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Air Fryer Copycat PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef

Name: Air Fryer Copycat PF Chang's Mongolian Beef
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain); 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium ); 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 cup hoisin sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 green onions (sliced for garnish); Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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Air Fryer Copycat PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef is amazing. If you like the restaurant version, you will absolutely love this copycat version.

My kids go ape over PF Chang’s; they love everything Chinese. So today, I tried my hand at making this copycat version.

The meat is cooked perfectly in the air fryer, and the cornstarch coating provides a great coating for the sauce to adhere to. The flank steak is tender, rich, and absolutely delicious. Soaked in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger-infused sauce. It provides a great meal. Full and full of flavor.

Take Out Chinese Food At Home

My family has always loved Chinese food, so once I learned how to use my first air fryer, I began to play around with simple Chinese Dishes. I have prepared Crab Rangoons, Sweet and Sour Chicken, and Instant Pot Chinese Fried Rice.

If you like Chinese food, the air fryer is a great way to make homemade Chinese Food easy and delicious.

What Is PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef

PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef is a popular dish served at PF Chang’s, a well-known Asian-inspired restaurant chain. It is a stir-fried dish that features tender slices of beef, typically flank steak, cooked in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. The beef is usually marinated and then wok-seared to create a caramelized and flavorful exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy. The sauce is typically made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings, giving it a rich and aromatic profile. The dish is often garnished with green onions for a fresh and vibrant touch. PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef is known for its bold flavors, satisfying textures, and the perfect balance of sweet and savory notes.

What Is Mongolian Beef?

Mongolian beef is generally sliced beef, usually flank steak, but if you can not find flank steak, use sirloin steaks.

The flank or sirloin steak is then thinly sliced. Typically it is stir-fried and then mixed with a garlic-ginger-infused sweet soy sauce.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Copycat PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef

With these ingredients, you’ll be able to recreate the flavors of PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef in your air fryer. The combination of tender beef, savory sauce, and aromatic seasonings will transport you to the deliciousness of the popular restaurant dish. Enjoy the satisfaction of making this copycat recipe at home!

Here’s a detailed ingredient list for making an Air Fryer Copycat PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef, along with descriptions for each ingredient:

For the Beef:

Flank Steak: Choose a quality flank steak known for its tenderness and flavor. Slice it against the grain into thin strips for a more tender result.

For the Marinade:

Soy Sauce: Provides the savory and umami flavor base for the marinade. Use low-sodium soy sauce if desired.
Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the beef and create a coating for the air frying process.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the marinade.

Sauce Ingredients:

Soy Sauce: Adds a rich umami flavor to the sauce. Again, you can opt for low-sodium soy sauce.
Brown Sugar: Provides a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Hoisin Sauce: A thick, sweet, savory sauce commonly used in Asian cuisine. It adds depth of flavor and a glossy texture to the sauce.
Ginger: Freshly grated or minced ginger adds a warm, aromatic, and slightly spicy note to the sauce.
Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
Cornstarch Slurry: A mixture of cornstarch and water that helps thicken the sauce to a desired consistency.

How To Make Copycat Air Fryer Copycat PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef

Experience the bold and irresistible flavors of PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef right from home with this Air Fryer Copycat recipe. Tender slices of beef, perfectly seasoned and cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer, are smothered in a savory and slightly sweet sauce that captures the essence of the beloved restaurant dish.

With just a handful of ingredients and the convenience of the air fryer, you can recreate the mouthwatering flavors of PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef in no time. Get ready to indulge in a delectable Asian-inspired delight that will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into this easy and flavorful recipe that will have you savoring every delicious bite.

How To Make Copycat Air Fryer Copycat PF Chang's Mongolian Beef

Combine the sliced flank steak, soy sauce, cornstarch, and minced garlic in a bowl. Toss until the beef is well-coated. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.

Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Place the marinated beef in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping the beef halfway through until it is browned and crispy. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the beef and the air fryer model you’re using. Cook in batches if necessary.

While the beef is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, freshly grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine and heat the sauce over low heat until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is warmed.

Once the beef is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the sauce over it. Toss the beef in the sauce until it is well-coated.

Garnish the Mongolian beef with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if desired) for added freshness and texture. Serve the Air Fryer Copycat PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Here are some pro tips to help you achieve the best results when cooking Air Fryer Copycat PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef:

Thinly Slice the Beef: For tender, and evenly cooked beef, slice it against the grain into thin strips. This will help prevent the meat from becoming tough and chewy.
Marinate the Beef: Allow the beef to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes, or longer if possible. This helps infuse the flavors and tenderize the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final dish.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking ensures that it reaches the desired temperature, promoting even and consistent beef cooking.
Cook in Batches: To avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, cook the beef in batches. Overcrowding can prevent proper browning and crispiness, so it’s best to give each piece of beef enough space to cook evenly.
Brush or Spray with Oil: Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent the beef from sticking. This also helps promote better browning and crispiness.
Adjust Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the beef and the air fryer model you’re using. Keep an eye on the beef while it’s cooking and adjust the time as needed to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
Toss in the Sauce: Once the beef is cooked, transfer it to a bowl and toss it in the prepared sauce while it’s still hot. This ensures that every piece of beef is well-coated and infused with the delicious flavors of the sauce.
Customize the Heat Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether depending on your heat preference. Feel free to add more if you like it spicier or reduce it if you prefer a milder flavor.
Garnish with Fresh Ingredients: Before serving, garnish the Mongolian beef with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added freshness and visual appeal. This will enhance the overall flavor and presentation of the dish.

By following these pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and satisfying Air Fryer Copycat PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef that rivals the flavors of the original dish. Enjoy the savory, sweet, and tender goodness that this homemade version offers!

Can I use a different cut of beef instead of flank steak?

While flank steak is the traditional choice for Mongolian beef, you can use other cuts like sirloin or skirt steak. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.

Can I make the Mongolian beef ahead of time?

While the beef is best enjoyed immediately after cooking for optimal texture, you can prepare the marinade and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and cook the beef right before serving.

Can I use a different sauce or adjust the ingredients?

Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can experiment with different sauces or add additional spices and flavors to customize the dish.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Simply adjust the quantities of ingredients accordingly, but make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket when cooking the beef. Cook in batches if needed.

Can I use the same recipe for chicken or tofu?

Yes, you can adapt the recipe for chicken or tofu if you prefer. Adjust the cooking times accordingly, as chicken and tofu may require different cooking times and temperatures.

Can I make this dish without an air fryer?

While the air fryer yields crispy results, you can still make a delicious Mongolian beef using a stovetop wok or skillet. Adjust the cooking times and techniques accordingly.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

It’s generally not recommended to freeze cooked beef in sauce, as the texture may change upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy the Mongolian beef fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for a day or two.

What can I serve with Air Fryer Copycat PF Chang’s Mongolian Beef?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or as part of a larger Asian-inspired feast.

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