Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a tasty and easy meal! This dish features tender ground beef mixed with colorful veggies and chewy noodles, all tossed in a delicious sauce.
The best part? It comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy nights. I love loading up my plate and maybe even adding some extra soy sauce for fun! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chow Mein Noodles or Spaghetti: Chow mein brings a great texture, but if you can’t find it, spaghetti works in a pinch. Other alternatives like ramen or udon noodles can also provide a lovely base.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is my go-to for this recipe. For a lighter dish, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just keep in mind, the flavors will change a bit.
Sauces (Soy Sauce & Hoisin Sauce): Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels. If hoisin isn’t available, you can mix peanut butter with soy sauce and a bit of sugar for a similar flavor. It might not be traditional but adds a nice twist!
Green Onions: These add freshness. If you don’t have them, use shallots or leeks for a mild onion flavor. You can also substitute with chives, though they are milder.
Sesame Oil: This adds a unique nuttiness. If you’re out, try olive oil or avocado oil, but keep in mind the flavor will be different. A touch of toasted sesame oil would also work.
How Do You Make Sure the Beef is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking the ground beef just right ensures flavor and texture. Start with a hot skillet to get a nice sear. Here’s a simple technique:
- Heat your skillet on medium-high. Don’t rush this for best flavor!
- Add the beef, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. This helps it brown evenly.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s no longer pink.
- Don’t crowd the pan; if necessary, cook in batches to achieve a lovely brown color.
Once cooked, remember to drain excess fat if needed before adding other ingredients to keep the dish from becoming too greasy!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Noodles:
- 8 oz chow mein noodles or spaghetti
For The Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
For The Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a little time cooking the noodles and browning the beef, then mix everything together for a quick meal that’s ready in no time. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the chow mein noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once they’re done, drain them well and set them aside. This will be the base of your dish!
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Then, add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, using a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes, and you’ll love the smell as it warms up!
3. Add Aromatics:
Once your beef is nicely browned, add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and the white parts of the chopped green onions to the skillet. Sauté everything together for about 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. This step adds a wonderful flavor!
4. Make the Sauce:
Now it’s time to bring in the sauces! Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Mix everything well. Let it simmer for a minute so that the flavors can meld together.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry (the mixture of cornstarch and water) into the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens up slightly. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your taste!
6. Combine Noodles and Beef:
Next, add the cooked noodles to your skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the savory sauce. It’s okay to get a little messy; the more you mix, the better it will taste!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle the chopped green parts of the green onions on top and add some sesame seeds for garnish. Serve your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot, and enjoy each delicious bite!
Can I Substitute a Different Type of Noodle?
Absolutely! While chow mein noodles are recommended, you can use spaghetti, rice noodles, or even udon noodles if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe with Ground Turkey or Chicken?
You can definitely swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken! Just keep in mind that these meats are leaner, so you might want to add a little extra oil to prevent the dish from becoming too dry. Cook it just the same as you would with beef!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a skillet on low heat to ensure the noodles don’t become mushy. You can add a splash of water or soy sauce to help with reheating.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Sure! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli. Just sauté them along with the garlic and ginger for an added crunch and nutrition boost!
