use skirt steak, sirloin, or even chicken for a lighter option. For a meat-free choice, try tofu or seitan. These options work well and keep the dish tasty. Mongolian beef can be mild or spicy, depending on your taste. The chili paste adds heat, but you can skip it if you prefer less spice. You can also adjust the amount to make it more or less spicy. Just taste as you cook! Mongolian beef is a tasty dish made with flank steak, soy sauce, and cornstarch. You learned how to prepare and cook the beef, create a flavorful sauce, and enhance it with useful tips. Remember to experiment with different proteins and side dishes to suit your taste. Proper storage and reheating keep your dish fresh and delicious. Enjoy making this meal, and don’t hesitate to adjust the flavors to your liking. Happy cooking!

Mongolian Beef Takeout Fakeout

Craving takeout? Discover how to make delicious Mongolian Beef right at home with this easy recipe! Featuring tender flank steak and savory flavors, this dish is quick to prepare in just 30 minutes. Perfect served over fluffy rice, it’s an impressive meal that will wow your family or guests. Click through to explore the full recipe and transform your dinner into a restaurant-quality experience!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 tablespoon sesame oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated

4 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup water

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon chili paste (optional for heat)

Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions
 

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced flank steak, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Toss until the beef is well coated, then let it marinate for about 15 minutes.

    Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

      Add the marinated beef to the hot skillet in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Cook for 2-3 minutes until just browned, then remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

        In the same skillet, add the sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the chopped green onions. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

          Stir in the brown sugar, water, and hoisin sauce. If you like some heat, add the chili paste now. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

            Return the beef to the skillet, toss it in the sauce, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the beef is heated through.

              Remove from heat and stir in the green parts of the chopped green onions.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the Mongolian beef over a bed of fluffy rice with a sprinkle of extra chopped green onions on top and a side of steamed broccoli for color. Enjoy your homemade takeout experience!