Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a crowd-pleaser for many reasons:
Easy to Make: This recipe uses basic ingredients and only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is affordable, and the rest of the ingredients are commonly found in most pantries.
Flavorful: The sauce combines sweet, salty, and savory elements for a taste that rivals takeout.
Versatile: You can easily substitute or add vegetables, switch up the noodles, or adjust the sauce to your taste.
Ingredients
For a recipe that serves about 4 people, you’ll need:
8 ounces of noodles (spaghetti, fettuccine, or ramen noodles work well)
1 pound of ground beef (lean beef, such as 80-90% lean, is ideal)
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (for cooking the beef)
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 cup of soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
1/4 cup of brown sugar (for sweetness)
1/2 cup of beef broth (or water if you don’t have broth)
1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce (adds depth and a hint of sweetness)
1 tablespoon of cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
1/4 cup of water (to dissolve the cornstarch)
1 teaspoon of sesame oil (adds authentic flavor)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Noodles: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, then cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Garlic and Aromatics: Add the minced garlic to the cooked beef and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step releases the flavor of the garlic and infuses it into the beef.
Prepare the Mongolian Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and hoisin sauce. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water, stirring until smooth. This mixture will help thicken the sauce later.
Combine Sauce with Beef: Pour the soy sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
Thicken the Sauce: Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet, stirring continuously. As the sauce simmers, it will thicken and coat the beef. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
Add Noodles and Sesame Oil: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to coat evenly. Drizzle with sesame oil for added flavor.
Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and transfer to serving bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles while hot!
Tips for Perfect Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Choosing the Right Noodles: Traditional Mongolian beef dishes are served with rice, but this noodle version is equally delicious. For an authentic touch, try using lo mein noodles, though spaghetti, fettuccine, or ramen noodles work just as well.
Balance Sweetness and Saltiness: Mongolian-inspired sauces are known for being slightly sweet. Adjust the amount of brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet sauce, and use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
Use Lean Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (85-90% lean) works best for this recipe, as it has enough fat for flavor but doesn’t release too much oil. If your ground beef is fattier, drain the excess fat after cooking to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Adjusting Sauce Thickness: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth or water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add a touch more cornstarch mixed with water until it reaches the desired consistency.
Experiment with Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the skillet when cooking the garlic for added nutrition and color.
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
Make It Spicy: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Use Different Proteins: Try this recipe with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Swap ground beef for a plant-based ground meat alternative, or use mushrooms and tofu for a hearty, meat-free version.
Switch Up the Noodles: Rice noodles, udon, or even zucchini noodles can work well if you want to switch up the base.
Nutritional Benefits of Key Ingredients
Ground Beef: Ground beef is a good source of protein, iron, and B vitamins. Lean beef can be a healthy option, especially when paired with vegetables and nutrient-dense ingredients.
Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic is rich in antioxidants and adds a delicious depth of flavor to this dish.
Sesame Oil: High in healthy fats, sesame oil brings a unique, nutty flavor to the noodles and adds a touch of authenticity.
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes optional for a spicy kick
- 10 oz linguine
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 green onions sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the linguine according to the package instructions.
- Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is browned and cooked through.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Add Aromatics and Sauces: Add the minced garlic to the browned beef and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the brown sugar, beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
- Add this mixture to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine with Noodles: Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked linguine to the skillet.
- Toss the noodles in the sauce until they are well coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the noodles with a gluten-free variety, like rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti. Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
2. How can I make it healthier?
For a lighter version, use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef. Opt for whole-wheat or zucchini noodles, and reduce the amount of sugar in the sauce.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but the noodles tend to absorb the sauce over time. If making ahead, store the beef sauce separately and add the noodles just before serving. Reheat on the stove, adding a splash of beef broth to refresh the sauce if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles can be enjoyed as a complete meal, but here are a few sides that pair well:
Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with sesame dressing balances the richness of the noodles.
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or bok choy steamed and tossed with a little soy sauce and sesame oil make a great side.
Egg Rolls or Dumplings: For a more indulgent option, serve with egg rolls or dumplings as appetizers.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Toss well to combine.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but the noodles may soften upon reheating. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a tasty, comforting, and quick meal that brings the flavors of takeout right to your kitchen. With the savory, slightly sweet sauce and tender noodles, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re preparing a family meal or just cooking for yourself, it’s a dish that satisfies every time. Give it a try, experiment with variations, and enjoy a delicious dinner that’s ready in no time!