Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a fun and tasty dish that combines hearty beef with soft noodles and fresh veggies. It’s a quick meal that’s packed with flavor!
My favorite part? It’s super easy to whip up on a busy day! Just cook the beef, toss in some noodles, and you’re ready to enjoy a delicious meal in no time! 🙌
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Spaghetti is great, but for a more authentic touch, use egg noodles. You could even try rice noodles if you want a gluten-free option, which will also work nicely with the sauce.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is typically used, but you might swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter dish. If you’re looking to reduce fat, go for a leaner cut!
Green Onions: These add freshness and crunch. If you can’t find them, chives or shallots can work in a pinch. You can also use regular onions, but keep in mind they are stronger in flavor.
Hoisin Sauce: This sauce gives a sweet and tangy flavor. If it’s not available, a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar can mimic the taste. I often keep both on hand for versatility!
Sriracha: It’s optional but adds a nice kick. If you want a milder dish, consider using less or swapping it for a dash of red pepper flakes instead.
How Do I Ensure My Ground Beef is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the ground beef correctly is crucial for the texture of your dish. You want it well-browned for flavor but tender. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet or wok on medium-high before adding the vegetable oil.
- Once hot, add the ground beef and let it cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes.
- Then use a spatula to break it apart while continuing to cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make sure it’s no longer pink and has a nice brown color for the best taste.
Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this causes steaming instead of browning. If you have a lot of meat, cook in batches for even results!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles and Beef:
- 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or egg noodles
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 3-4 green onions, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Garnish:
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the noodles and the beef, and then the rest of the time tossing everything together and letting it simmer. It’s a quick and tasty dish for any time of day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the spaghetti or egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re cooked, drain them well and set aside for later.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks until it’s nicely browned.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Next, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and delicious.
4. Make the Sauce:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and if you like some spice, the sriracha. Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes so all the flavors combine beautifully.
5. Combine the Noodles:
Add the drained noodles to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are well-coated with that tasty sauce and heated through.
6. Season and Serve:
Finally, season your dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve it hot, garnished with the reserved chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your scrumptious Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles!
Can I Use a Different Type of Noodle?
Absolutely! While spaghetti and egg noodles work well, you can substitute them with rice noodles, udon, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a healthier option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type to ensure they’re cooked perfectly!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want more heat, consider adding extra sriracha or including sliced fresh chili peppers. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes while cooking for an additional kick. Just remember to start small and adjust according to your heat preference!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat, lentils, or chopped mushrooms for a hearty texture. Ensure to adjust the seasonings as needed, particularly the soy sauce, to maintain flavor balance.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if the noodles seem dry. This will help bring back the moisture and flavor!
