3 Recipes You Can Make With Leftover Steak

3 Recipes You Can Make With Leftover Steak is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by ThatDudeCanCook on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min

Cost: $31.45 total, $7.86 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2.5 lb Ribeye Steak (overcooked) (Trimmed, rested 6‑7 min, then sliced as directed for each dish)
  • 3 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce (For Mongolian Beef sauce)
  • 1 tbsp White Vinegar (For Mongolian Beef sauce)
  • 2 tbsp Light Brown Sugar (Dissolve in sauce)
  • 0.25 cup Cornstarch (Coat steak strips for Mongolian Beef)
  • 1 tbsp Avocado Oil (High‑smoke‑point oil for stir‑fry)
  • 2 tsp Beef Fat (saved from steak pan) (Adds flavor to Mongolian Beef and cheesesteak)
  • 1 tsp Dried Chili Flakes (Optional, for heat in Mongolian Beef)
  • 1 tsp Garlic, minced (For Mongolian Beef)
  • 1 tsp Ginger, minced (For Mongolian Beef)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (Season Mongolian Beef)
  • 4 stalks Green Onions (Sliced; garnish for Mongolian Beef and ramen)
  • 1 tsp Sesame Seeds (Garnish for Mongolian Beef)
  • 2 cup Cooked White Rice (Serve with Mongolian Beef)
  • 2 packs Instant Ramen Noodles (Any brand; cook per package)
  • 2 tbsp Mayonnaise (Creates creamy ramen sauce)
  • 1 packet Ramen Seasoning Packet (or chili oil) (Adds flavor/spice to ramen sauce)
  • 2 pieces Soft‑Boiled Egg (Boiled 7 min, shocked in ice water)
  • 1 tsp Everything Bagel Seasoning (Finish ramen)
  • 1.5 cup Milk (whole) (Base for cheese sauce (whiz))
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Shredded for cheese sauce)
  • 4 slices Processed American Cheese Slices (Adds meltiness to cheese sauce)
  • 0.25 tsp Salt (Season cheese sauce)
  • 4 pieces Hoagie Rolls (For Philly cheesesteak sandwiches)
  • 1 piece Onion, large (Thinly sliced for cheesesteak)

Instructions

  1. Rest and Slice the Overcooked Steak

    Let the ribeye steaks rest on a plate for 6‑7 minutes, then slice one portion into ¼‑inch strips for Mongolian Beef, another portion into very thin strips for ramen, and the remaining portion into thin bite‑size pieces for the cheesesteak.

    Time: PT7M

  2. Prepare Mongolian Beef Sauce

    In a small bowl whisk together dark soy sauce, white vinegar, and light brown sugar until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Coat Beef Strips with Cornstarch

    Place the sliced steak strips in a bowl, sprinkle cornstarch over them, and toss until evenly coated. Shake off excess.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Sear Mongolian Beef

    Heat a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add 1 tbsp avocado oil and 2 tsp saved beef fat. When the oil is shimmering, add the coated beef strips in a single layer. Cook 2 min, flip, then cook another 2 min until both sides are golden‑brown and crisp.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  5. Add Aromatics

    Push the beef to one side, add a little more oil if needed, then add dried chili flakes, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir‑fry for 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  6. Combine Sauce and Finish

    Add the prepared sauce, the beef drippings saved from resting, and a pinch of black pepper. Bring to a boil, then return the beef strips to the pan. Cook 1 minute, allowing the cornstarch to thicken the sauce and coat the meat.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: High

  7. Serve Mongolian Beef

    Serve the glossy beef over cooked white rice, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Cook Ramen Noodles

    Bring 4 cups water to a rolling boil in a pot. Add the instant ramen noodles and cook according to package directions (usually 3‑4 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving ¼ cup of the cooking water.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Boiling

  9. Make Ramen Creamy Sauce

    In a mixing bowl whisk together mayonnaise, the reserved noodle water, the ramen seasoning packet (or chili oil), minced garlic, and a splash of soy sauce if desired until smooth.

    Time: PT3M

  10. Assemble Ramen Bowl

    Return the cooked noodles to the pot, pour the creamy sauce over them, and toss to coat. Add the thinly sliced steak pieces, a halved soft‑boiled egg, sliced green onions, and sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: Low

  11. Prepare Cheese Sauce (Whiz)

    In a saucepan, heat 1.5 cup milk over medium‑low until steaming (do not boil). Gradually whisk in shredded sharp cheddar followed by American cheese slices, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth. Add a pinch of salt, then remove from heat.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑low

  12. Cook Onions and Steak for Cheesesteak

    In the same skillet used earlier, add 2 tbsp beef fat and a splash of oil. Add sliced onion, season with a pinch of salt, and sauté 5 minutes until softened. Push onions to the side, add the remaining thin steak pieces, and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just heated through.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium

