20-minute Mongolian Beef and Rice Bowls

These 20-minute Mongolian Beef and Rice Bowls are a must-make recipe! Such a delicious and easy dinner idea made with pantry staples. Plus it is paired with bone broth rice for extra protein and nutrients.

If you love takeout-style meals but want a healthier, homemade version, this Mongolian Beef recipe is the perfect dish to add to your weekly meal plan. Made with simple ingredients and packed with flavor, this dish comes together quickly and is served over a delicious beef bone broth rice for extra depth. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare on a busy night but feels just as special as something you’d order at your favorite restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Beef Recipe

• Quick & Easy – This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner.

• Packed with Flavor – With fresh ginger, garlic, hoisin sauce, and coconut aminos, this Mongolian beef has the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors.

• Healthier Take on Takeout – Using ground beef instead of sliced steak makes this dish budget-friendly while still delivering amazing taste.

• Gluten-Free & Paleo-Friendly – Swapping soy sauce for coconut aminos and using arrowroot flour instead of cornstarch keeps this meal free from gluten and refined ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Olive oil – Used for sautéing the shallot and browning the beef, adding richness and depth.
• Shallot – Adds a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor to enhance the dish.
• Ground beef – I did 85% lean but any works! The main protein, offering a hearty, flavorful base. Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Minced ginger or ground ginger – Provides warmth and a signature Mongolian beef flavor.
• Coconut aminos – A soy sauce alternative that adds umami and sweetness while keeping it gluten-free.
• Hoisin sauce – Thick, slightly sweet and salty sauce that enhances the depth of flavor.
• Arrowroot flour, tapioca flour or corn starch – Acts as a thickening agent to create the perfect sauce consistency.
• Bone broth – Infuses the rice with extra nutrients and a deeper, savory flavor.
• Basmati rice – A fragrant, long-grain rice that pairs perfectly with Mongolian beef.

Instructions

For the beef bone broth rice:

1. Add the broth to a medium pot and bring to a low boil
2. Add in the rice and stir then cover and simmer on low for 20 minutes until rice is fully cooked

Make the Mongolian Beef:

1. Warm a large skillet with medium heat and add olive oil and shallots
2. Cook shallots for a few minutes then add the ground beef and mix in the ginger
3. Cook over medium-high heat, until beef is crumbled and cooked through (drain any fat if desired)
4. Add in the coconut aminos and hoisin sauce into ground beef mixture followed by the tapioca or arrowroot flour (mixing very well!)
5. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes to blend flavors and have the sauce thicken a bit
6. Season with red pepper flakes, black pepper and green onions
7. Serve with rice and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Mongolian Beef

• Use Fresh Ginger & Garlic – While ground versions work in a pinch, fresh ingredients elevate the dish’s flavor.

• Don’t Overcook the Green Onions – They should be slightly softened but still have a bit of a crunch.

• Adjust the Heat – If you love spice, add extra red pepper flakes or even a drizzle of sriracha.

• Make It Low-Carb – Swap the rice for cauliflower rice for a lighter version.

What to Serve with Mongolian Beef

This dish pairs well with:

• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables – Broccoli, bell peppers, or bok choy make great additions.

• Simple Cucumber Salad – A refreshing side balances the rich flavors of the beef.

• Egg Rolls or Dumplings – If you’re making a full Asian-inspired meal, these are great appetizers.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Mongolian Beef is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to make at home with clean, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a quick family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

A Few Other Delicious Ethnic-Inspired Dinner Ideas:

Kung Pao Meatballs (gluten-free)

20-minute Healthy Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps

30-minute Drunken Saucy Thai Noodles 

Healthy Thai Turkey Meatballs in Coconut Curry