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Easy One-Pot Mongolian Beef Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners

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A quick and easy one-pot Mongolian beef recipe that delivers tender beef in a sweet-savory sauce, perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or avocado oil)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • ½ cup (120ml) low sodium soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup (70g) packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup (120ml) water
  • 4 stalks green onions, sliced on the diagonal
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for a subtle kick
  • Optional: steamed broccoli for a veggie boost

Instructions

  1. Slice the beef thinly against the grain into strips about ¼ inch thick. (Tip: Freeze beef for 15-20 minutes before slicing for easier cutting.)
  2. In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, water, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until sugar dissolves and set aside.
  3. Mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl until smooth to create a slurry.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add beef in a single layer without overcrowding and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Cook in batches if needed.
  5. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
  6. Lower heat to medium and pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.
  7. Slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. Stir until sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1 minute.
  8. Return beef to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to finish cooking and absorb flavors.
  9. Garnish with sliced green onions and optional red pepper flakes. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Freeze beef for 15-20 minutes before slicing for easier cutting. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper searing. Stir sauce slowly when adding cornstarch slurry to prevent lumps. Add a splash of water if sauce becomes too thick. Fresh green onions add brightness and color. For gluten-free, use tamari and gluten-free cornstarch. Variations include adding fresh chili for heat or swapping beef for tofu for a vegetarian option.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mongolian beef, one-pot recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy beef recipe, sweet and savory, Asian-inspired

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/easy-one-pot-mongolian-beef-recipe-for-quick-weeknight-dinners/