Easy Mongolian Shaved Beef (+More Shaved Steak Recipes)
on Dec 08, 2022, Updated Nov 19, 2023
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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 Do You Tenderize Shaved Steak?
You’ll definitely want to slice your steak before marinating it. By marinating the steak whole, you’re missing out on a much better flavor and texture. After slicing your beef into thin slices, 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.
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 Make Shaved Beef Recipe
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 Thinly Sliced 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 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.
More Popular Shaved Beef Recipes
Beef Stir Fry
This easy Chinese Beef Stir Fry is loaded with tender beef slices and the most delicious stir-fry 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 Philly Cheesesteak Recipe is a classic combination of thinly sliced 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 tradition 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.
Easy Mongolian Shaved Beef Recipe
Equipment
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!
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.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
Looks great and will try!! By the way my granddaughters nickname is Izzy(Isabella)
Excellent recipe!!! Thanks so much. It was delicious 😋
Great job.
Better options make better cooks!
Quick & Easy !
Thank you.
Was delicious! Just added some sesame seeds on top at the end.
Hi Jodie, glad that you like the recipe. It’s a great idea to add sesame seeds to garnish.
I loved it! Such a nice blend of savory and sweet! Thank you so much for posting!
Izzy Y.
Ann Arbor, MI
The Easy Mongolian Shaved Beef was absolutely delicious. I didn’t change a thing except add 1/4 cup more water. I used a chuck steak I found in the freezer and it was so tender.