Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe

Sizzling Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe: A Savory Twist on Classic

Crafting a delectable mongolian ground beef dish brings pure culinary excitement to your kitchen.

Savory aromas will soon fill the air with irresistible warmth.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together.

Tender meat mingles with sweet and tangy sauce, creating an instant favorite.

Rich layers of flavor burst through each carefully seasoned bite.

Weeknight dinners just became significantly more interesting with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Let’s transform an ordinary evening into a memorable dining experience that sparks conversation and delights every palate.

Storage Recommendations for Mongolian Ground Beef

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Pack the ground beef in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
  • Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals until thoroughly warmed, typically 1-2 minutes total.

FAQs

  • What are the key flavor components in this Mongolian Ground Beef recipe?

The sauce combines tamari or soy sauce, beef broth, rice vinegar, and brown sugar, creating a balanced sweet and savory profile with depth and complexity.

  • How can I ensure the sauce thickens properly?

Whisk the cornstarch thoroughly into the liquid ingredients before adding to the beef, and simmer the mixture for 1-2 minutes, which allows the cornstarch to activate and create a smooth, glossy sauce.

  • Is it important to use fresh garlic and ginger?

Yes, fresh garlic and ginger provide more vibrant and authentic flavors compared to dried or powdered versions, enhancing the overall taste of the dish with their aromatic qualities.

Why Mongolian Ground Beef Is Packed with Flavor

  • Savor Speedy Preparation: Dive into a quick and straightforward cooking process that transforms ground beef into a mouthwatering meal in mere minutes.
  • Craft Flavor-Packed Comfort: Enjoy a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that dance together, creating a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen.
  • Customize with Ease: Personalize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spice levels to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile meal for any palate.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Leverage affordable ingredients like ground beef and pantry staples to create a delicious dinner that won't break the bank, perfect for families and budget-conscious cooks.

Ingredients for Mongolian Ground Beef

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A protein-packed base that provides rich flavor and hearty texture for the dish.
  • White Rice: A classic accompaniment that serves as a perfect foundation for the flavorful beef.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Tamari, Soy Sauce: Provides a deep, savory umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
  • Beef Broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce, creating a more complex flavor profile.
  • Rice Vinegar: Introduces a subtle tangy note that balances the richness of the beef.
  • Brown Sugar: Brings a touch of sweetness that complements the savory elements of the recipe.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, creating a smooth and glossy texture.
Aromatics and Garnish:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Offer a warm, aromatic base that adds depth and complexity to the ground beef.
  • Green Onions: Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color as a finishing touch.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ground beef.

How to Cook Mongolian Ground Beef to Perfection

Step 1: Brown The Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook while breaking it into small crumbles.

Season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking until the beef turns completely brown and no pink remains visible.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet.

Sauté these ingredients for 2-3 minutes, allowing their rich flavors to bloom without burning.

Step 3: Craft The Flavor Sauce

Whisk together in a separate bowl:
  • Tamari or soy sauce
  • Beef broth
  • Rice vinegar
  • Brown sugar
  • Cornstarch

Ensure all ingredients blend smoothly with no lumps.

Step 4: Combine And Simmer

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with browned beef. Stir thoroughly to coat the meat.

Allow the mixture to simmer, watching the sauce transform and thicken over 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Finish With Fresh Onions

Sprinkle sliced green onions into the skillet.

Cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting them soften and integrate with the beef.

Step 6: Plate And Serve

Spoon the Mongolian Ground Beef over steamed white rice.

Add optional steamed vegetables on the side for extra nutrition and color.

Pro Tips for Mongolian Ground Beef

  • Swap tamari or soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free and lower-sodium alternative that maintains delicious flavor.
  • Control sauce thickness by adjusting cornstarch amount; less cornstarch creates a thinner sauce, while more creates a richer, more concentrated coating.
  • Drain excess beef fat after browning to reduce greasiness and create a cleaner, more concentrated meat texture.
  • Select lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) for a healthier version without compromising rich, savory taste.
  • Enhance dish's complexity by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha for subtle heat and depth of flavor.

Flavor Variations for Mongolian Ground Beef

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace tamari with coconut aminos and use gluten-free cornstarch to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising flavor.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat substitute, maintaining the original sauce and cooking technique for a meat-free alternative.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture, increasing heat levels for those who enjoy bold, zesty flavors.
  • Low-Carb Substitute: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or serve over zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the dish's core taste profile intact.

Pairing Ideas for Mongolian Ground Beef

  • Prepare a tangy Asian-inspired coleslaw with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and julienned carrots to cut through the beef's richness and add refreshing crunch.
  • Select a light, slightly chilled Pinot Noir or an ice-cold Sapporo beer to complement the savory umami notes of the Mongolian ground beef.
  • Choose jasmine or sticky short-grain rice to absorb the sauce perfectly, creating a sublime bite that melds sauce and grain seamlessly.
  • Serve alongside quick-roasted broccoli or garlic-sautéed bok choy to introduce a vibrant green element and provide nutritional balance to the protein-rich dish.
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Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe

Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe


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4.5 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Mongolian Ground Beef blends savory flavors with quick preparation and robust seasonings. Home cooks can craft this delicious dish in under 30 minutes, delivering authentic Asian-inspired comfort to dinner tables.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cornstarch
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) tamari or premium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) granulated brown sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced finely)
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger (finely grated)
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
  • 34 stalks green onions (finely sliced)
  • Cooked white rice (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a flavorful sauce by whisking together tamari, beef broth, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl until smooth and fully dissolved.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring even browning throughout.
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low and add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, stirring to coat the beef evenly and allow the mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat.
  5. Toss in sliced green onions and cook for an additional minute to slightly soften and release their aromatic flavors.
  6. Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef over steamed white rice, garnishing with extra green onions if desired. Pair with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of ginger and garlic, which adds depth and personalization to the flavor profile.
  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and create a healthier version of the dish without compromising taste.
  • Consider using gluten-free tamari instead of traditional soy sauce for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the authentic Asian-inspired flavor.
  • Quickly stir the sauce to prevent cornstarch from clumping and ensure a smooth, glossy sauce that coats the beef evenly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 330 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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