How to Cook Thinly Sliced Beef: Techniques and Recipes

I love cooking at home and always get excited about thinly sliced beef. It can make any dish special, from the tender beef carpaccio to the juicy Italian beef sandwiches. This meat is amazing because it can turn simple meals into something truly special.

In this article, we’ll explore how to cook thinly sliced beef. You’ll learn about recipes like Mongolian beef and how to make classic dishes your own. It’s a journey that will make you a better cook and make your meals more exciting.

Key Takeaways

• Explore the versatility of thinly sliced beef in a variety of delicious recipes
• Learn effective techniques for preparing and cooking shaved beef to achieve the perfect texture and flavor
• Discover the benefits of incorporating thinly sliced beef into your meals, from enhanced nutrition to time-saving prep
• Unlock creative ways to customize and personalize your thinly sliced beef dishes
• Gain tips for properly storing and reheating leftover thinly sliced beef

What Is Mongolian Beef?

Mongolian beef is a favorite Chinese-American dish. It has thinly sliced beef in a sweet and spicy brown sauce. The sauce mixes hoisin, soy sauce, chili peppers, and brown sugar.

Shaved Beef Steak for Mongolian Beef

The secret to great Mongolian beef is the beef. Use shaved beef steak, also known as “sandwich steak” or “shabu-shabu beef.” This thin beef cooks fast and soaks up the sauce’s flavors well. Flank steak is the traditional choice, but you can also use New York strip or other quick-cooking cuts.

To get the right beef, look for slices that are about 1/4-inch thick. You can find pre-sliced “shaved” beef at stores, or slice it yourself with a sharp knife or meat slicer.

“Shaved beef steak, sometimes called ‘sandwich steak’ or ‘shabu-shabu beef,’ is the ideal cut for Mongolian beef as it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully.”

The mix of savory brown sauce and tender beef makes Mongolian beef delicious. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a tasty weekend dinner.

30-Minute Mongolian Beef Recipe

If you love Mongolian beef but don’t have hours to cook, this 30-minute recipe is perfect. It uses thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak. This quick meal has all the flavors you love, in less time.

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon Asian chili paste (optional, for heat)
• 3 green onions, sliced
• Steamed rice, for serving

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, toss the beef slices with the cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the beef and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
3. Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and chili paste (if using).
5. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and the beef is cooked through.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the sliced green onions.
7. Serve the Mongolian beef immediately over steamed rice.

This easy Mongolian beef recipe is ready in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The 30-minute Mongolian beef uses flank steak Mongolian beef or sirloin Mongolian beef in a delicious sauce. Your family will ask for seconds.

“This 30-minute Mongolian beef recipe is a game-changer! The balance of flavors is spot-on, and the thin sliced beef cooks up so quickly. A new family favorite!”

Shaved Steak Stir Fry

Looking for a quick and healthy dinner? Try a shaved steak stir fry. It’s ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for any weeknight. The thinly sliced shaved steak cooks fast without losing moisture.

To make this shaved steak stir fry, marinate the beef in a tasty sauce for up to 24 hours. This makes the meat tender and flavorful. Then, stir-fry the beef with fresh asparagus and the sauce. You get a quick beef stir fry that’s both healthy and full of flavor.

The recipe uses a pound of shaved steak as the main protein. It gives 29g of protein per serving. The whole dish has 288 calories, 15g of carbs, 13g of fat, and 3g of fiber. It’s a healthy beef stir fry that won’t ruin your diet.

Customize the recipe with your favorite veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or green beans. You can also tweak the stir-fry sauce to your liking. This shaved steak stir fry is quick, nutritious, and will be a favorite in your home.

What Is Shaved Steak?

Shaved steak is also known as “thinly sliced beef” or “paper thin beef.” It’s made by slicing beef thinly using a meat slicer. This makes the meat perfect for quick dishes like stir-fries and bulgogi.

