This Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles dish is a quick and tasty meal that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. You’ll love the tender beef and the perfectly cooked noodles, all tossed in a sweet and savory sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish. You can use lean ground beef for less fat. If you prefer, swap it out for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even tofu for a vegetarian version!
Noodles: Wide egg noodles provide great texture. However, you can replace them with spaghetti, udon, or rice noodles if needed. Just keep an eye on cooking times!
Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, rich flavor. If you’re watching your sodium, try low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free alternative. Coconut aminos are a mild, soy-free substitute that works great too!
Brown Sugar: This gives a hint of sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using honey or maple syrup—both will work nicely!
Ginger & Garlic: Fresh is best for flavor! Dried versions can be used in a pinch, but be cautious with the amounts since dried is stronger. Always adjust to taste!
What’s the Best Way to Make Sure My Noodles Don’t Stick Together?
To avoid clumping, there are a couple of simple tricks. First, make sure to cook your noodles in a large pot of boiling water with enough space. Here’s what to do:
- Add ample salt to the water for flavor and to help prevent sticking.
- Stir the noodles during the first couple of minutes of cooking. This keeps them separated.
- Once drained, toss the noodles with a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking while they cool.
By following these tips, you can enjoy perfectly cooked noodles every time!
Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz ground beef
- 8 oz wide egg noodles or your choice of noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for depth)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes getting everything ready, and then another 10 minutes cooking and tasting to make sure everything is just right!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Noodles:
Boil a large pot of water and cook the noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside. It’s helpful to toss them with a bit of oil to keep them from sticking together!
2. Cooking the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pan. Cook it until it is browned and no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper while cooking!
3. Adding Flavor:
Once the beef is cooked, add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir everything together for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant—this is where the magic happens!
4. Mixing the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce (if you’re using it). This combo will bring all the flavors together! Pour this mixture over the beef in the skillet.
5. Thickening the Sauce:
Stir and allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken a little and coat the beef nicely. If you like some heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes now.
6. Combining with Noodles:
Now, add the cooked noodles to the skillet! Give everything a good toss to combine so that those delicious flavors coat the noodles. You’ll want each bite to be full of amazing taste!
7. Final Touches:
Take the skillet off the heat and mix in the sliced green onions. For a little extra crunch and flavor, feel free to sprinkle sesame seeds on top!
8. Serving:
Serve your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot! Garnish with more green onions or sesame seeds if you’d like. Enjoy your meal!
There you have it—simple, tasty, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner! Enjoy your flavorful homemade Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles!
FAQ: Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time according to the protein you choose.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like it spicy, consider adding more red pepper flakes or even a dash of sriracha sauce. You can also include sliced fresh chilies when cooking the beef for an extra kick!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just sauté them with the garlic and ginger to add some color and nutrition to the dish!
What’s the Best Way to 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, stirring occasionally to heat through evenly.
