Air Fryer Mongolian Beef (PF Chang's Copycat)

Why you'll love this Mongolian beef recipe

This Air Fryer Mongolian Beef recipe will make you forget about takeout! Here's why:

Fast and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Healthier than Takeout: Made in the air fryer, you get all the crispiness without loads of oil.

Unbeatable Flavor: The sweet-savory, perfectly caramelized sauce clings to each crispy piece of beef, giving you bold flavor in every bite.

Customizable: Whether you want it spicy, gluten-free, or extra saucy, this recipe adapts to you!

What is Mongolian Beef?

Mongolian Beef is a popular Chinese-American dish known for its tender slices of beef tossed in a glossy, sweet, and savory sauce. Despite its name, it's not traditionally Mongolian. It's actually more of a Western take on Chinese stir-fry flavors.

What does Mongolian Beef taste like?

Mongolian Beef is the ultimate flavor bomb! It's sweet, savory, garlicky, and just a little smoky from the caramelization of the sauce. The beef itself is crispy on the outside and juicy inside, making every bite irresistible.

Ingredients

Get ready to whip up the ultimate copycat PF Chang's Mongolian Beef with just a handful of simple ingredients and your air fryer! Here's everything you need to recreate that takeout favorite.

For making the Mongolian Beef Sauce:

• Vegetable Oil: Just a touch to start the sauce.
• Fresh Ginger Root: Adds a warm, zesty kick.
• Garlic: Minced for that bold, aromatic flavor.
• Soy Sauce (or Tamari): The salty base of the sauce. Use Tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Water: Helps balance and thin out the sauce.
• Light Brown Sugar: Sweetens the sauce and helps it caramelize beautifully.

For the cooking the beef:

• Flank Steak: Cut thin against the grain for tender, bite-sized pieces.
• Cornstarch: Coats the beef for a crispy exterior when air-fried.
• Oil Spray: Aids with crispiness.

To serve the dish:

• Green Onions or Sesame Seeds: A fresh, flavorful finish.
• Cooked White Rice: To soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce.

How to make Mongolian Beef

Making Mongolian Beef in an air fryer is way easier than you'd think, and it's faster than waiting for takeout! Follow these simple steps to make your favorite restaurant dish in your own kitchen.

1. Sauté garlic in large saucepan for 30 seconds over medium-high heat.
2. Add minced ginger, soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Stir and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to keep it at a low boil. Cook for about 12 minutes to reduce slightly.

3. Slice flank steak into thin slices, cutting across the grain. Place in a bowl and add cornstarch.
4. Toss to coat each piece well.
5. Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Spray basket. Place the coated steak in the air fryer in a single layer. Spray the steak with oil spray. Depending on the size of your air fryer you may have to do in batches.
6. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, tossing every few minutes. Spray again with oil after tossing halfway through cooking time. You want the beef to be crispy when it is done.
7. Combine air fried steak from your batch cooking and place it near sauce.
8. Pour meat into sauce and allow to warm for a minute of two.

Pro Tip: Place flank steak in freezer for 30-60 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly. Slice across the grain on the diagonal into thin strips.

Serve over rice garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Recipe tips for success

Cooking Mongolian Beef in the air fryer is simple, but a few handy tips can take it from good to absolutely amazing! These pro tips will help you nail this recipe every time.

Cut Against the Grain: This ensures the beef stays tender and easy to chew.

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook the beef in batches if necessary to ensure it gets crispy.

Keep the Sauce Warm: If the sauce cools and thickens too much, warm it gently before tossing with the beef.

Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer. For a thinner sauce, add a splash more water.

Recipe variations to make it your own

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you're craving some heat, need a gluten-free option, or want to go with a vegetarian twist, there are plenty of ways to make this dish your own.

Make it Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.

Gluten-Free Option: Use Tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

Extra Saucy: Double the sauce ingredients for even more flavor to coat your rice.

Vegetarian Swap: Try this with crispy tofu or air-fried mushrooms instead of beef.

What to serve with Mongolian Beef

Mongolian Beef is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides takes it to the next level. Here are some tasty ideas to complete your plate and turn this dish into a true feast!

Steamed Rice: The classic pairing that's perfect for soaking up the sauce.

Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy for a balanced meal.

Noodles: Swap the rice for lo mein or rice noodles for a fun twist.

Egg Rolls or Dumplings: Keep the takeout vibes alive with crispy vegetable egg rolls or savory dumplings.

How to store, freeze, and reheat leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freeze the cooked beef and sauce (separately for best results) in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. If you're in a hurry, the microwave works too. Just heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

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Thai Red Curry Beef

Find more easy dinner recipes and the best air fryer recipes right here on 2CM!