Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a tasty mix of savory beef and tender noodles, all tossed together in a yummy sauce. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
I love how quick this dish is to whip up after a long day. Just cook the beef, add the sauce, and stir in the noodles. Dinner’s ready before you know it! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I typically use 80/20 ground beef for its balance of flavor and juiciness. For a healthier option, use ground turkey or chicken. You can also try plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
Soy Sauce: This is crucial for umami flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. If you’re gluten-free, opt for tamari or coconut aminos as alternatives.
Oyster Sauce: This adds a nice depth to the dish. If you don’t have it, use a thick soy sauce or hoisin sauce as a substitute, but the flavor might vary slightly.
Brown Sugar: Regular brown sugar brings a hint of sweetness. You could swap it for honey or maple syrup, adjusting the amount to taste.
Egg Noodles or Spaghetti: Egg noodles give a traditional touch, but spaghetti works perfectly, too. For a gluten-free option, use rice noodles or zucchini noodles.
How Do I Cook Ground Beef So It’s Flavorful and Tender?
Cooking ground beef properly makes a big difference in taste. Here are my tips:
- Preheat your skillet and add the sesame oil first. This helps in getting a nice sear on the beef.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary; it allows the meat to brown better.
- Break the meat apart gently as it cooks with your spatula to keep it tender.
- Once browned, ensure to drain excess grease (if any) for a lighter meal. This step is especially important if you use fattier beef.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of egg noodles or spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the noodles and about 15 minutes preparing the beef and sauce. It’s a quick meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add the egg noodles or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside. Keep them warm.
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, until it’s fully browned. Make sure to stir occasionally!
3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Once the beef is browned, add in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes until you can smell the lovely fragrance. It smells amazing!
4. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar. Mix them well until they are fully blended together. This is going to make your noodles so flavorful!
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce over the browned beef in the skillet and stir to combine. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Your kitchen will start to smell wonderful!
6. Toss in the Noodles:
Now it’s time to add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring that the noodles are coated evenly with the sauce. Mix in the chopped green onions and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Mongolian beef noodles hot, garnished with additional green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While egg noodles or spaghetti work great, you can substitute with any pasta you have on hand, such as fettuccine, udon, or even rice noodles. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for whichever noodle you choose!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like heat, add red pepper flakes as mentioned in the recipe, or you can stir in some Sriracha or chili paste for an extra kick. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. You can also top the finished dish with sliced jalapeños for freshness and heat!
Can I Make This Recipe with Ground Turkey or Chicken?
Yes, you can! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent substitutes for ground beef. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, and you might want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor since poultry can be milder than beef.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
