These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a tasty and quick meal! You’ll love the savory beef with tender noodles topped off with a sprinkling of green onions.
What’s best? It comes together in just one skillet! I often make this when I need dinner fast but want something hearty. It’s a winner with my family every time! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe features ground beef for its rich flavor. You could swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. I personally enjoy using beef for its taste, but lighter meats can also work well.
Spaghetti or Lo Mein Noodles: I usually use spaghetti for its convenience, but lo mein or udon noodles give an authentic touch. If gluten-free, rice noodles are a great alternative!
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness. If you need a gluten-free option, coconut aminos is a tasty substitute. I often find the flavor quite similar!
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness and balances the savory flavors. You can replace it with honey or maple syrup if needed. Just consider reducing other liquids slightly.
Green Onions: They add fresh flavor and color at the end. You can leave them out if you don’t have them, but I find they really enhance the dish.
How Do I Ensure My Sauce is Perfectly Thickened?
To achieve that perfect sauce consistency, mix cornstarch with water before adding it to the skillet. This helps prevent clumping. Stir continuously while it simmers to activate the thickening properties. Here’s a quick guide:
- Combine cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of water in a small bowl.
- Add it to your beef and sauce mixture, stirring constantly.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens. You want a nice coating consistency!
Don’t rush this part; it’s key to a great texture! If it gets too thick, just add a dash of water to loosen it up. Enjoy your cooking!
Quick and Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz spaghetti or lo mein noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- Cooking oil for frying
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish can be prepared in about 30 minutes! You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the noodles and another 20 minutes preparing the beef and sauce. It’s a quick dinner solution that’s sure to please!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the spaghetti or lo mein noodles according to the instructions on the package. Aim for al dente texture, then drain and set them aside. Keeping them slightly firm will help them hold up when combined with the sauce later!
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat up a tablespoon of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned. Use a spatula to break the beef apart into smaller pieces as it cooks. If there’s any excess fat, feel free to drain it afterward.
3. Add Aromatics:
Once the beef is browned, add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Sauté everything for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant. This step is important to bring out the flavors!
4. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Make sure everything is well mixed and smooth—that’s your delicious sauce!
5. Combine Beef and Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef, stirring continuously. Let it all simmer for about 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly. It should become nice and glossy!
6. Toss in the Noodles:
Added bonus: now it’s time to add the cooked noodles to the skillet! Toss everything together gently until the noodles are well coated in the beef and sauce. Look at that beautiful mixture!
7. Season to Taste:
Take a moment to taste your dish. You can adjust it by sprinkling in salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, the soy sauce already adds some saltiness, so go easy on the salt.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and, if you like, some toasted sesame seeds for an extra crunch. Serve your delicious Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles immediately and enjoy!
This meal truly captures rich Mongolian flavors and makes for a satisfying and speedy family dinner. Hope you and your loved ones enjoy it! 🍜
FAQ about Quick and Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that it may have a slightly different flavor profile, but it will still be delicious!
What Noodle Varieties Can I Use?
While spaghetti works great, you can also use lo mein, udon, or even rice noodles if you prefer a gluten-free option. Stick with what you enjoy or have on hand!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or some sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a hearty texture. You can also use tofu for added protein!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a spoonful of water if needed to keep the noodles from drying out!