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Savory Ground Beef Mongolian Beef Stir Fry with Easy Ginger Scallion Sauce

ground beef mongolian beef stir fry - featured image

A quick and flavorful ground beef version of Mongolian beef featuring a bold ginger scallion sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this stir fry delivers comforting, savory-sweet flavors with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (canola or grapeseed)
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 4 large scallions, finely sliced (white and green parts separated)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Optional vegetables: thinly sliced bell peppers or snap peas
  • Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (if using), 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Set aside.
  2. Prep aromatics and vegetables: Mince 1 tbsp fresh ginger and 3 garlic cloves. Thinly slice 4 large scallions, separating white and green parts. Slice optional vegetables if using.
  3. Cook the ground beef: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and crispy in spots, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, keeping some for flavor.
  4. Cook aromatics: Push cooked beef to one side of the pan. Add minced ginger, garlic, and white parts of scallions to the empty side. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Combine beef and sauce: Pour prepared sauce over beef and aromatics. Toss and cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats beef.
  6. Add scallion greens and optional veggies: Stir in green parts of scallions and any optional vegetables. Cook 1-2 minutes until veggies are tender but crisp.
  7. Finish with sesame oil: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over stir fry. Toss to combine.
  8. Serve: Spoon stir fry over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with extra scallions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

If the sauce is too thin, simmer longer to reduce. If too thick, add a splash of water or broth. Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor and juiciness. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari and check hoisin sauce labels or omit it. Sesame oil added at the end enhances aroma and flavor. Avoid burning garlic and ginger by adding them after beef browns and stirring frequently.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mongolian beef, ground beef stir fry, ginger scallion sauce, quick dinner, easy stir fry, savory beef recipe