This Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles dish is a winner! With tender beef and perfectly cooked noodles, it’s a quick meal that packs a flavorful punch!
It’s one of my go-to meals when I’m short on time. I just toss everything in the pan and get a delicious dinner with less mess. Perfect for busy evenings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Thick udon noodles are perfect for this dish. You can substitute with thick spaghetti or rice noodles if udon isn’t available. I find that the thicker noodles hold the sauce better and give a nice chewy texture.
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat can work well. Just keep in mind that these alternatives might change the flavor slightly.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger add a burst of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder and ground ginger can be used, but fresh is always better for this dish’s aroma and taste!
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a great option if you’re watching your salt intake. If you’re gluten-free, you can use tamari instead, which often has a similar taste.
How Do I Perfectly Cook the Noodles?
Cooking the noodles properly sets the foundation for your dish. Here are my tips to achieve delicious noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to enhance flavor.
- Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This means they should be firm to the bite, as they will cook a little more when you mix them with the beef.
- Drain the noodles and rinse them briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.
- Drizzle a little oil over them if you’re concerned about sticking—this can help maintain texture.
By following these steps, your noodles will not only taste great but also have the right texture to soak up all the savory sauce!
Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz thick noodles (e.g., udon or thick spaghetti)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp chili flakes or chili paste (optional, for spice)
- 4 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and cooking time. It’s a quick meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, and you can enjoy this flavorful dish in no time at all!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Begin by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain them and set aside while you prepare the beef mixture.
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Cook it, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and fully cooked. If there’s too much grease, feel free to drain some off.
3. Add Aromatics:
Add the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the sliced green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry everything together for 1-2 minutes until you can smell the delicious fragrance of the garlic and ginger.
4. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and chili flakes (if you like it spicy). Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
5. Combine with Beef:
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef. Mix everything well, and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the beef to soak up the sauce and the flavors to blend.
6. Add the Noodles:
Now, add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss the noodles together with the beef and sauce, cooking it for a few more minutes until everything is well-combined and heated through.
7. Final Touches:
Remove from heat and stir in the green parts of the sliced green onions for an extra burst of flavor and color.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Mongolian Beef Noodles hot, garnished with toasted sesame seeds on top for that perfect crunch. Enjoy every bite!
It’s that easy! Dive into this savory meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
FAQ for Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Can I Use Another Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a healthier option. Just adjust the cooking time if using alternatives that may require different doneness.
What If I Don’t Have Hoisin Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have hoisin sauce on hand, you can simply omit it or use an equal amount of soy sauce mixed with a little bit of honey or brown sugar for sweetness. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still taste delicious!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Definitely! If you love some heat, you can add more chili flakes or chili paste than the recipe calls for. You could also include fresh sliced chilies while cooking for an extra kick. Adjust to your taste preference!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to help maintain moisture. Enjoy them later for a quick meal!
