Description
This Air Fryer Mongolian Beef recipe offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy tender strips of flank steak coated in a perfectly balanced, sweet and savory Mongolian sauce. Using an air fryer for cooking the beef results in a crispy exterior while keeping the strips juicy, combined with a homemade sauce that’s thickened on the stove for ultimate flavor. Garnished with fresh green onions, this dish is a healthier alternative to traditional fried Mongolian beef and is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Coating
- 1 pound flank steak
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup brown sugar
Garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the flank steak into thin strips, cutting against the grain to ensure tenderness. Place the sliced steak in a large bowl.
- Coat with Cornstarch: Add the cornstarch to the bowl with the steak and toss thoroughly to coat each strip evenly. Allow the steak to sit in the cornstarch for 5 minutes to set the coating.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and let it heat up while you prepare to cook the beef.
- Air Fry the Steak: Arrange the coated steak strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spritz the meat generously with oil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket every couple of minutes to promote even cooking. Halfway through, spritz with additional oil to ensure crispiness.
- Cook the Sauce: While the steak is air frying, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat on the stove. Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the low sodium soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Carefully add the cooked beef strips to the skillet with the thickened sauce. Toss the beef in the sauce and cook together for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle the chopped green onions over the beef. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, marinate the steak in a little soy sauce and ginger before coating with cornstarch.
- Make sure to shake the air fryer basket periodically to prevent sticking and promote even crisping.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control salt content and enhance the balance of flavors.
- Adjust brown sugar quantity to taste for a sweeter or less sweet sauce.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: Mongolian Beef, Air Fryer, Asian Beef Recipe, Quick Dinner, Healthy Mongolian Beef
