Mongolian ground beef noodles

Mongolian ground beef noodles are a quick, flavorful dish that combines tender noodles, savory-sweet Mongolian-inspired sauce, and perfectly seasoned ground beef. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet easy to prepare. Inspired by the classic Mongolian beef dish, this version uses ground beef for simplicity and budget-friendliness while maintaining all the bold, satisfying flavors of the original. With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, Mongolian ground beef noodles are sure to become a regular favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Rich, Bold Flavors: The sweet and savory Mongolian sauce is infused with garlic, ginger, and soy, creating an irresistible taste.
• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is an affordable alternative to traditional cuts of beef, and it pairs beautifully with the noodles and sauce.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level, add vegetables, or swap out ingredients to suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its combination of flavors and textures, this dish is loved by kids and adults alike.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 1 bowl of noodles

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 7g

Ingredients

To make Mongolian ground beef noodles, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Ground Beef: 1 pound (lean or regular, depending on preference)
• Noodles: 12 ounces (lo mein, spaghetti, or ramen noodles work well)
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated or minced
• Soy Sauce: ⅓ cup (low-sodium preferred)
• Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons (packed)
• Hoisin Sauce: 2 tablespoons
• Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon (optional, for added depth)
• Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (mixed with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry)
• Green Onions: 2 stalks, finely chopped
• Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional, for spice)
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Salt and Pepper: To taste

Optional garnish: Sesame seeds and additional green onions for serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Toss with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Ginger

In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.

Step 4: Make the Mongolian Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and add the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the skillet. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Combine Beef and Sauce

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 7: Add the Noodles

Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy your Mongolian ground beef noodles immediately!

Ingredient Background

• Ground Beef: A convenient and cost-effective protein, ground beef absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully. Opt for lean ground beef if you prefer less grease.
• Soy Sauce: The backbone of the Mongolian sauce, soy sauce provides a salty and umami flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce prevents the dish from becoming too salty.
• Hoisin Sauce: A thick, tangy-sweet sauce often used in Asian cuisine, hoisin sauce adds depth and complexity to the dish.
• Brown Sugar: This ingredient balances the salty and savory flavors with a touch of sweetness, creating the signature Mongolian flavor profile.
• Ginger and Garlic: These aromatics are essential for the bold, fragrant flavors that characterize Mongolian dishes.
• Noodles: Lo mein or spaghetti noodles work wonderfully to soak up the rich sauce, but rice noodles or udon are also great options.

Technique Tips

• Choose the Right Noodles: For the best texture, use noodles that can hold up to the thick Mongolian sauce, such as lo mein or ramen.
• Cook the Beef Properly: Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning the ground beef. Cook it in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
• Use Fresh Aromatics: Fresh ginger and garlic make a significant difference in flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered versions.
• Thickening the Sauce: Be sure to stir the cornstarch slurry thoroughly before adding it to the sauce to avoid lumps.
• Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to make the dish as mild or spicy as you prefer.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Lettuce Wraps: Serve the Mongolian ground beef mixture in crisp lettuce cups instead of noodles for a low-carb option.
• Over Rice: Replace the noodles with steamed jasmine or brown rice for a hearty, gluten-free alternative.
• Zucchini Noodles: For a healthier twist, use spiralized zucchini or other vegetable noodles in place of traditional noodles.
• Spring Rolls: Use the mixture as a filling for homemade spring rolls, paired with a sweet chili dipping sauce.

Additional Tips for Success

• Balance the Flavors: Taste the sauce before combining it with the noodles. Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for acidity if it feels too sweet or salty.
• Avoid Overcooking the Noodles: Cook the noodles until just al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when tossed in the sauce.
• Add Crunch: Top the dish with chopped peanuts or cashews for added texture and flavor.
• Double the Sauce: If you prefer extra saucy noodles, consider doubling the sauce ingredients.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based ground meat.
• Chicken or Turkey: Swap the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a leaner protein option.
• Shrimp Mongolian Noodles: Add sautéed shrimp instead of ground beef for a seafood twist.
• Spicy Mongolian Noodles: Increase the red pepper flakes or add sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Extra Vegetables: Incorporate broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for a more nutrient-packed meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerating Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Freeze the Mongolian ground beef mixture (without the noodles) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop. Cook fresh noodles to serve with the reheated mixture.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Whole Grain Noodles: Use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles to increase fiber content.
• Lean Protein: Opt for ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Low-Sodium Alternatives: Use low-sodium soy sauce and hoisin sauce to reduce sodium levels.
• More Vegetables: Add a generous amount of stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the nutritional profile.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Family Dinner: Serve Mongolian ground beef noodles alongside a simple cucumber salad or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
• Potluck Favorite: Double the recipe and bring it to a potluck in a large serving dish, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for presentation.
• Asian-Inspired Feast: Pair with homemade egg rolls, dumplings, or miso soup for a full Asian-inspired dinner menu.
• Quick Lunch: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers for an easy and delicious lunch option.

Special Equipment

• Large Skillet or Wok: A wide, deep skillet or wok ensures even cooking and enough space to toss the noodles with the sauce.
• Microplane or Grater: For grating fresh ginger and garlic effortlessly.
• Tongs: Useful for tossing the noodles evenly with the sauce.
• Colander: Essential for draining the noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, you can use lo mein, ramen, spaghetti, or even rice noodles. Just adjust the cooking time based on the noodle type.

2. Is this dish spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can omit them for a milder version or increase them for more heat.

3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce, and pair with gluten-free noodles.

4. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat, tofu, or tempeh for a vegetarian version.

5. What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, use an equal amount of teriyaki sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a small amount of honey.

6. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Mongolian ground beef and sauce in advance. Reheat it and toss with freshly cooked noodles before serving.

7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas work beautifully in this recipe.

8. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

Mongolian ground beef noodles are a flavorful, versatile, and easy-to-make dish that brings the bold taste of Mongolian cuisine to your table. With tender noodles coated in a rich, savory-sweet sauce and perfectly seasoned ground beef, this meal is as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, impressing guests, or just looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, this recipe has you covered. Customize it with your favorite vegetables, spice level, or noodles to make it your own, and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home.

Print