The thin slices cook fast, searing quickly without getting tough. This makes it great for many recipes.

Shaved steak cooks quickly, in just a few minutes. It comes from different cuts of beef, making it versatile. It’s called “braciole meat” or “carpaccio” in Italian places, “hot-pot beef” or “pho beef” in Asia, and “sandwich steak” for Philly cheesesteaks.

For Philly cheesesteaks, people often use thinly sliced beef. You can find it in grocery stores. It’s also good in fajitas, bulgogi, Mongolian beef, beef stroganoff, and beef stir fry.

The Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches recipe has over 25,000 saves. One person makes it every 3-4 weeks for their family. It needs only 7 ingredients and is easy to make.

When cooking shaved steak, you quickly pan-sear it. This makes the meat tender with crispy edges.

Benefits of Shaved Steak Stir Fry

Shaved steak stir-fry is a quick and tasty meal for weeknights. The thin, tender beef slices have many benefits. They make this dish a great choice.

The fast cooking time is a big plus. Shaved steak cooks quickly, so you can enjoy a tasty, protein-rich meal fast. The high heat seals in the juices, making the beef tender and juicy.

Another great thing about shaved steak is how well it takes in flavors. The thin slices soak up the stir-fry sauce, blending tastes perfectly. This makes shaved steak perfect for bold, flavorful dishes.

Also, the small shaved steak pieces are great for meal prep. They’re easy to portion out, making it simple to enjoy the benefits of shaved steak all week. No need to deal with big meat cuts.

“Shaved steak is becoming increasingly popular in supermarkets, as it’s commonly used in cuisines like East Asian preparations such as Japanese shabu-shabu and Korean bulgogi.”

In summary, the advantages of shaved beef in stir-fries are clear. From quick cooking to better flavor, it’s a must-have for quick, healthy meals.

Ingredients for Shaved Steak Stir Fry

To make a tasty shaved steak stir fry, you need a few important ingredients. The dish starts with thinly sliced beef. This beef is shaved or sliced against the grain for a tender texture. You’ll also add fresh, crunchy veggies like asparagus and green onions.

For the Steak and Veggies

• 1 lb shaved steak or thinly sliced beef
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 4 green onions, sliced diagonally

For the Stir Fry Sauce

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp fresh grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

This mix of tender shaved steak, crisp veggies, and a sweet-savory sauce makes a balanced, flavorful dish. It’s great for a quick weeknight meal.

Instructions for Shaved Steak Stir Fry

Making a tasty shaved steak stir fry is quick and simple. It tastes like it came from a restaurant. Here’s how to make the best shaved steak stir fry:

1. First, toss the thin shaved steak in cornstarch. This helps it get a nice sear in the hot pan.
2. Then, mix the stir-fry sauce ingredients: soy sauce, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Keep half for marinating the beef and use the other half later.
3. Let the beef marinate in the reserved sauce for at least 5 minutes. Or up to 4 hours for even more flavor.
4. Heat a big skillet or wok over high heat. When it’s very hot, add the marinated beef. Sear it quickly, about 2-3 minutes, until it’s browned.
5. Add the asparagus and green onions to the pan. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Finally, pour in the remaining stir-fry sauce. Toss everything together until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.

And that’s it! You now have a delicious shaved steak stir fry in just 30 minutes! The secret is to have everything ready before you start cooking. This way, you get a flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal.

Tips for Perfect Shaved Steak

To make your shaved steak stir fry perfect, follow these tips. First, freeze the beef partially before slicing. This makes it firmer and easier to cut into thin strips. It’s the best way to slice beef for stir fry.

Marinate the shaved beef in stir-fry sauce for at least 30 minutes. Or, marinate it for up to 24 hours for even more flavor. This is the best way to prepare shaved beef for great taste and tenderness.

When cooking, don’t overcrowd the pan. This can make the beef steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed to get that perfect sear and caramelized edges on your shaved steak.