  13. Assemble Philly Cheesesteak

    Slice hoagie rolls lengthwise, toast lightly if desired, then spread a generous layer of the cheese sauce inside each roll. Fill with the steak‑onion mixture, and top with extra cheese sauce if you like.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
35 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
25 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Not vegetarian, Can be made gluten‑free with tamari and gluten‑free noodles

Allergens: Dairy, Egg, Soy, Gluten

Last updated: July 22, 2026

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3 Recipes You Can Make With Leftover Steak

Recipe by ThatDudeCanCook

Turn overcooked ribeye steaks into three delicious meals: a quick Mongolian Beef stir‑fry, a spicy TikTok‑style ramen, and a indulgent Philly cheesesteak with homemade cheese sauce. This guide walks you through saving the beef fat, making sauces, and assembling each dish so you never waste a steak again.

MediumAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
14m
Prep
44m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 8m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$31.45
Total cost
$7.86
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Saving the beef fat from the overcooked steak for flavor
  • Coating the beef strips with cornstarch for crispness
  • Thickening the Mongolian Beef sauce by returning the cornstarch‑coated meat to the boil
  • Making the cheese sauce without letting it curdle
  • Using the residual heat of the ramen broth to gently warm the steak slices

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – use a splatter guard or keep face away.
  • Be careful when handling boiling water and hot pans.
  • Always wash hands after handling raw meat to avoid cross‑contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Mongolian Beef in American Chinese cuisine?

A

Mongolian Beef is a staple of American Chinese takeout, created in the United States to cater to local tastes with sweet‑savory sauce and a crispy texture, rather than an authentic dish from Mongolia. It reflects the adaptation of Asian flavors for American diners and has become a comfort‑food favorite nationwide.

cultural
Q

How does Mongolian Beef differ from traditional Chinese stir‑fry dishes?

A

Traditional Chinese stir‑fries often use lighter sauces and minimal sweeteners, while Mongolian Beef features a thick, sweet soy‑based glaze and a heavy cornstarch coating that creates a glossy, caramelized finish, making it uniquely American‑styled.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Mongolian Beef traditionally associated with in American Chinese cuisine?

A

Mongolian Beef is commonly served at casual gatherings, family dinners, and as a popular menu item for takeout on holidays like Chinese New Year in the U.S., where families enjoy its bold flavor and quick preparation.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Mongolian Beef versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic Mongolian Beef uses dark soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Substitutes include regular soy sauce, honey for sugar, and potato starch instead of cornstarch, which still deliver the characteristic sweet‑savory glaze.

cultural
Q

What other American Chinese dishes pair well with Mongolian Beef?

A

Mongolian Beef pairs beautifully with steamed white rice, fried rice, lo mein noodles, or a simple cucumber salad to balance the richness. It also complements other takeout favorites like General Tso’s chicken or egg rolls.

cultural
Q

What makes the spicy TikTok‑style ramen with steak special in modern American college cuisine?

A

The ramen combines instant noodles with a creamy mayo‑based sauce, everything‑bagel seasoning, and thinly sliced steak, creating a quick, indulgent meal that became viral on TikTok for its bold flavor and ultra‑convenient preparation, reflecting the fast‑paced college lifestyle.

cultural
Q

How has the Philly cheesesteak evolved outside of Philadelphia, especially with the addition of a homemade cheese sauce?

A

Outside of Philly, cooks often replace the traditional provolone with a rich cheddar‑American cheese blend (whiz) to achieve a gooey, melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture. This adaptation makes the sandwich more accessible and aligns with home‑cook preferences for extra cheese richness.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Mongolian Beef from overcooked steak?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the pan, which steams rather than crisps the meat, and adding the sauce before the cornstarch coating has browned, resulting in a soggy texture. Also, using too much liquid will prevent the sauce from thickening properly.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe coat the steak with cornstarch instead of flour for the Mongolian Beef?

A

Cornstarch creates a lighter, crispier crust that stays crunchy when tossed in the sauce, whereas flour would produce a heavier, doughy coating and can absorb more sauce, diluting the flavor.

technical
Q

Can I make the cheese sauce (whiz) ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the cheese sauce can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead. Keep it warm over low heat or store in a sealed container in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop, stirring constantly to restore its smooth texture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel ThatDudeCanCook specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel ThatDudeCanCook specializes in creative, humor‑filled cooking tutorials that turn kitchen mishaps—like overcooked steak—into delicious, resourceful meals, often featuring quick hacks and product recommendations for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel ThatDudeCanCook's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

ThatDudeCanCook blends comedic storytelling with practical, step‑by‑step guidance, focusing on rescuing mistakes and using pantry staples, whereas many other channels prioritize polished plating or strict recipe fidelity. This channel encourages improvisation and waste‑reduction.

channel

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