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A close-up of a Korean Ground Beef Bowl in a rustic ceramic dish, served with a side of fluffy white rice and garnished with scallions.

Shortcut Mongolian Ground Beef

This Shortcut Mongolian Ground Beef recipe delivers all the sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors of your favorite takeout in a fraction of the time, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Ground Beef
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 90/10 lean)
  • 2-3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
For the Mongolian Sauce
  • 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp sriracha (optional, for a hint of heat)
For Serving
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • 4 cups cooked rice or noodles for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Wok
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Prepare Ingredients
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using) until the brown sugar is dissolved and the cornstarch is fully incorporated. Set aside.
  2. Mince the garlic and grate the fresh ginger. Thinly slice the green onions for garnish.
Cook the Ground Beef
  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant, stirring constantly.
Simmer in Sauce
  1. Give the prepared Mongolian sauce another quick whisk to ensure the cornstarch hasn't settled. Pour the sauce over the ground beef in the skillet.
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken as it cooks. Continue to simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency and coats the beef.
Serve
  1. Remove from heat. Serve the Shortcut Mongolian Ground Beef immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
  2. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

For an even richer flavor, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil to the sauce mixture.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Feel free to add some stir-fried broccoli florets or bell peppers to the skillet with the beef for added vegetables.