This Mongolian beef recipe is a quick and easy way to make an amazing stir-fry dinner in your air fryer. This air fryer version reduces the preparation time while still ensuring all the flavors come through. This recipe is written for maximum convenience and health.
All about Mongolian Beef
Mongolian beef is not a traditional Chinese dish but a Chinese-American dish. It is a popular dish served in many Chinese restaurants and consists of sliced beef stir fried with scallions in a sweet and savory sauce. This dish has become so popular that it has now been adopted by many other cultures around the world.
The traditional Mongolian beef recipe calls for flank steak or skirt steak to be cut into thin strips and deep fried or pan fried in oil until it’s cooked through. The beef is then added to the scallions and sauce. For a true Mongolian beef dish, you should serve it over white rice or noodles.
By cooking the beef in the air fryer, you will achieve almost the same consistency and flavor without the beef becoming too greasy. You can also use less oil and reap the health benefits of less fat.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Mongolian Beef
Beef:
- Beef steaks (the cut of your liking)
- Green onion (green parts)
- Garlic cloves
- White flour
- Soy sauce
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Sauce:
- Brown sugar
- Soy sauce
- Water
How to Make Mongolian Beef in the Air Fryer
- Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the beef pieces, white flour, and 4 tablespoons of soy sauce to a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Spread the beef in the basket, being careful not to overcrowd the basket.
- Air fry the beef for 4 minutes.
- While the beef is cooking, mix the brown sugar, 1/3 cup soy sauce, and water for the sauce. Mix well.
- Cut the green onions into long strips. Cut them lengthwise if they are too thick.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- In a pan or wok, saute the minced garlic cloves and green onions in oil for a couple of minutes.
- Add the air-fried beef and sauce to the pan. Cook for 5 more minutes on medium heat.
- Serve with white rice and garnish with sesame seeds.
Tips and Variations for Mongolian Beef
Try these helpful tips and variations for your Mongolian beef:
- Use a high-quality cut of beef for this dish. Flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin work best.
- Use up leftover veggies or chicken you have on hand. Just add them to the stir fry. Cut vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave some space to allow hot air to circulate around the beef so it cooks on all sides.
- Shake or flip the beef in the basket halfway through cooking time for even cooking.
- For an extra kick of flavor, add garlic or ginger to the marinade.
- Mix up the flavors by using different types of soy sauce and adding spices like sesame oil and chili flakes.
- Top off your creation with some crunchy peanuts for added texture.
- If you are watching how much sodium is in your diet, use low-sodium soy sauce.
Mongolian Beef FAQs
Is Mongolian beef cooked in an air fryer healthy?
Yes, Mongolian beef cooked in an air fryer can be enjoyed as a part of a healthy diet. By using minimal oil and relying on air circulation to crisp up the outside, you can enjoy all the flavor without compromising your health goals. And you can add plenty of vegetables to increase the nutrient content.
What kind of pan do I use to make Mongolian beef?
The best type of pan to use is a large flat-bottomed wok. Woks are designed specifically for stir frying and provide the ideal surface area to cook your ingredients. Other types of pans, such as a skillet or sauté pan, can also be used if you don’t have a wok.
How do I store leftover Mongolian beef?
You can store leftover Mongolian beef in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 6 days.
Other Asian-Inspired Recipes
- Asian BBQ Pork Taco Boats
- Drunken Noodles with Prawns and Broccoli
- Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken
- The Best Air Fryer Crispy Tofu
Bottom Line
Mongolian beef cooked in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy all the flavor and texture of this classic dish without needing to deep fry it. With minimal oil, you can still achieve that crisp outer layer while the inside remains tender and juicy. This easy-to-follow recipe will help you create Mongolian beef that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family. Try Mongolian beef today for a nutritious, flavorful meal.
Mongolian Beef in the Air Fryer
Classic Mongolian beef is made in the air fryer for maximum convenience and increased health. Equally delicious and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of beef steaks (the cut of your licking)
- 3 cups green onion (green parts)
- 3 garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons white flour
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds for garnish
Sauce:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- ½ cup water
Instructions
1. Cut the steaks into bite-size pieces.
2. In a bowl add the beef pieces the 4 tablespoons soy sauce the 3 tablespoons flour. Mix well and set aside.
3. In the air fryer basket, spry some of the oil to prevent the beef from sticking.
4. Spread the beef in the basket leaving, being careful to not overcrowd the basket.
5. Air fry the beef for 4 minutes.
6. While the beef is cooking prepare the rest of the ingredients:
- In a bowl mix the sugar, the soy sauce, and the water. Mix well.
- Cut the green onion into long strips, if they are too thick-cut them lengthwise.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
7. In a pan or wok with some oil with the minced garlic cloves and the green onions. Saute for a couple of minutes.
8. Add the fried beef to the pan and add the sauce too. Cook for 5 more minutes on medium heat.
9. Serve with some white rice and garnish with sesame seeds.
Notes
This beef is not a traditional Chinese dish, but a Chinese American issweet and savory and has a delightful velvety texture.
Traditionally the beef is made by deep-frying it in oil, feel free to use that method if that’s what you prefer. By cooking in the air fryer you are going to achieve almost the same consistency and flavor without turning the beef too greasy and also, not to speak about the amount of oil used!
It can be stored in the fridge for up to 6 days in a sealed container.
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