This Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a total winner! It features hearty ground beef mixed with tasty noodles, all tossed in a sweet and savory sauce that’s just divine.
You know what’s super cool? It takes hardly any time to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights. I love serving it with a sprinkle of green onions for that extra pop! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Noodles: These have a great texture that works well with the sauce. If you can’t find egg noodles, feel free to use any other noodle type such as spaghetti or rice noodles.
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead. Vegetarian crumbles also work if you’d like a meatless meal!
Soy Sauce: This provides the salty flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. Low-sodium soy sauce can reduce the saltiness too!
Brown Sugar: For sweetness, I love using brown sugar. But you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a different twist, or even skip it if you prefer less sweetness.
Green Onions: They add freshness and crunch. However, chopped parsley or cilantro can also brighten up the dish if you don’t have green onions on hand.
How Can I Make the Beef Extra Flavorful?
To give the beef a richer flavor, make sure to brown it well. This caramelization process enhances the taste. Here are some tips to help:
- Use medium-high heat when cooking the beef to get good browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this allows for proper browning. Cook beef in batches if necessary.
- Make sure you break the beef into small pieces while cooking; this ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption.
By following these pointers, you’ll have a flavorful base for your Mongolian noodles! Enjoy cooking! 🍜
Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 15 minutes of cooking time, so you can enjoy a delicious meal in just about 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by boiling water in a pot. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Once they’re done, drain the noodles and set them aside for later.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked, making sure to stir and break it up as it cooks.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
Once the beef is cooked, add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Sauté them for about 1 minute until they become fragrant and delicious!
4. Create the Sauce:
Now, stir in the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce (if you’re using it). If you like a little spice, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes. Let this mixture simmer for about 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Mix in the Noodles:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss all the ingredients together gently until the noodles are well coated with the flavorful sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. Serve your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your delicious and easy meal!
Dig in and enjoy your flavorful and simple Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles!
FAQ for Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Can I Use Another Type of Noodle?
Absolutely! If you can’t find egg noodles, feel free to substitute with any type of noodle you prefer, such as rice noodles, spaghetti, or even whole wheat noodles. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodles you choose.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a little water or soy sauce to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the ground beef in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, cook the noodles and then mix everything together on the stovetop to warm it through.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like some heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes while cooking or toss in a dash of Sriracha to the sauce. You could also serve it with sliced chilies for an extra kick!
