Bowls
P.F. Chang's Inspired Mongolian Beef
Crisp-edged slices of flank steak glazed in a glossy ginger-garlic soy sauce with abundant scallions, ready to spoon over steamed rice.
Inspired by P.F. Chang's
Prep
25 min + 20 min chill
Cook
20 min
Serves
4 servings
Difficulty
Medium
Pantry match
Uses the current servings and temporary recipe changes.
Missing 12 ingredients
- • 1 1/2 pounds flank steak
- • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- • 1/2 cup cornstarch
- • 1/3 cup neutral oil, plus 1 teaspoon
- • 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
- • 4 garlic cloves, minced
- • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- • 1/2 cup water
- • 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
- • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- • 8 scallions, cut into 2-inch lengths
View ingredient-by-ingredient match
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steakMissing
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher saltMissing
- 1/2 cup cornstarchMissing
- 1/3 cup neutral oil, plus 1 teaspoonMissing
- 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh gingerMissing
- 4 garlic cloves, mincedMissing
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauceMissing
- 1/2 cup waterMissing
- 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugarMissing
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegarMissing
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oilMissing
- 8 scallions, cut into 2-inch lengthsMissing
Optional ingredients are not counted as required.
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Method
Recipe notes
This unofficial copycat focuses on the dish's thin, crisp-edged beef, sweet-savory glossy glaze, and generous scallions. Reducing the sauce before returning the beef prevents a soupy stir-fry and preserves the light cornstarch crust.
Planning, storage, and serving
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate cooled beef and rice in separate covered containers within 2 hours for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef in a hot skillet to 165°F and add a spoonful of water only if the glaze is too tight.
Make-ahead tips
Slice the steak, mix the sauce ingredients, and cut scallions up to 1 day ahead. Coat and sear the beef just before serving for the best crisp texture.
What to serve with it
- - Steamed jasmine rice
- - Garlic green beans
- - Crisp cucumber salad
Equipment needed
- - Wok or wide skillet
- - Wire rack and sheet pan
- - Sharp slicing knife
Difficulty explained
Success depends on thin cross-grain slices, uncrowded high-heat searing, and reducing the glaze before the quick final toss.
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Nutrition facts
Updating nutrition…
Alternatives
Apply a reviewed substitution to this temporary working copy. The published recipe stays unchanged.
Browse reviewed options
Granulated sugar plus molasses
For each cup, mix 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon molasses.
Tamari
Use tamari in the same amount for a similar savory profile.
Sirloin steak
Use the same weight of sirloin sliced thinly across the grain.
Type the ingredient you're missing — we'll find what you can use instead.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Slicing with the grain leaves long chewy fibers, so identify the grain and cut perpendicular to it.
- Crowding the skillet steams the cornstarch-coated beef and creates a gummy coating instead of browned edges.
- Adding beef before the sauce reduces makes it soggy and leaves excess liquid in the serving bowl.
Nutrition Context
- Flank steak provides protein and iron, while the brown-sugar soy glaze contributes most of the added sugar and sodium.
- A measured serving over rice with a vegetable side balances the rich glazed beef.
FAQ
Why is my beef chewy?
It may be sliced too thickly or with the grain. Chill briefly and cut thinly across the visible fibers.
Why did the coating turn gummy?
The pan was crowded or the sauce was still watery. Sear in batches and reduce the glaze before adding beef.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
Use 1/4 cup brown sugar, then taste after reduction. The glaze will be more soy-forward but still coat the meat.
Can I add vegetables?
Broccoli or snap peas work, but cook them separately so their moisture does not dilute the signature glaze.
Can I make this ahead?
Prepare the components ahead, but sear and glaze the beef immediately before serving for crisp edges.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Good pairings include Steamed jasmine rice; Garlic green beans; Crisp cucumber salad. Choose one or two based on how substantial you want the meal to be.