Shaved Beef
There’s something irresistibly comforting about the aroma of sizzling beef, especially when it’s combined with the fragrant notes of garlic and ginger. Imagine placing a steaming bowl of Easy Mongolian Beef before your loved ones—it’s an instant crowd-pleaser, and the allure of tender, juicy shaved beef will have them coming back for seconds. The vibrant red hues of the dish pop against the green scallions, creating a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

This dish isn’t just a delight to eat; it’s also a simple way to create a flavorful family meal in under 30 minutes. You’ll love how accessible it is—most of the ingredients can be found in your pantry. From beginners to seasoned chefs, this recipe is easy to follow and hard to mess up. Whether you’re prepping for a weeknight dinner or want something fancy for entertaining, this Easy Mongolian Beef is perfect. Give it a try, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a household favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 28 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil creates a sweet-savory balance that’s absolutely mouthwatering.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful presentation with bright scallions and rich beef makes it visually delightful.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it with your choice of rice, noodles, or a selection of steamed vegetables; it’s versatile for any occasion.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by using tamari or coconut aminos.

Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil: I prefer avocado oil for its high smoke point; it keeps the beef juicy.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (non-GMO): This creates a lovely, crispy coating on the beef.
- 1 pound shaved beef: Trader Joe’s shaved steak works wonderfully; flank steak thinly sliced is a great alternative.
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil: It adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons garlic (finely minced): Fresh garlic enhances the sauce’s aroma and taste.
- 1 tablespoon ginger (freshly grated): Adds a zesty kick that brightens the dish.
- ¼ – ½ cup low sodium soy sauce: Essential for the classic flavor; opt for low sodium to control saltiness.
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar (packed): This lends a rich sweetness that balances the soy sauce.
- 3-6 scallions (trimmed and thinly sliced): Separate the whites and greens; they both add unique flavor and texture.
- Shakes of red pepper flakes: Add these to taste for a hint of heat.
- Sesame seeds: A lovely topping that adds crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, snap peas, or bok choy: Great veggie options to accompany your beef.
- Cooked white or brown rice, or udon/soba/rice noodles: Choose your favorite starch for serving.
How to Make Shaved Beef
- Prepare the Beef: Toss 1 pound of shaved beef in a mixing bowl with 2 tablespoons of non-GMO cornstarch, ensuring even coating. Set aside to let it absorb flavor while you prepare the sauce.
- Make the Mongolian Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat a few teaspoons of toasted sesame oil. Add 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in ¼ – ½ cup of low sodium soy sauce and ¼ cup of packed dark brown sugar. Mix in a few shakes of red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 4 minutes, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the sauce reduces slightly. Set this vibrant sauce aside.
- Sear the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. If needed, add more oil and sauté the shaved beef in batches, avoiding crowding the pan to ensure it sears properly. Use your tongs to pull apart the beef strands, shaking off excess cornstarch. Cook until the edges are nice and crispy and the beef is still pink in the middle, approximately 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and repeat until all beef is cooked.
- Sauté the Vegetables: If there’s excess oil in the skillet, pour it off or soak it with paper towels. Add steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, or any veggies you prefer to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are vibrant and slightly tender.
- Combination Time: Return the beef to the skillet and pour the Mongolian sauce over everything. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Toss in the white parts of 3-6 sliced scallions and stir constantly for about 3 minutes until the meat is reheated, and the sauce thickens, glazing the beef beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate your luscious Mongolian Beef over a bed of cooked rice or stir-fried noodles. Sprinkle with the green parts of scallions and sesame seeds for additional flavor and texture. Add a dash of red pepper flakes if you love that kick.
Storing & Reheating
To keep your Easy Mongolian Beef fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave in short intervals to prevent overcooking. The texture may soften a bit upon reheating, but you can refresh it with a splash of low sodium soy sauce or a sprinkle of scallions.

Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure your oil is hot before adding the beef for the best sear; a gentle sizzle means it’s ready.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking the beef; cook in batches for that perfect crispy finish.
- If using frozen vegetables, ensure to thaw them before adding to the pan to avoid excess water making the sauce runny.
- For a different flavor profile, try using a mix of soy sauce and teriyaki sauce.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by varying the amount of brown sugar; taste and tailor it to your preference.
- Feel free to use any leftover veggies or proteins; this dish is highly versatile.
There is something undeniably satisfying about making a restaurant-quality meal right at home. With its quick preparation and alluring aroma filling your kitchen, you’ll love serving this delightful dish. Plus, the combination of flavor and texture in this Easy Mongolian Beef makes it a fantastic choice for any meal, be it a cozy weeknight or a special occasion. Dive into this delicious recipe and make your next dinner memorable!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Can I meal prep this dish ahead of time?
What vegetables work best with Shaved Beef?
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Shaved Beef
This shaved beef is bursting with flavor from garlic and ginger, combined with a delightful sauce. Ideal for a quick dinner, it’s easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
- Prep Time 8 minutes
- Cook Time 20 minutes
- Yield 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (or avocado oil)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (non-GMO)
- 1 pound shaved beef (such as flank steak, thinly sliced)
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic (finely minced)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (freshly grated)
- ¼ – ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 3-6 scallions (trimmed and thinly sliced, whites and greens separated)
- shakes red pepper flakes
- sesame seeds
- steamed broccoli (or shredded carrots, snap peas, bok choy)
- cooked white or brown rice (for serving or udon, soba or rice noodles)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, coat the shaved steak evenly with cornstarch and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, heat a few teaspoons of sesame oil, then add garlic, ginger, and the whites of the green onions. Sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes, bringing it to a simmer. Cook over medium heat until sugar is dissolved and sauce is slightly reduced, approximately 4 minutes. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the shaved steak in batches, adding more oil if needed. Use tongs to lay the beef in a single layer and flip when browned, cooking for about 2 minutes.
- Ensure oil is at a high temperature before adding more beef each time. Remove beef from the pan once crispy on the edges but still pink in the middle.
- If there's excess oil in the pan, pour some off or use paper towels to absorb it. If desired, add broccoli or other veggies and sauté for 2-3 minutes before returning the beef.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and toss to coat. Add sliced green onions and stir constantly for about 3 minutes until the meat is reheated and the sauce thickens.
Notes
For best results, use low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
Feel free to customize vegetables according to your preference or seasonality.
This dish pairs perfectly with rice or noodles for a hearty meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.




