Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Short Description

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines savory ground beef with a rich, slightly sweet, and umami-packed sauce. Tossed with tender noodles and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this dish delivers a takeout-style experience at home in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – This meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Budget-Friendly – Uses simple and affordable ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
• Customizable – Easily adaptable to different diets, including gluten-free and low-carb variations.
• Bold Flavor – The combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar creates a delicious balance of sweet and savory.
• Great for Leftovers – Reheats well, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or rice noodles)
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Hoisin sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Vegetable oil
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Carrots (optional)
• Bell peppers (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the Noodles: Prepare the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
3. Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about a minute until fragrant.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch dissolved in water.
5. Combine Ingredients: Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and stir well. Let it simmer until thickened.
6. Add Vegetables (Optional): If using carrots or bell peppers, add them now and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
7. Toss with Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and mix until evenly coated in the sauce.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the dish. Serve hot.

Variations

• Protein Swap: Use ground chicken, turkey, or pork instead of beef.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and use gluten-free noodles.
• Low-Carb: Replace noodles with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
• Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes for heat.
• Extra Veggies: Include mushrooms, snow peas, or baby spinach for added nutrition.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended as noodles may become mushy upon reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh flavors.

FAQs

What type of noodles work best for this recipe?

Lo mein, spaghetti, or rice noodles work well, but you can use any noodle variety based on preference.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu or a plant-based meat alternative.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or sriracha to increase the heat level.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time, then cook fresh noodles and mix before serving.

What can I serve with Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?

It pairs well with steamed broccoli, Asian-style slaw, or a side of egg rolls.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure you use a large enough pan or wok to mix everything evenly.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

Toss the cooked noodles with a little oil before adding them to the pan.

Can I reduce the sodium content?

Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of added sauces.

What’s a good substitute for hoisin sauce?

You can use a mix of soy sauce, honey, and a little peanut butter as a replacement.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s mildly sweet and savory, making it appealing to kids. Reduce spice if necessary.

Conclusion

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a simple, flavorful dish that brings a takeout favorite to your home kitchen. With its quick preparation, rich taste, and customizable nature, this meal is perfect for any night of the week. Try it today and enjoy a comforting, homemade Asian-inspired delight!

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