Also, prep all your ingredients before cooking. This way, you can work quickly and efficiently. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and stress-free.

“Shaved steak is becoming a staple at supermarkets across the U.S. and is popular in Korea and across Asia for its quick cooking time and ability to absorb flavors.”

By following these simple tips, you’ll make delicious and tender shaved steak dishes every time.

Variations and Customizations

Shaved steak stir fry is super versatile. You can change up the veggies to make it your own. Try using bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms instead of asparagus. This will change the taste and texture.

You can also play with the stir-fry sauce. Adding sesame oil, fish sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, or sriracha can enhance it. Don’t be afraid to mix and match proteins and sauces. For example, try the shaved beef with a bulgogi or Mongolian-style sauce.

Mix Up the Veggies

• Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
• Broccoli florets
• Snap peas or snow peas
• Sliced mushrooms
• Thinly sliced cabbage

Customize the Sauce

1. Add a drizzle of sesame oil for nutty flavor
2. Incorporate a splash of fish sauce for umami depth
3. Mix in a tablespoon of oyster sauce for richness
4. Stir in a dollop of hoisin sauce for a sweet-savory balance
5. Sprinkle in a teaspoon of sriracha for a kick of heat

There are countless ways to make a shaved steak stir fry your own. Enjoy trying out different veggies and sauces to find your favorite.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Enjoying a delicious shaved steak stir fry is a treat, but what about the leftovers? Don’t worry, with the right storage and reheating techniques, you can enjoy those tasty leftovers for days.

When it comes to how to store shaved steak stir fry, act quickly. Let the dish cool completely before putting it in airtight containers. This keeps it fresh and prevents the meat and veggies from getting soggy. You can store your leftover shaved beef stir fry in the fridge for 3-4 days. It’s a great option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Now, let’s talk about reheating shaved beef stir fry. The best method depends on your preference and how much time you have. For a quick option, warm the steak and veggies in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This method is easy but if you want to keep the texture, try reheating it on the stovetop over medium heat. This gentle heat helps the shaved beef stay tender and prevents the veggies from getting soggy.

Regardless of your reheating method, avoid overcooking the shaved beef. This can make it tough and dry. With a little care, you can enjoy your leftover shaved steak stir fry just as much as the first time.

Other Uses for Thin Sliced Beef Recipes

Thinly sliced beef is more than just for stir-fries. It’s great in many tasty dishes. Try it in cheesesteak sandwiches, French dip sandwiches, tacos, fajitas, or quesadillas for a tender and flavorful protein option.

It’s also perfect for Korean bulgogi, Italian beef sandwiches, and as a topping for salads or grain bowls. Thinly sliced beef quickly absorbs flavors, making it a kitchen staple for quick meals.

• Cheesesteak sandwiches
• French dip sandwiches
• Tacos and fajitas
• Quesadillas
• Korean bulgogi
• Italian beef sandwiches
• Salad and grain bowl toppings

Thinly sliced beef is versatile for many deli-style dishes. It’s perfect for quick stir-fries or flavorful sandwiches, impressing everyone.

When cooking with thin steak slices, don’t overcook. Watch the meat closely and adjust cooking times for a tender and juicy dish. With a bit of creativity, thinly sliced beef opens up a world of delicious recipes.

Conclusion

Thinly sliced beef is a versatile ingredient that can make many recipes better. It’s great for quick dishes like Mongolian beef or hearty stir-fries. Learning how to prepare and cook this meat makes it easy to make restaurant-quality meals at home.

Knowing how to slow-roast, chill, and slice beef makes your homemade roast beef delicious and affordable. You can also add your own veggies and sauces. This makes cooking with shaved beef very flexible and fun.

So, when you want an Asian dish or a tasty sandwich, use thinly sliced beef. With these tips and recipes, you’ll make delicious meals. These meals will highlight the best of thin sliced beef recipes and cooking techniques.