Sweet-salty Mongolian magic in 20 minutes—no time to wait!
This Mongolian ground beef and broccoli recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. With a glossy sweet-salty sauce, tender beef, and perfectly crisp broccoli, it’s ready in 20 minutes and tastes like a restaurant dish.
Imagine coming home to a sizzling pan of Mongolian-inspired beef and broccoli, the aroma of soy sauce and brown sugar filling your kitchen. This recipe delivers that comforting, umami-rich flavor without any complicated steps.
Perfect for families, couples, or solo dinners, it’s a budget-friendly meal that’s also Instagram-worthy. The sesame seeds and vibrant broccoli make it look as good as it tastes.
Whether you’re a busy parent or just craving a quick Asian-inspired dinner, this recipe will become your new favorite. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s ideal for those times when you need something fast but flavorful.
Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation.
Why This Recipe Works
20-Minute Weeknight Saver
From start to finish in 20 minutes, this recipe fits even the busiest schedules. No marinating or complicated techniques required.
Budget-Friendly
Ground beef and broccoli are affordable staples, and the sauce uses pantry basics like soy sauce and brown sugar.
Flavor Explosion
The sweet-salty-savory balance is addictive. The sesame seeds add a nutty crunch that elevates the dish.
Healthy & Nutritious
Broccoli adds fiber and vitamins, while the lean ground beef provides protein. It’s a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Soy Sauce
Provides salty umami base. Use low-sodium if preferred.
Substitutions: Tamari, coconut aminos
Oyster Sauce
Adds depth and sweetness. Essential for authentic flavor.
Substitutions: Substitute with soy sauce + 1 tsp sugar
Brown Sugar
Balances saltiness. Light brown sugar gives better flavor than white.
Substitutions: Honey or maple syrup
Sesame Seeds
Adds nutty crunch and visual appeal.
Substitutions: Sesame seeds can be omitted or substituted with crushed peanuts
Pro Tips for Perfect Mongolian Beef
Broccoli Prep
Steam broccoli instead of boiling to retain vibrant color and nutrients. Microwaving is fastest.
Sauce Consistency
Thicken sauce gradually—add cornstarch mixture in small batches for perfect consistency.
Make Ahead
Prepare sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store in fridge and reheat before adding broccoli.
Flavor Boost
Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for extra brightness.
Variations & Customizations
Vegetarian Version
Replace ground beef with firm tofu or cauliflower rice. Use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce.
Spicy Kick
Add ½ tsp chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for heat.
Extra Crispy
Pan-fry broccoli florets before adding to sauce for a crispy texture.
Noodle Version
Substitute broccoli with egg noodles for a Mongolian beef noodle dish.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Fragrant jasmine rice or brown rice
- Steamed bok choy or snap peas
- Crusty garlic bread for dipping
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light beer. Green tea also complements the flavors.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare sauce and store in fridge for up to 3 days. Add broccoli just before reheating.
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over medium heat.
Freezer Storage
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat on stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen sauce.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes, but thaw and pat dry before adding to prevent watery sauce. Frozen broccoli works best if you want softer texture.
Q: How to fix runny sauce?
A: Cook sauce longer to reduce. Add cornstarch slurry in batches until desired thickness is reached.
Q: Can I use ground turkey?
A: Yes, but add 1 tsp soy sauce to compensate for lower fat content. Cooking time may need to increase slightly.
Q: How to make it spicier?
A: Add ½ tsp chili flakes or drizzle sriracha before serving. For extra heat, use Szechuan peppercorns.
Final Thoughts
This Mongolian ground beef and broccoli recipe is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a flavor-packed experience that brings the vibrant tastes of Asia to your kitchen. With its sweet-salty sauce, tender beef, and perfectly cooked broccoli, it’s a meal that feels special without the fuss.
Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this 20-minute recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every time. The versatility to customize it with different proteins or veggies makes it a weeknight staple you’ll return to again and again.
Mongolian Ground Beef & Broccoli—20 Minute Winner - Quick,...
This Mongolian ground beef and broccoli recipe is a 20-minute weeknight miracle. Sweet-salty sauce, tender beef, and crispy broccoli—perfect over rice!
Ingredients
Instructions
Steam broccoli in microwave (1-2 mins) until bright green. Set aside.
Sauté ground beef in sesame oil until browned. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and oyster sauce. Simmer 5 mins.
Mix cornstarch and water. Add to beef mixture. Simmer 2-3 mins until thickened.
Add steamed broccoli to sauce. Toss to coat. Garnish with sesame seeds.
Nutrition Facts
Base nutrition per 1 serving. Values displayed below are the total for 4 servings.
Calories
420
Protein
28g
Carbs
22g
Fat
20g
Fiber
-
Sugar
-
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but thaw and pat dry before adding to prevent watery sauce. Frozen broccoli works best if you want softer texture.
How to fix runny sauce?
Cook sauce longer to reduce. Add cornstarch slurry in batches until desired thickness is reached.
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes, but add 1 tsp soy sauce to compensate for lower fat content. Cooking time may need to increase slightly.
How to make it spicier?
Add ½ tsp chili flakes or drizzle sriracha before serving. For extra heat, use Szechuan peppercorns.
Reviews
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KEYWORDS
Recipe by
Gavin Locke
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Gavin Locke
Nov 27, 2025
Made this Thursday night and the kitchen filled with a sweet-salty steam. The beef browned, the broccoli stayed crispy, the sauce clung glossy, that made each bite juicy, bright. Added an extra splash of soy, increased ginger by half a teaspoon, because pantry runs low on salt, love a deeper zing. 5 stars - it became an instant go-to for quick weeknight cravings.