Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a quick and tasty dish that combines chewy noodles with flavorful ground beef. It’s packed with simple veggies and a savory sauce that makes every bite yummy!
Honestly, it’s a great one-pan meal that comes together in no time. I love serving it with a sprinkle of green onions for that extra pop of flavor. You’ll want seconds, trust me! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: For this dish, I recommend lo mein or udon noodles. They have the right texture to hold up against the beef and sauce. If you want a gluten-free option, rice noodles work great too!
Ground Beef: While ground beef adds richness, you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a plant-based version, use textured vegetable protein or mushrooms to get a similar texture.
Soy Sauce: This brings savory depth to the dish. If you’re watching your sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce is a good alternative. You can also use tamari for a gluten-free option.
Sesame Oil: This oil is essential for its nutty flavor. If you’re out, you can use olive oil, but you’ll miss that signature taste. Just add a small splash of sesame seeds at the end to mimic that flavor.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh minced ginger and garlic are key for flavor. If you don’t have fresh on hand, use powdered versions, but use less as they are stronger. I always prefer fresh for the best taste!
How Do I Brown the Ground Beef Perfectly?
Browning ground beef well is crucial for building flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet on medium-high before adding the oil; this prevents sticking.
- Add the ground beef in a single layer. Let it sear for a minute before breaking it apart.
- Break it up with a spatula and stir occasionally until it’s browned all over, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
Keep the heat up to ensure it cooks through, but don’t overcrowd the pan! If you need to, brown in batches for best results.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Noodles:
- 8 oz. noodles (e.g., lo mein or udon)
For The Beef:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
For The Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes in total — around 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re done, drain them and set them aside. You want to make sure they’re ready to be tossed in later!
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Once the beef is cooked, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté everything together for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic and ginger become fragrant. This will give your dish an amazing aroma!
4. Stir in the Sauce Ingredients:
Next, add the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and ground black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything well and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. You’re building flavors here!
5. Combine Noodles and Beef:
Now it’s time to add the drained noodles to the skillet! Toss them gently to coat them evenly with the beef and sauce mixture. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, just until everything is heated through.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Now, dig in and enjoy your homemade Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles!
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the meat you choose.
What Type of Noodles Can I Use?
You can swap in different types of noodles depending on your preference! Lo mein or udon works perfectly, but feel free to use rice noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for the type of noodle you select!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes! If you prefer some heat, add a teaspoon or two of chili sauce or red pepper flakes while cooking the beef. You can also serve it with sriracha on the side for an extra kick!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist.
