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The Recipe · No.336 · Mongolian Beef

Mongolian Beef, and where to source it

Mongolian Beef — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Mongolian Beef Chinese 5best2buy.com

Flank steak sliced against the grain and dusted in cornstarch fries up with browned edges and a silky interior, and a real brewed soy gives the sauce depth beyond salt. The technique to nail is the velvet-and-sear: coat the slices, get the oil ripping hot, and don't crowd the pan so they crust instead of steam.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook15 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineChinese
Cost$$$
Dairy-free
Contains  gluten · soy
Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Flank steak
Lean and beefy; slice thin against the grain for tenderness.
1 lb
Source it →
Soy sauce
The backbone of the sauce; use a naturally brewed one.
1/2 cup
Source it →
Brown sugar
Dissolves into the soy for that dark, syrupy glaze.
1/3 cup
Source it →
Cornstarch
Coats the beef for the velvet crust and thickens the sauce.
1/3 cup
Source it →
Ginger, garlic & scallions
Aromatics plus a big handful of scallion cut into batons at the finish.
6 scallions
Ginger → Garlic →
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Slice and coatSlice steak 1/4 inch thick against the grain and toss thoroughly in cornstarch until dry-coated.
  2. SearIn batches, sear the beef in hot oil 1 minute per side until edges crisp and brown, then pull it out.
  3. AromaticsDrop heat, add ginger and garlic to the pan and cook 30 seconds until fragrant, not browned.
  4. SauceAdd soy and brown sugar, simmer 2 minutes until it thickens to a syrup that coats a spoon.
  5. TossReturn the beef, add scallions, and toss 1 minute so everything glazes. Serve over rice.
The Toolkit

Wok · Chef knife · Spider strainer · Mixing bowls

Straight Answers
Can you make Mongolian Beef in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Mongolian Beef? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Mongolian Beef ahead of time? — Prep ahead

Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.

Is Mongolian Beef gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).

Is Mongolian Beef vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.336

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