Easy Mongolian Beef (Copycat PF Chang's)

There's just something about the way that good stir-fried beef is made that's so addicting. I'm pretty sure that it's the crispy outer crust, with tender insides that sends my textural taste buds through the roof. Top it off with a stellar sauce, and you have an amazing meal in about 30 minutes. Here's all you need to make about 4 servings:

Photo byAlyssa

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1 1/2 pounds thinly sliced flank steak or stir fry beef strips
• 1/2 cup oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1 tablespoon sesame seed oil
• 2 plump cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 2/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup water

For the Garnish (optional):

• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds*

Start by placing the beef strips and 1/3 cup of cornstarch into a plastic bag, shaking it until the beef is fully coated. Set the coated beef aside while you prepare the sauce.

In a small bowl, combine 1 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and set it aside.

Heat sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, which should take about a minute. Then stir in brown sugar, ginger, soy sauce, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and mix in the cornstarch mixture. Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens, which will take approximately 5 minutes.

While the sauce is simmering, heat 1/2 cup of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips, spreading them out in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding). Cook the beef for around 2 minutes on each side, or until it is browned. Remove the beef from the skillet using a slotted spoon and drain it on a plate lined with paper towels.

Discard the excess oil from the skillet and return the beef to the pan. Pour about half of the sauce over the beef (reserve the remaining sauce for serving with rice and broccoli) and cook over medium heat for 1 minute.

Garnish the beef with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, and serve it with rice and steamed broccoli and enjoy!!

* To toast sesame seeds, spread them on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil them for 2-3 minutes, or until they are lightly browned. Make sure to shake the pan halfway through to ensure even toasting.