Say goodbye to bland, rubbery steak and say hello to tender and flavorful slivers of Mongolian Shaved Beef Recipe. This easy thinly sliced shaved steak dish is simmered in a sweet and spicy ginger garlic sauce and garnished with fresh green onions.

Shaved beef is thinly sliced steak, which makes it easier for the meat to get infused with the irresistible sauce. Take the time to marinate and you’ll have beef that’s super tender and full of flavor.
What Is Shaved Beef Steak Used For?
Shaved beef steak is thinly sliced meat that can come from any part of the cow. It’s sometimes called “sandwich steak” because that’s one of its most popular uses.
Shaved beef can be used in roast beef sandwiches, Chinese hot pot, beef broccoli stir fry, or the Philly cheesesteak. Shaved beef can also be served atop rice for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
How To Slice Beef Thinly For Shaved Beef?
- It is best to use a cut of beef that is well-marbled, such as flank steak or skirt steak.
- Place the beef in the freezer for 45-60 minutes to make it easier to slice.
- Use a sharp knife and slice the beef against the grain, at a 45-degree angle, in thin slices.
- It is important to slice the beef thinly, to allow it to cook quickly and evenly.
How To Tenderize Shaved Steak
The best way to tenderize steak is to marinate it. You’ll need to slice your steak before marinating it.
Prepare a simple marinade by combining soy sauce and cornstarch and allow the beef slices to sit in the soy sauce mixture for about 30 minutes. If you prefer a more flavor marinade, you can check out our ribeye steak marinade.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Beef Steak: Flank steak or skirt steak works the best
- Soy Sauce
- Cornstarch
- Vegetable Oil
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Beef Broth
- Brown Sugar
- Green Onions
How To Cook Shaved Beef
1. Freeze the steak for about 45-60 minutes first to make it easier to cut. Slice the steak against the grain into 1/8 or 1/4-inch thick pieces.
2. Whisk together soy sauce and cornstarch in a medium mixing bowl.
3. Add the beef slices and toss to coat. Then marinate for about 30 minutes.
4. Place a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add the oil, minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
5. Turn the heat to high, and add the thin beef slices together with the marinade.
6. Cook the beef for about 2 minutes, turning pieces to cook all sides.
7. Add brown sugar, beef broth and green onions. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.
8. Remove from heat. Serve and enjoy!
Tips For Cooking Shaved Beef
- Freeze the steak for 45-60 minutes before cutting: To get the neatest cut, try freezing the steak for about an hour. When it’s frozen, it’ll be much easier to accurately slice it into ultra-thin slices.
- Slice the beef against the grain: Paying attention to the grain of the meat makes all the difference. By slicing against the grain, you’ll be avoiding a rubbery, chewy texture by reducing the length of the muscle fibers in your steak.
- Marinate the sliced steak before cooking: Marinating your steak will lead to a more tender texture and lots of umami flavor for this Asian-inspired dish.
- Stir-fry thin beef over high heat: This beef cooks quickly over high heat. Be careful not to overcook.
What Are Some Good Sides To Serve With Shaved Beef?
Shaved beef is a great ingredient to use in various dishes, but it can also be served as a main dish with some tasty sides. Here are some great options:
- Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
- Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes.
- Grilled asparagus or other grilled vegetables.
- Rice or noodles, such as jasmine rice or soba noodles.
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing.
How To Store Shaved Beef
If you have leftover shaved beef, you’ll need to store it properly to prevent it from spoiling. Shaved beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to store it for longer, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the shaved beef tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer bag.
Best Shaved Beef Recipes
Beef Stir Fry
This easy stir fry is loaded with tender shaved steak and delicious sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger and beef broth!
A quick marinade tenderizes the beef and you will wow your family with its amazing flavor! You can add favorite vegetables like broccoli for a quick restaurant-quality beef and broccoli stir fry.
Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
This is a classic combination shaved steak and melted cheese in a soft and crusty roll. Philly steak sandwiches are easy to make at home and rival the best philly cheesesteaks in Philadelphia!
Beef Shaved Steak Tacos
This is a fun twist to your traditional steak tacos. Using a shaved steak maker this dish cook faster, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Bibimbap
This Bibimbap recipe has all of the flavors you love and will be on your dinner table in no time. It is ideal for busy weeknights.
Bulgogi Beef
A popular Korean BBQ beef, this dish is sweet and savory with hints of pear, ginger, and garlic. Served with rice or noodles for a perfect meal.
FAQs
What is the Difference Between Shaved Beef and Roast Beef?
The main difference between shaved beef and roast beef is the way they are prepared. Roast beef is usually cooked in the oven or on the stovetop and served as a whole cut of meat, whereas shaved beef is thinly sliced before cooking and used in various dishes.
Can I Freeze Shaved Beef?
Yes, you can freeze shaved beef for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the shaved beef tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw the shaved beef in the refrigerator overnight.
What Types of Beef Steak are Best for Shaved Steak Recipes?
The best options for your shaved beef are flank and skirt steaks, you can also use central cut like rib-eye or sirloin steak, but they’re more expensive. If you can’t get those cuts, just get whatever you can find. With shaved beef, the cut doesn’t matter too much since you’ll be slicing it so thinly.
Is Shaved Beef Healthy?
Shaved beef contains several beneficial nutrients and is a good source of protein. Those who are health conscious can add less soy sauce and less sugar for a healthier meal.
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Easy Mongolian Shaved Beef Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef steak like flank or skirt steak
- 1/3 cup soy sauce low-sodium recommended
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/3 cup beef broth or water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 stalks green onions
Instructions
- Freeze the steak for about 45-60 minutes first to make it easier to slice thinly.
- Slice the steak against the grain into ¼-inch thick pieces.
- Whisk together soy sauce and cornstarch in a medium mixing bowl.
- Add in the beef slices and marinate for about 30 minutes.
- Place a non-stick skillet on medium-high heat, add the oil, minced garlic, and ginger.
- Sauté the minced ginger and garlic for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Turn the heat to high, and add the thin beef slices together with the marinade. Make sure not to crowd the pan (cook in batches if needed).
- Cook the beef for about 2 minutes, turning pieces to cook all sides.
- Add brown sugar, beef broth, and green onions. Sauté for 1-2 minutes (taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings according to your own preference). Remove from heat. Serve and enjoy!
Equipment
Notes
- To get the neatest cut, try freezing the steak for about an hour. When it’s frozen, it’ll be much easier to accurately slice it into ultra-thin slices.
- Marinate the thin-sliced steak before cooking: Marinating your steak will lead to a more tender texture and lots of umami flavor for this Asian-inspired dish.
- This beef cooks quickly over high heat. Be careful not to overcook.
Richard Musgrove says
Looks great and will try!! By the way my granddaughters nickname is Izzy(Isabella)
Rhonda says
Excellent recipe!!! Thanks so much. It was delicious 😋
frank says
Great job.
Better options make better cooks!
Quick & Easy !
Thank you.
Jodie says
Was delicious! Just added some sesame seeds on top at the end.
Izzy says
Hi Jodie, glad that you like the recipe. It’s a great idea to add sesame seeds to garnish.