Authentic Mongolian Beef Recipe: Savory Stir-Fry with Green Onions

For the Beef:

• ▢ 1/3 cup cornstarch
• ▢ 1 1/2 pounds thinly sliced flank steak or stir fry beef strips
• ▢ 1/2 cup oil

For the Sauce:

• ▢ 1 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
• ▢ 1 tablespoon cold water
• ▢ 1 tablespoon sesame seed oil
• ▢ 2 plump cloves garlic, minced
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• ▢ 2/3 cup brown sugar
• ▢ 2/3 cup soy sauce
• ▢ 1/2 cup water

For the Garnish:

• ▢ 2 green onions, chopped
• ▢ 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds*

• Place the beef and 1/3 cup cornstarch in a resealable plastic bag and shake until the strips are thoroughly coated. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
• In a small dish, combine 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and set aside.
• In a small saucepan, heat the sesame seed oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the brown sugar, ground ginger, soy sauce, and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and whisk in the cornstarch mixture. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens, about 5 minutes. While it simmers, cook the beef.
• Heat 1/2 cup oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef strips and spread them into a single layer. You may need to cook in two batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook about 2 minutes per side until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove beef with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
• Carefully drain excess oil from the skillet, then return the beef to the pan. Pour roughly half the sauce over the beef (reserve the remainder to serve with rice and broccoli) and cook over medium heat for about 1 minute to coat and warm the beef.
• Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice and broccoli.

*To toast sesame seeds:

Sprinkle sesame seeds on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes or until lightly browned, shaking the pan once halfway through to toast the underside.