Are you ready to explore a dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors in the most delightful way? Mongolian Ground Beef is not just a dish; it’s an experience that can elevate your weeknight dinners with minimal effort. This wonderful recipe showcases the use of lean ground beef, complemented by ginger, garlic, and a blend of sauces that create a mouthwatering dish that everyone in your family will love.
Why We Love This Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe
This Mongolian Ground Beef recipe is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly delicious. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a meal that bursts with flavor. The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce brings a unique balance to the dish, while the addition of fresh green onions provides a delightful crunch. Whether you are serving this dish over rice or noodles, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences, making it an excellent option for everyone.
Ingredients about Mongolian Ground Beef
Gather your ingredients to create this scrumptious dish. Here’s what you will need:
List of Ingredients with Measurements
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 2 tsp minced ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Directions
Making Mongolian Ground Beef is a straightforward process that results in a delectable meal. Here’s how you can create this dish in just a few simple steps:
Brown the Beef: Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, along with the minced ginger and garlic. Cook this mixture, stirring frequently, until the beef is fully browned and crumbled. This usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes. After it’s cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet, making sure to keep the beef and aromatics in the pan.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce. Stir these ingredients together until the sugar dissolves completely. Pour this sauce over the browned beef mixture in the skillet. Continue cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Thicken the Sauce: While the beef is cooking, take another small dish and mix the 1/4 cup of water with the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Whisk it well to remove any lumps. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the beef. Stir it thoroughly until the sauce thickens, which should take just a couple of minutes.
Add Seasonings: Once the sauce has thickened, season the dish with red pepper flakes and black pepper. The red pepper flakes will add a touch of heat that can be adjusted according to your taste. Toss in the chopped green onions, and give it another stir to incorporate everything.
Serve: Your delicious Mongolian Ground Beef is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it over a bed of fluffy rice or toss it with your favorite noodles for a satisfying meal.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef
Serving your Mongolian Ground Beef can be as simple or as elegant as you wish. For a classic presentation, spoon the beef over a generous serving of steamed rice. The fluffy grains will soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully. Alternatively, if you prefer noodles, cook them according to the package instructions and then toss them in with the beef mixture for a delightful noodle dish.
Adding a few extra chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top can give your meal a lovely touch. Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal, or enjoy it as a hearty stand-alone dish. Your family and friends will undoubtedly appreciate both the taste and the beautiful presentation!
Expert Tips: Mongolian Ground Beef
To make the most of your Mongolian Ground Beef experience, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavor of your dish. If you can, try to get the freshest produce available.
- Customize the Heat: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference. If you prefer a milder taste, you can omit them or use just a pinch.
- Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter. This will also allow you to enjoy all the flavors without feeling heavy afterward.
- Add Vegetables: To make your dish even healthier, consider adding some vegetables. Peas, bell peppers, or snap peas make excellent additions and will increase the nutritional value.
- Let it Simmer: After you’ve thickened the sauce, letting it simmer for a few more minutes can deepen the flavors, making your dish even more delightful.
How to Store Mongolian Ground Beef
If you find yourself with leftovers of your delicious Mongolian Ground Beef, storing it properly is essential for maintaining its flavor and quality. Follow these simple steps:
- Cool Down: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before storing it. This prevents condensation from forming in the container, which can affect the texture.
- Use Airtight Containers: Place the Mongolian Ground Beef in airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers that seal tightly will work well for preserving the flavors.
- Refrigerate: Store the containers in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to three days.
- Freezing Option: If you want to keep your dish for a more extended period, consider freezing it. Place the cooled beef into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it can last for up to three months. Be sure to label your containers with the date!
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variation of Mongolian Ground Beef
While this Mongolian Ground Beef recipe is delicious as is, there are several variations you can explore to switch things up and keep your meals exciting:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the ground beef for crumbled tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian version. Just follow the same cooking instructions, allowing the substitute to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Spicy Version: If you love spicy food, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños to the dish while it cooks. You could also drizzle some chili sauce on top for extra heat.
- Stir-Fry Style: For a stir-fry twist, add a mix of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli. Stir-fry these before adding the beef to create a vibrant, nutritious meal.
- Noodles Galore: Instead of serving the beef over rice, consider using different types of noodles, such as udon, rice noodles, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option.
- International Flair: Experiment with the ingredients by adding sesame oil for a more authentic Asian flavor or using sriracha for a spicy kick. You might end up creating your own unique version of the dish!
FAQs about Mongolian Ground Beef
What makes Mongolian Ground Beef unique?
Mongolian Ground Beef stands out due to its sweet and savory flavor profile, created by a combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce. This balance gives it a distinctive taste that is easily recognizable.
Can I make Mongolian Ground Beef ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Mongolian Ground Beef ahead of time. It stores well in the refrigerator and can be reheated when you’re ready to enjoy it. This makes it a great option for meal prep!
What can I serve with Mongolian Ground Beef?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
Is Mongolian Ground Beef a healthy dish?
When made with lean ground beef and the right amount of sauce, Mongolian Ground Beef can be a healthy option. You can increase its nutritional value by adding vegetables and serving it over whole grains.
Can I adjust the recipe for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! This recipe is highly adaptable. You can make a vegetarian version, use gluten-free soy sauce, or adjust the seasoning and sauce to meet your dietary needs.
Mongolian Ground Beef
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef Opt for lean ground beef for a lighter dish.
- 2 tsp minced ginger Use fresh ginger for best flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic enhances the flavor.
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce Low sodium helps to control salt levels.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar Provides sweetness to balance the flavors.
- 3 tbsp hoisin sauce Adds a unique depth of flavor.
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp cornstarch Used for thickening the sauce.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes Adjust to taste for spice level.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 pieces green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces Adds crunch and freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, minced ginger, and garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned and crumbled, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- In a small bowl, combine the low sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Pour this sauce over the browned beef mixture in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Mix the water with the cornstarch in a small dish. Pour into the skillet, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Add red pepper flakes and black pepper to season. Toss in chopped green onions and stir to combine.
- Serve over rice or noodles.