Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a tasty blend of savory ground beef, soft noodles, and colorful veggies in a sweet and tangy sauce. It’s a quick meal that’s big on flavor!
Honestly, I love how easy this dish is to whip up after a busy day. Plus, it’s a hit with the whole family. Who can resist noodles, right? 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Noodles: I love using egg noodles for their chewy texture, but any noodle will do! You can swap them for rice noodles, udon, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Ground Beef: Ground beef gives a rich flavor to the dish. If you’re aiming for a lighter meal, ground turkey or chicken works well too. For a plant-based option, try crumbled tofu or a meat substitute.
Soy Sauce: This adds a deep umami flavor. If you’re watching your sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce is a great substitute. For gluten-free diets, consider tamari or coconut aminos.
Brown Sugar: It brings a touch of sweetness to balance the salty soy sauce. You can use honey, coconut sugar, or maple syrup as healthier alternatives. Just adjust amounts to your taste.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger are key for flavor! If you’re short on time, you can use garlic and ginger paste or powdered forms, but fresh ingredients are always best.
How Do You Cook Ground Beef Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef just right can make a big difference in your dish. Here are some tips to ensure it’s flavorful and tender:
- Use medium-high heat to get a nice browning on the beef. This adds depth to the flavor.
- Break it up with a spatula as it cooks, so it cooks evenly. Let it sizzle for a while before stirring too much, allowing it to brown well.
- If there’s excess fat once cooked, draining some oil can help keep the dish from being greasy.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz. egg noodles (or any preferred noodles)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 3 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll need about 10 minutes for cooking the noodles and around 20 minutes for the beef and sauce. It’s a quick and easy recipe that brings a burst of flavor to your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking your egg noodles (or whichever noodles you’ve chosen) according to the package instructions. Be sure to drain them once they are cooked and set them aside for later. This will give your noodles a great texture for the dish!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned. Remember to break it up into smaller pieces with a spoon as it cooks to ensure it browns evenly.
3. Flavors Unite:
Once the beef is browned, if there’s too much fat in the pan, carefully drain some of it. Then, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green onions into the skillet. Cook everything together for about 2-3 minutes until the garlic and ginger fragrant—this is where the magic begins!
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together your soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Once it’s combined, pour this tasty sauce over the beef mixture in the skillet, stirring well to combine everything deliciously. Let those flavors really mingle!
5. Combine with Noodles:
Now add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. Gently toss everything together until the noodles are nicely coated with the sauce. If you like a bit of heat, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes at this point!
6. Taste and Adjust:
Give your dish a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding salt and pepper to your preference. It’s important to ensure it has the right balance of flavors just for you!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Mongolian ground beef noodles hot, garnished with sesame seeds and extra chopped green onions for that lovely finish. Enjoy your meal with family or friends, and savor the deliciousness!
Can I Use a Different Type of Noodle?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are great, you can use any type of noodle you prefer or have on hand, such as rice noodles or even whole wheat pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of noodles you choose, as some may cook faster than others.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
If you love a kick, adding red pepper flakes is a great option! Start with 1/4 teaspoon mixed into the beef while cooking and adjust to your taste. You can also add sliced fresh chilies or a dash of Sriracha to elevate the heat even further!
What If I Have Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen the noodles. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe with Ground Turkey or Chicken?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the cooking time might vary slightly, so cook until the meat is fully browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
