Description
Savory, slightly sweet, and ready in under 30 minutes, this Mongolian Ground Beef recipe is your answer to a quick, satisfying, and budget-friendly dinner. Inspired by the bold flavors of classic Mongolian beef, this version uses ground beef for convenience—making it perfect for weeknights without sacrificing taste. With its sticky garlic-ginger sauce, it’s delicious over rice, noodles, or tucked into lettuce wraps.
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Ingredients
For the Mongolian Beef:
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (optional, depending on beef fat content)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for added richness)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (for thickening)
For Serving:
• Steamed white or brown rice
• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Steamed broccoli or snap peas (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and break it up with a spoon.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin (if using), red pepper flakes, and water.
Pour sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the beef.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Stir together cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry.
Pour into skillet and stir well. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the beef.
Step 5: Serve
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or serve with vegetables.
Notes
Use Lean Ground Beef – Less grease, more flavor.
Adjust Sweetness – Add more or less brown sugar depending on your taste.
Go Spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
Make it a Bowl – Serve over rice with broccoli, carrots, and cabbage.
Double the Sauce – Great if you’re serving over noodles or want more glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / American Fusion