Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender ground beef, savory soy sauce, and a sweet glaze, all tossed with noodles for a satisfying meal. Inspired by Mongolian cuisine, this easy stir-fry is perfect for a busy weeknight or when you’re craving something flavorful and comforting. With simple ingredients and a rich sauce, these noodles will quickly become a go-to dinner recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz noodles (spaghetti, lo mein, or your preferred variety)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
Cook the noodles:
- Prepare the noodles: Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside, tossing with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Cook the ground beef:
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.
Make the Mongolian sauce:
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set the sauce aside.
Combine the beef and noodles:
- Cook the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the garlic and ginger, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add the noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce and beef mixture until they are evenly coated and heated through.
Serve:
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles to serving plates. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes:
- Noodle Choices: You can use any noodles you prefer, such as spaghetti, lo mein noodles, or rice noodles.
- Heat Adjustments: If you prefer a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce.
- Add-ins: For extra veggies, consider adding bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the stir-fry for added texture and nutrition.
Conclusion:
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a savory, satisfying dish that’s full of flavor and easy to make in under 30 minutes. With a rich sauce made from soy sauce, hoisin, and brown sugar, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty with a hint of spice. It’s a great option for busy nights when you crave something quick but delicious. Serve it for dinner and enjoy a taste of Mongolian-inspired cuisine at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Mongolian sauce ahead of time, and how should I store it?
Yes, the Mongolian sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Simply whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the final dish. When ready to cook, proceed with the recipe as instructed, adding the sauce to the skillet with the garlic and ginger.
What are some good substitutions for hoisin sauce if I don’t have any on hand?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute it with a combination of ingredients. A good alternative is to mix 1 tablespoon of soy sauce with 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, and a small pinch of garlic powder and a dash of sesame oil. Another option is to use a combination of 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. While these substitutions won’t be identical, they will provide a similar umami and sweet flavor profile.
How do I know when the ground beef is perfectly cooked and the sauce has thickened enough?
The ground beef is perfectly cooked when it is fully browned and no longer pink, indicating it has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). For the sauce, it has thickened enough when it coats the back of a spoon and slightly clings to the sides of the skillet. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes of simmering after adding the sauce to the garlic and ginger. The sauce will also appear slightly glossy.
Can I double or triple this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe. When doubling, use a larger skillet or wok to accommodate the increased volume. You may need to cook the ground beef in batches to ensure it browns properly. When tripling, you may need to use two skillets to manage the amount of ingredients effectively. Adjust cooking times slightly, especially for the sauce thickening, and taste-test for seasoning adjustments.
What are the nutritional benefits of this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles dish?
This dish offers a good source of protein from the ground beef, essential for muscle building and repair. The noodles provide carbohydrates for energy, and the soy sauce contributes some iron. Garlic and ginger offer antioxidant properties and potential health benefits. The addition of green onions provides vitamins and fiber. Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for increased vitamins and minerals.
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles – Quick, Savory, and Full of Flavor
Quick and easy Mongolian ground beef noodles that burst with irresistible flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 8 ounces noodles spaghetti or linguine
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets fresh
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil toasted
- 2 tablespoons green onions sliced
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the beef and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce and brown sugar. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add broccoli florets and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Toss cooked noodles with the beef mixture. Drizzle sesame oil over and toss until well combined.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
