Copycat P.F. Chang's Mongolian Beef Recipe - Tender Beef in Sweet Garlic Sauce
Enjoy a homemade version of P.F. Chang's Mongolian Beef with tender strips of beef cooked in a flavorful sweet and savory garlic sauce. This easy recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together in just 35 minutes, perfect for a satisfying dinner at home.
Source inspiration: lecremedelacrumb.com
Share this recipe
On mobile, Share usually lets people post to feed or story in supported apps.
Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Total
35 min
Servings
4
Ingredients
4 servings
- 1-2 pounds beef strips (flank steak or stir-fry beef)
- 4 green onions, chopped
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 4 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1½ teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1⅔ cups brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
- to taste sesame seeds (for garnish)
- to serve steamed rice
Instructions
Follow these steps in order for best results.
Step 1
In a small bowl, whisk together baking soda, sugar, cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and oil to create the marinade.
Step 2
Place the beef strips in a resealable plastic bag, pour in the marinade, seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
Step 3
Drain the beef from the marinade and set aside.
Step 4
In a medium saucepan, combine toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Step 5
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth to form a slurry.
Step 6
Bring the sauce to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, then remove from heat.
Step 7
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the beef strips until browned and cooked through, about 5-8 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
Step 8
Lower heat to medium, add ½ to 1 cup of the prepared sauce depending on your preferred sauciness, and stir to coat the beef. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Step 9
Serve the Mongolian beef over steamed rice, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other cuts of beef for this Mongolian beef recipe?
Yes, flank steak or stir-fry beef strips work best for tenderness and quick cooking, but other lean cuts sliced thinly can also be used.
How long should I marinate the beef?
Marinating for at least 1 hour is recommended, but overnight marination enhances flavor and tenderness.
What can I serve with Mongolian beef?
This dish pairs well with steamed white or brown rice, noodles, or vegetables like steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
