Mongolian Beef (PF Chang’s copycat)

 I’ve seen recipes for PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef all over Pinterest for some time and since PF Chang’s is one of my favorite restaurants, I knew I had to try making Mongolian Beef at home.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
• 1-2 teaspoons minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 cup Vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 pounds flank steak
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 bunch green onions, cut on diagonal into 2-inch pieces

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make the sauce. Heat 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
2. Add soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil and simmer until thickened some, 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Slice flank steak against the grain into 1/4-inch slices with the knife held at a 45 degree angle. Some of the really long pieces I cut in half to make them more bite-sized.
4. Toss flank steak with cornstarch and let sit 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Heat 1 cup Vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
6. Add beef (I cooked it in 2 batches) and cook 2-3 minutes, until brown and crispy, flipping pieces over to cook both sides.
7. Remove meat with a slotted spoon and discard cooking oil. Place meat back in pan along with sauce and cook over medium heat for 1 minute, stirring to coat meat.
8. Add red pepper flakes and green onions and remove from heat.
9. Serve over rice.