Craving a delicious Asian-inspired meal without the carbs and sugar? This Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef recipe is your answer. It delivers all the savory, slightly sweet, and tangy flavor of traditional Mongolian beef but comes together in just 20 minutes using affordable ground beef. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when you need a healthy, satisfying meal on the table fast.
We’re swapping out the typical flank steak for ground beef to make it quicker and more budget-friendly. The rich, glossy sauce coats every crumble of beef, creating an irresistible dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. You won’t believe something this flavorful is also keto-friendly and gluten-free.
Why This Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef is a Game-Changer
Forget takeout menus and long cooking times. This will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.
- Incredibly Fast: From prep to plate in 20 minutes flat. It’s the ultimate solution for hectic weeknights.
- Keto-Friendly & Gluten-Free: With smart ingredient swaps like coconut aminos and a sugar-free sweetener, this recipe fits perfectly into a low-carb or keto lifestyle.
- Rich, Bold Flavor: A perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes from fresh ginger, garlic, and a sticky sauce that rivals any restaurant version.
- Budget-Friendly: Using ground beef makes this dish significantly more affordable than recipes calling for expensive cuts of steak.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simple, yet powerful, combination of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create the signature sauce and the hearty beef base.
For the Mongolian Sauce:
- Coconut Aminos: A fantastic gluten-free and soy-free alternative to soy sauce. It provides a similar savory flavor with a hint of natural sweetness. You can also use tamari.
- Brown Sugar Substitute: Use a brown erythritol or monk fruit blend to get that classic caramelized flavor without the sugar.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, toasty aroma that is essential for Asian-inspired dishes.
- Rice Vinegar: Provides a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
- Xanthan Gum: Our secret weapon for a thick, glossy sauce without using cornstarch. A little goes a long way!
For the Ground Beef:
- Ground Beef: I recommend an 85/15 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.
- Avocado Oil: A neutral, high-heat oil perfect for browning the beef.
- Fresh Ginger & Garlic: These aromatics are non-negotiable for authentic flavor. Freshly minced is always best.
- Green Onions: Also known as scallions, they add a mild, crisp onion flavor and a pop of color.
- Sesame Seeds: For garnish, adding a little texture and nutty flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Your New Favorite Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef
Making this keto Mongolian beef is as simple as 1-2-3. Just brown, mix, and simmer!
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, water, brown sugar substitute, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Set it aside.
- Brown the Beef: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about one minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the ground beef. Bring to a simmer.
- Thicken: Sprinkle the xanthan gum evenly over the simmering sauce and whisk immediately to combine. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened to a glossy glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Stir in the chopped green onions and top with sesame seeds. Serve immediately over cauliflower rice or your favorite low-carb noodles. If you love this kind of quick meal, you should also try our High-Protein Egg Roll in a Bowl.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Mongolian Ground Beef
Want to elevate your dish? Here are a few tips from our kitchen.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For the best browning and flavor, use a large skillet and make sure the beef isn’t too crowded. If needed, brown it in two batches.
- Toast Your Sesame Seeds: For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes until fragrant before garnishing.
- Fresh is Best: While you can use ginger and garlic powder in a pinch, fresh aromatics make a world of difference in the final taste of the sauce.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This versatile dish can be customized to your liking. For another amazing stir-fry, check out our Shrimp and Cabbage Stir-Fry.
Serving Ideas:
- Cauliflower Rice: The perfect low-carb base to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Zucchini Noodles: A light and healthy “pasta” alternative.
- Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus: Add some green veggies on the side for a complete meal.
Fun Variations:
- Add Some Spice: Mix in a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Swap the Protein: This sauce works beautifully with ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
- Bulk it Up with Veggies: Stir in some sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or steamed broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking. If you’re looking for a more traditional noodle dish, you might enjoy this classic Chow Mein Recipe.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This recipe is great for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes or gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. The sauce will thicken further upon cooling, but will loosen up perfectly when reheated.
For another great Asian-inspired dish, try these Korean BBQ Meatballs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to thicken a low-carb sauce is with xanthan gum. A small amount (about 1/4 teaspoon for this recipe) whisked into the simmering sauce will thicken it into a perfect glossy glaze without adding any carbs.
No, traditional Mongolian beef is not keto-friendly because its sauce is typically made with cornstarch and a large amount of brown sugar, making it high in carbs. This low-carb version uses xanthan gum and a brown sugar substitute to achieve a similar taste and texture without the carbs.
If you don’t need the recipe to be strictly low-carb, you can use coconut sugar or a tablespoon of maple syrup. For a keto option, any granulated erythritol or monk fruit sweetener will work, though a brown version adds more authentic flavor.
To keep the meal low-carb, serve Mongolian ground beef over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or shirataki noodles. It’s also delicious with a side of steamed broccoli, asparagus, or sauteed cabbage.
The sauce for our Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef is made from a simple blend of coconut aminos (or tamari), water, a brown sugar substitute, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. It’s thickened with a tiny amount of xanthan gum instead of cornstarch.
The Best Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef Recipe
Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef (Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, water, brown sugar substitute, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Set aside.
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the ground beef and bring to a simmer.
- Sprinkle the xanthan gum over the sauce and whisk immediately to combine. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the green onions and garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Variations: Add red pepper flakes for heat or stir in steamed broccoli for extra veggies.
Thickening Tip: Be sure to sprinkle the xanthan gum evenly and whisk quickly to avoid clumps.
Share Your Delicious Creation!
I hope you love this Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef recipe as much as I do! It’s a true lifesaver on busy nights. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to save it to your favorite board on Pinterest!
