Description
Sweet, savory, and packed with bold flavor, this Mongolian Ground Beef recipe is a quick and satisfying twist on the takeout classic. It features juicy ground beef coated in a sticky garlic-ginger soy sauce, served over rice or noodles for a delicious weeknight meal in under 30 minutes. No deep frying, no fuss—just bold taste and pure comfort in every bite.
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Ingredients
For the Ground Beef:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 tbsp oil (vegetable or sesame oil)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
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1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
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3 green onions, chopped (separate whites and greens)
For the Mongolian Sauce:
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½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
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⅓ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
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1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional but adds depth)
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
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½ cup water
Optional Toppings & Sides:
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Sesame seeds
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Steamed rice or noodles
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Stir-fried veggies or steamed broccoli
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Lettuce cups for a low-carb version
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks (about 6–8 minutes).
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and the white parts of the green onions to the beef.
Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, water, and cornstarch slurry.
Pour the sauce over the beef mixture.
Step 4: Simmer to Thicken
Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens and coats the beef.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Stir in the green tops of the green onions.
Serve over steamed rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Use Lean Ground Beef – Less grease means a cleaner sauce.
Simmer the Sauce – Allows flavors to develop and thicken nicely.
Add Veggies – Stir in shredded carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.
Control the Heat – Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
Double the Sauce – If serving over noodles or rice, more sauce makes it extra satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired