This Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles dish brings yummy flavors right to your table! With ground beef, tasty soy sauce, and fresh veggies, it’s both quick and satisfying.
You’ll love how fast it comes together – perfect for busy nights! I often keep some extra soy sauce on hand because I can’t resist a little drizzle! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: I recommend using lo mein or thick wheat noodles for that perfect chewy texture. If you can’t find them, spaghetti or rice noodles work well too – just adjust the cooking time!
Ground Beef: The star ingredient! For a lighter option, turkey or chicken can be great substitutes. If you’re into plant-based meals, crumbled tofu or jackfruit can replace meat nicely.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce is fantastic, but low sodium is a good choice if you’re watching salt intake. You could also try tamari for a gluten-free version or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the soy sauce. If you’re out, honey or maple syrup are good substitutes, just use a little less since they’re sweeter!
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef to perfection is easier than you think! The key is to let it brown evenly. Here’s how:
- Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding the oil and beef to avoid steaming.
- Break the beef apart with a spatula as it cooks. Don’t rush it; let it sit a bit to get some nice browning.
- Drain any excess fat after it’s cooked, so the dish isn’t greasy.
- Add garlic and ginger shortly before taking it off the heat to keep their fresh flavors.
With these tips, your ground beef will be delicious every time!
Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 8 oz lo mein or thick wheat noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Flavor:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnish:
- 3 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe takes about 20-25 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for preparation and another 15 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means they should be firm but not hard. Once cooked, drain them and set them aside for later.
2. Heat the Skillet:
In a large skillet or wok, pour in the vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat. This will help cook the beef evenly and give it a lovely flavor.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. As it cooks, use a spatula to break it apart. Cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked all the way through – this should take about 6-8 minutes. If you notice any excess fat, drain it off so your dish isn’t greasy!
4. Add Aromatics:
Next, toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the chopped green onions. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes. You want that delicious aroma to fill your kitchen!
5. Prepare the Sauce:
In a separate small bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Whisk it together until the sugar dissolves nicely.
6. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef. If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in the chili flakes at this point. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Toss in the Noodles:
Now, add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Gently toss everything together so that the noodles are well coated with the delicious beef and sauce mixture. This step is where all the magic happens!
8. Season and Garnish:
Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Then, sprinkle the chopped green parts of the green onions and sesame seeds on top for a lovely finishing touch.
9. Serve:
Serve your yummy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot and enjoy! They’re perfect as a quick weeknight meal and are sure to impress!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Alternative Noodles?
Absolutely! If you can’t find lo mein or thick wheat noodles, you can substitute them with spaghetti, rice noodles, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a healthier option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you love some heat, consider adding more chili flakes or even sliced fresh chilies. For a different flavor, a dash of sriracha or a spoonful of chili paste could also enhance the spice level!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare some elements ahead! Cook the beef and sauce, then store them separately from the noodles in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, just reheat and toss everything together for a quick meal!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of water or additional soy sauce to prevent drying out as you warm it up.
