🥩 Meat & Protein

Flank Steak Substitutes for Mongolian Beef: Best Alternatives

Find the best flank steak substitutes for Mongolian beef recipes. Learn which cuts work best, proper preparation techniques, and cooking methods for authentic Mongolian beef flavor.

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Quick Answer

The best flank steak substitutes for Mongolian beef are skirt steak (1:1 ratio), sirloin steak (1:1 ratio), or flat iron steak (1:1 ratio). Slice thinly against the grain and marinate for authentic Mongolian beef flavor.

Best Substitutes

Skirt Steak

1:1

Perfect substitute for flank steak in Mongolian beef with similar texture and excellent flavor absorption. Skirt steak takes marinades well and has the right texture for this dish.

Best for:

Mongolian beefmarinated dishesAsian cuisinequick cookingflavorful meat

Slice thinly against the grain. Marinate for at least 30 minutes. Excellent flavor absorption.

Sirloin Steak

1:1

Excellent flank steak substitute for Mongolian beef with tender texture and good marinade absorption. More tender than flank steak, so it cooks faster and stays juicy.

Best for:

Mongolian beefmarinated dishesAsian cuisinequick cookingtender texture

Slice thinly against the grain. Marinate for at least 30 minutes. More tender than flank steak.

Flat Iron Steak

1:1

Great flank steak substitute for Mongolian beef with excellent marbling and flavor. Well-marbled cut that takes marinades well and provides rich flavor.

Best for:

Mongolian beefmarinated dishesAsian cuisinequick cookingflavorful meat

Slice thinly against the grain. Marinate for at least 30 minutes. Well-marbled for rich flavor.

Hanger Steak

1:1

Good flank steak substitute for Mongolian beef with rich flavor and good marinade absorption. Hanger steak has excellent beefy flavor that works well in this dish.

Best for:

Mongolian beefmarinated dishesAsian cuisinequick cookingrich flavor

Slice thinly against the grain. Marinate for at least 30 minutes. Rich, beefy flavor.

Top Sirloin

1:1

Budget-friendly flank steak substitute for Mongolian beef with lean texture and good marinade absorption. More economical while still providing good results.

Best for:

Mongolian beefmarinated dishesAsian cuisinequick cookingbudget option

Slice thinly against the grain. Marinate for at least 30 minutes. Lean and economical.

Chuck Steak

1:1

Economical flank steak substitute for Mongolian beef, though it needs longer marinating. Requires more preparation but can work well with proper technique.

Best for:

Mongolian beefmarinated dishesAsian cuisinebudget optionslow preparation

Slice thinly against the grain. Marinate for at least 2 hours. More economical but needs longer preparation.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Slice all flank steak substitutes thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness
  • 💡Marinate the meat for at least 30 minutes (2+ hours for chuck steak) for best flavor
  • 💡Use high heat and quick cooking - don't overcook the meat
  • 💡Cook the meat first, then remove from pan before adding sauce
  • 💡Cut all pieces to similar size for even cooking
  • 💡Use a wok or large skillet for proper stir-fry technique
  • 💡Don't overcrowd the pan - cook in batches if necessary
  • 💡Have all ingredients prepped before starting to cook
  • 💡Use cornstarch in the marinade to help tenderize the meat
  • 💡Let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking before slicing

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best substitute for flank steak in Mongolian beef?

Skirt steak is the best substitute for flank steak in Mongolian beef. It has similar texture, takes marinades well, and has excellent flavor absorption.

Can I use sirloin instead of flank steak in Mongolian beef?

Yes, sirloin works well as a flank steak substitute in Mongolian beef. It's more tender, so reduce cooking time slightly and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

How do I prepare flank steak substitutes for Mongolian beef?

Slice thinly against the grain, marinate for at least 30 minutes (longer for chuck steak), and cook quickly over high heat. Use cornstarch in the marinade to help tenderize.

What's the best way to cook flank steak substitutes in Mongolian beef?

Use high heat and quick cooking. Cook the meat first, then remove from pan before adding sauce. Don't overcrowd the pan and cook in batches if necessary.

Can I use chuck steak instead of flank steak in Mongolian beef?

Yes, but chuck steak needs longer marinating (at least 2 hours) and careful slicing. It's more economical but requires more preparation time.

How long should I marinate flank steak substitutes for Mongolian beef?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes for most cuts, but 2+ hours for chuck steak. Longer marinating helps tenderize the meat and improve flavor absorption.

Summary

Find the best flank steak substitutes for Mongolian beef recipes. Learn which cuts work best, proper preparation techniques, and cooking methods for authentic Mongolian beef flavor.