Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic and Scallions
Quick stir-fried beef slices glazed in a savory garlic sauce with fresh scallions, a simple dish inspired by Mongolian flavors for a weeknight dinner. This asian fusion-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 5 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
- 1/4 tsp dried red chili flakes
- 4 sliced into 2-inch pieces scallions
- 1/3 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same wok, add 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp minced fresh ginger, and 1/4 tsp dried red chili flakes. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/3 cup water and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the wok. Bring to a simmer, then return the beef to the wok along with 4 sliced scallions cut into 2-inch pieces.
- Step 5: Stir-fry everything together for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and scallions beautifully. Serve immediately with steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic and Scallions take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic and Scallions?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic and Scallions?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic and Scallions for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic and Scallions?
Asian Fusion beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
