Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe: A Quick and Flavorful Dish

Do you want an easy yet delicious recipe to make on a busy weeknight? Mongolian ground beef is a delightful, juicy dish that is sure to please anyone who enjoys a strong flavour. It’s a simple recipe that takes under 30 minutes to prepare and requires only a few ingredients. This Mongolian ground beef recipe has become a hit in our home, whether you are an inexperienced cook or simply short on time to spare in the kitchen.

In this article, you will be guided through the process of preparing Mongolian ground beef, including its ingredients and why this recipe makes it an ideal solution for a quick and delicious dinner.

Ingredients for Mongolian Ground Beef

You will need the following ingredients before you begin cooking:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
  
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
  
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
  
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  
• 1-inch ginger (minced or grated)
  
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  
• 1/4 cup water
  
• 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
  
• Optional: Red pepper flakes (for some spice)
  

These ingredients are all you need to create the perfect Mongolian ground beef dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Mongolian Ground Beef

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Begin by heating a large pan or a skillet on medium heat. Add ground beef to it and cook it till it is browned. As the beef cooks, stir it up with a spatula into small pieces. This will take approximately 5 to 7 minutes. When it is browned, drain any remaining fat.

2. Prepare the Sauce

Combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly to dissolve the sugar. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this point in case you need your dish to become spicier.

3. Thicken the Sauce

In a separate small bowl, add the water and the cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved. This blend will help the sauce thicken during the cooking process.

4. Combine the Beef and Sauce

Add the cooked ground beef from the pan to the soy sauce mixture. Mix all the ingredients until the meat is evenly coated with the sauce. Cook it for approximately 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

5. Add Cornstarch Mixture

Meanwhile, pour the cornstarch mixture into the pan and stir. Beat the sauce over low heat 2-3 minutes longer, or until it thickens and looks shiny.

6. Garnish and Serve

After the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from the heat. Topping the Mongolian ground beef with chopped green onions serves to complete it with a fresh, crunchy flavor.

Ground Mongolian beef can be served over steaming rice or noodles.

Why Mongolian Ground Beef is a Great Recipe

A lot of reasons make Mongolian ground beef an excellent recipe:

• Quick and Easy: It can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal meal for busy individuals and families.
• Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger lends this dish a savory, slightly sweet flavor.
• Affordable: Ground beef is a cost-effective source of protein, and the remaining ingredients are items commonly found in any pantry.
• Customizable: The level of sweetness or spiciness can be adjusted according to your preference. You can cook it spicier by adding more red pepper flakes or sweeter by adding sugar.
• One-Pan Meal: The dish requires only one skillet for cooking, making cleanup easy!

Serving Suggestions

Mongolian ground beef goes with:

• Steamed rice: The rice will absorb the sauce, enhancing its flavor.
• Noodles: Mix the beef mixture with cooked noodles to enjoy a filling noodle bowl.
• Vegetables: Complete the meal with sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots.

FAQs About Mongolian Ground Beef

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey as a substitute, which is a leaner option. It will still be a great-tasting dish, and the turkey will pick up the sauce just as well as beef.

2. How can I make the dish spicier?

Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or even a bit of sriracha can do the trick, as increasing the spiciness of the food is always a good option for spicy food lovers. You’re free to make it as spicy as you’d like!

3. Can I freeze Mongolian ground beef?

Yes, Mongolian ground beef can be frozen for up to 2 months. Keep it cool and then store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, warm it in a pan or microwave.

4. What can I serve this with besides rice?

It is not only rice that can be served with Mongolian ground beef, but also noodles, steamed vegetables, or even a salad to make it a little lighter.

5. How can I thicken the sauce?

To thicken the sauce, add a slightly diluted cornstarch solution. Begin with minor changes and make adjustments accordingly.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

To turn the recipe gluten-free, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Conclusion

This Mongolian ground beef recipe is perfect for anyone who loves simple, quick meals that are both flavorful and delicious. The list of ingredients is short, and so is the time you need to spend to put a delicate dish onto the table. This recipe works whether you’re new to the kitchen or a seasoned chef; it’s one that you’ll choose to make on a busy weeknight. Savor and sweet together, and be sure to garnish with some raw green onions for a finishing touch!