Looking for a quick, flavorful, and hearty meal? This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a perfect combination of savory, sweet, and umami flavors with tender noodles, caramelized beef, and a luscious sauce. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or a satisfying family dinner.
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Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe!
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for added richness)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz (225g) noodles (spaghetti, udon, or rice noodles work well)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt (for boiling water)
Garnishes:
- 2-3 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and toss them with sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
- Add the diced onion, garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Drain excess grease if necessary and return the skillet to the heat.
3. Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and hoisin sauce (if using).
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef mixture.
- Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Thicken the Sauce
- Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the skillet and stir.
- Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the beef evenly.
5. Combine the Noodles and Beef
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the beef mixture.
- Toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the noodles to serving bowls or a large platter.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips for the Best Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
- Choose the Right Noodles:
Udon, rice noodles, or spaghetti work well for this dish, but you can also use egg noodles or lo mein for an authentic touch. - Add Vegetables:
For extra nutrition, toss in vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Sauté them with the ground beef for a balanced meal. - Adjust Sweetness:
Mongolian sauce is known for its sweet-savory flavor. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly. - Heat Level:
For a spicy kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of chili oil when serving. - Make it Gluten-Free:
Use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and rice noodles to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Variations
- Turkey or Chicken:
Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. - Vegetarian Option:
Use crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat instead of beef and follow the same cooking process. - Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry:
Replace noodles with steamed rice and serve the beef mixture over a bed of fluffy rice for a stir-fry-style meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight meals.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A flavorful dish that’s loved by both kids and adults.
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a comforting and delicious meal that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. With its rich sauce and tender noodles, it’s a dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavors right at home. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful blend of sweet and savory goodness!