Easy Weeknight Winner: Mongolian Ground Beef

Ouida By Ouida

Craving a restaurant-quality stir-fry but short on time? This Mongolian Beef recipe with ground beef is your answer! Packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a weeknight dinner win.

Ingredients:

Mongolian Ground Beef
Mongolian Ground Beef

1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)

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  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • Instructions:

    1. Marinate the Beef: In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, rice vinegar, Shaoxing wine, ginger, and garlic. Whisk until smooth. Add ground beef and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for richer flavor.

    2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef marinates, thinly slice the bell peppers and chop the broccoli florets.

    3. Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked beef from the pan and set aside on a plate.

    4. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the bell peppers and broccoli to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until slightly softened.

    5. Create the Sauce: Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and pour in the remaining marinade. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

    6. Assemble the Dish: Add the cooked beef back to the pan with the vegetables and sauce. Stir to combine everything and heat through for another 1-2 minutes.

    7. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (optional) and serve immediately over steamed rice.

    Nutrition Facts (per serving):

    This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Here’s a general estimate of the nutritional content per serving:

    Calories: 500-600 (depending on fat content of ground beef)

  • Protein: 30-35 grams
  • Fat: 25-30 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
  • Note: These are estimates only. Actual nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

    Conclusion:

    Mongolian Beef with Ground Beef is a delicious and satisfying stir-fry that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and protein options, making it a versatile meal for the whole family. So ditch the takeout menu and whip up this restaurant-inspired dish in your own kitchen!

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

    1. Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?

    Absolutely! Lean ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of the beef for a lighter option.

    2. What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?

    No problem! You can substitute dry sherry or another cooking wine for a similar flavor profile.

    3. How can I make this dish spicier?

    Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili pepper to the marinade for a kick of heat.

    4. What vegetables can I use instead of bell peppers and broccoli?

    Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, water chestnuts, or baby corn.

    5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

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