Introduction
Transform your typical dinner into a delightful culinary experience with this scrumptious Mongolian Ground Beef recipe! This dish packs a flavorful punch that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for impressing your family or guests. Dive into this flavor fiesta and earn your chef-hero status at the dinner table!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Steamed rice or noodles (for serving)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Directions
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and crumble it as it cooks until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Toss in the minced ginger and garlic, letting them mingle with the beef for about a minute until fragrant.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Pour this saucy goodness over the beef.
4. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats the beef.
5. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you’re feeling bold and sassy.
6. Serve hot over a mountain of fluffy rice or your favorite noodles, and top it off with fresh, snappy green onions.
Nutritional Information
Per serving, this savory delight brings approximately 350 calories, 15g carbohydrates, 14g protein, and 26g fat. Enjoy the explosion of flavors and the satisfaction of a delicious meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to crumble the beef as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Toss in the minced ginger and garlic into the skillet with the beef. Stir the mixture for about a minute until the ginger and garlic become fragrant and well combined with the beef.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. This will be your savory sauce.
Step 4: Combine Sauce and Beef
Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked beef in the skillet. Stir to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 5: Simmer
Allow the beef and sauce mixture to simmer for a few minutes over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats the beef.
Step 6: Add Heat (Optional)
If you desire a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes at this stage. Stir to combine and enhance the flavor.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the Mongolian ground beef hot over a bed of steamed rice or your choice of noodles. Garnish with fresh, sliced green onions for added crunch and flavor.
Notes
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Protein Alternatives
This recipe works well with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different flavor profile or dietary preference.
Serving Suggestions
Consider serving with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a balanced meal.
Adjusting Sweetness
Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your sweetness preference.
Cook techniques
Cooking Ground Beef
Start by heating vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned. Drain any excess fat to maintain a balanced flavor.
Aromatic Infusion
Once the beef is browned, stir in minced ginger and garlic. Allow them to sauté for about a minute to enhance their aromas and incorporate their flavors into the beef.
Making the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and cornstarch. This will create a sweet and savory sauce. Pour it over the beef in the skillet for a rich flavor.
Simmering
Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. This process will help the sauce thicken and coat the beef evenly, creating a mouthwatering glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mongolian ground beef hot over steamed rice or noodles. Top with sliced green onions for added freshness and crunch.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork, though the flavors may vary slightly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce while simmering the sauce.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can make the beef and sauce ahead of time. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
What sides pair well with Mongolian ground beef?
This dish is typically served with steamed rice or noodles, but it also goes well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
