PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef Copycat
This PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef Copycat recipe delivers tender, crispy beef coated in a sticky, sweet soy glaze that perfectly mimics the rich, savory-sweet flavors of PF Chang’s famous dish. Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, it’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests with restaurant-quality flavor at home.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Beef
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot starch for gluten-free)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup for low sugar)
- 1/2 cup water
Garnish & Optional
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional for heat)
- Prep the Beef: Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain for tenderness, then toss it in cornstarch to coat evenly. This layer creates the perfect crispy exterior once cooked.
- Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef in batches, searing until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, and water to create the luscious glaze. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve and thicken.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked beef to the pan, tossing to fully coat each piece with the sticky sauce. Sprinkle in sliced green onions and optional red pepper flakes for color and a little zing.
- Serve It Up: Plate the Mongolian beef over steamed rice or noodles and garnish with extra green onions for a restaurant-quality meal you’ll love.
Notes
- Freeze the steak slightly for 20-30 minutes to make slicing thin easier and neater.
- Cook beef in batches to avoid crowding the pan and ensure it gets crispy instead of steamed.
- Adjust sauce thickness by using less water for a thicker glaze or adding a splash more to loosen the sauce.
- Always use fresh garlic and ginger for maximum flavor instead of powders.
- The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated up to two days, but combine with beef just before serving for best freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Mongolian Beef, PF Chang's Copycat, Chinese Takeout, Stir-Fry, Beef Recipe, Gluten-Free Option