Copycat P.F. Changs Mongolian Beef Recipe

I am a huge P.F. Chang’s fan.  I try to dine at one of their restaurants often as I can.  However, they do not always offer the healthiest of selections and I am trying my best to get my summer body in check before June.  One huge decision I made since starting this whole diet thing was to cook more often. Therefore, going out for dinner at restaurants has been majorly sliced in half in an effort to not only save some money, but to save some calories in any way I can figure out.  This has really forced me to get very creative in the kitchen. If you’ve been following along you probably have checked out some of my recent creations and I have to pat myself on the back because, damn I have done a pretty good job. Anyway, let’s get into this recipe!

Serving Size: 4

Calories: 625

Total Time (cooking + prep): 40 Minutes

Ingredients 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil 1-2 Teaspoons minced ginger 1 Tablespoon minced garlic ½ Cup of of soy sauce ½ Cup of water ¾ Cup dark brown sugar 1 Cup of vegetable oil (used separately from the tablespoon) 1 ½ Pounds of flank stea ½ Cup of cornstarch ¼ Teaspoon red pepper flakes *optional 1 Bunch of green onions, cut on diagonal into 2” pieces. White Rice *optional

Step One: In a medium saucepan over medium heat warm up the 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.  Then, add in the ginger and garlic and stir for 30 seconds.

Step Two: Add in the soy sauce, water and brown sugar and bring to a boil.  Then, let simmer until the mixture becomes thickened. This should take 10-15 minutes.

Step Three: Slice the flank steak into small ¼” pieces.  I like very small, thin pieces so I held the knife at a 45 degree angle to get the cut I like

Step Four: Toss your sliced steak with the cornstarch and let it sit aside for 10-15 minutes.

Step Five: Warm up the 1 cup of vegetable oil in a larger pan over medium to high heat.

Step Six: Add in the steak and cook for 2-3 minutes until brown and crispy.  Make sure to flip your pieces!

Step Seven: Remove the steak and discard the cooking oil left in the saucepan.  Place the steak back into the saucepan with the sauce and cook for about 1 minute over medium heat.  Make sure to stir and coat the meat so it is evenly dressed.

Step Eight:  Add red pepper flakes, if you desire and green onions.  Remove from heat

Step Nine: Optional – serve over white rice.