Elevate your culinary experience with the enticing flavors of Air Fryer Mongolian Beef—a lighter, healthier take on the classic dish that doesn’t compromise on taste. This simplified recipe transforms thinly sliced flank steak into a crispy, savory delight through the magic of the air fryer, reducing the need for excessive oil while preserving the dish’s delectable qualities.
The journey begins with a marinade that infuses the beef with a perfect balance of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar (or honey), fresh ginger, and minced garlic. As the flank steak luxuriates in this flavorful bath, the marinade works its magic, imparting depth and richness to every slice.
A quick stint in the air fryer at 400°F ensures the beef emerges with a satisfying crispiness, transforming each piece into a delectable morsel of flavor. The use of a cornstarch slurry adds an extra layer of texture, contributing to the irresistible appeal of this Air Fryer Mongolian Beef.
Served over a bed of cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice, this dish becomes a complete and satisfying meal. Garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, each bite offers a symphony of tastes and textures that delights the palate.
With approximately 280 calories per serving and a well-balanced nutritional profile, this Air Fryer Mongolian Beef invites you to savor the rich, umami flavors without straying from your wellness goals. It’s a testament to the versatility and health-conscious possibilities that the air fryer brings to your kitchen, delivering a delightful meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious to enjoy.
Air Fryer Mongolian Beef
Ingredients:
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for brushing the air fryer basket)
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice, for serving
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar (or honey), grated ginger, and minced garlic to create the marinade.
- Toss the thinly sliced flank steak in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for a few hours for better flavor absorption.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the marinated beef.
- Lightly brush the air fryer basket with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the marinated beef slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping the beef halfway through, or until the beef is crispy and cooked to your liking.
- Serve the Air Fryer Mongolian Beef over cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming recipe makes 4 servings without rice):
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Total Fat: ~12g
- Saturated Fat: ~4g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~7g
- Cholesterol: ~60mg
- Sodium: ~800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: ~16g
- Dietary Fiber: ~1g
- Sugars: ~9g
- Protein: ~26g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
This Air Fryer Mongolian Beef offers a lighter and healthier twist to the classic dish, ensuring a crispy texture without excessive oil. Adjust quantities based on personal preferences and dietary needs.