Garlic Ginger Mongolian Beef with Scallion Rice

Serves 4 · 20 min prep · 15 min cook

Ingredients

• 1½ lb, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak or sirloin
• 1/4 cup, divided cornstarch
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 3 tbsp, divided neutral oil
• 1 tbsp, minced fresh ginger
• 4 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 tsp dried red chilies or red pepper flakes
• 1 bunch, cut into 2-inch pieces green onions
• 3 cups, warm cooked jasmine rice
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1. 1Pat the sliced beef dry and toss with cornstarch until evenly coated; let sit 10 minutes while you prep the sauce and aromatics. This dry coat creates the signature glossy crust.
2. 2Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, hoisin, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and the remaining cornstarch in a bowl until the sugar dissolves; set the sauce aside.
3. 3Heat neutral oil in a large wok or cast-iron skillet over high heat until shimmering and just starting to smoke. Add the beef in a single layer (work in two batches if needed) and sear 1–2 minutes per side until browned and crispy at the edges.
4. 4Transfer seared beef to a plate. Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining oil, then the minced ginger, garlic, and dried chilies; stir-fry 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
5. 5Give the sauce a quick re-whisk and pour it into the pan. Bring to a rapid simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens and turns glossy, about 1–2 minutes.
6. 6Return the beef and any accumulated juices to the pan along with most of the green onion pieces. Toss vigorously 1 minute so every strip is lacquered in the sticky-sweet sauce.
7. 7Taste and adjust with a splash more soy or sugar if needed. The sauce should cling tightly and look shiny.
8. 8Spoon the hot Mongolian beef over warm jasmine rice. Scatter the remaining green onions and sesame seeds on top.
9. 9Serve immediately while the beef is still crispy-edged and the sauce is bubbling.
10. 10Pair with steamed broccoli or a quick cucumber salad if you want extra vegetables on the plate.