This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe combines savory ground beef, tender noodles, and a sweet and savory sauce inspired by traditional Mongolian beef dishes. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something easy yet packed with flavor. The rich soy sauce-based sauce pairs perfectly with the ground beef and noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal.
The Inspiration Behind Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Mongolian beef is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, known for its sweet and savory sauce, typically served over rice. This recipe uses ground beef for a quicker, more affordable version, while maintaining the bold flavors of the original dish. The addition of noodles makes it a filling and comforting one-pan meal.
Key Ingredients and Why They Matter
Ground Beef
Ground beef makes this version of Mongolian beef quick, easy, and affordable. It absorbs the flavors of the sauce and adds a hearty, meaty texture to the dish.
- Pro Tip: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and fat. Be sure to drain any excess fat after cooking to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is the base of the Mongolian sauce, providing a salty, umami-rich flavor that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Substitution Tip: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want to control the saltiness of the dish, or try using tamari for a gluten-free version.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds sweetness to the sauce, balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce and giving the dish its signature sweet and savory flavor.
- Pro Tip: You can adjust the sweetness by using honey or maple syrup as a substitute, or reduce the amount of sugar for a less sweet version.
Garlic and Ginger
Garlic and ginger are essential for adding depth and complexity to the dish. These two ingredients provide a fresh, slightly spicy flavor that complements the sweetness and richness of the sauce.
- Tip: Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor, or substitute with ground ginger and garlic powder in a pinch.
Noodles
Noodles are the perfect base for soaking up the savory Mongolian sauce. You can use any type of long noodle such as spaghetti, linguine, or rice noodles.
- Substitution Tip: For a more traditional twist, use lo mein or udon noodles, or try zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Cook 8 oz of noodles (such as spaghetti or linguine) according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Be sure not to overcook the noodles, as they will be tossed in the sauce later.
- Tip: Toss the cooked noodles with a little bit of oil to prevent them from sticking together while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Pro Tip: For extra flavor, season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper while browning.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce (optional), and 1/2 cup of water. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Pro Tip: For a spicier version, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce.
Step 4: Combine Beef, Noodles, and Sauce
Add the browned ground beef back into the skillet with the sauce and stir to coat the beef evenly. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
- Tip: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is well mixed and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot, garnished with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sesame oil for extra flavor.
- Pro Tip: For added texture and crunch, top the dish with crushed peanuts or cashews.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy, to add some freshness and balance to the meal.
This dish is also perfect alongside potstickers or egg rolls for a complete Chinese-inspired dinner.
Variations and Add-Ins
Spicy Mongolian Beef Noodles
Add Sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick. You can also use spicy ground sausage instead of beef for a different flavor profile.
Veggie-Packed Noodles
Boost the nutritional content of this dish by adding stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Stir fry the veggies along with the garlic and ginger to incorporate them into the sauce.
Gluten-Free Mongolian Noodles
Substitute the soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and use gluten-free noodles or rice noodles for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Dietary Adaptations
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe can be adapted to fit various dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Substitute the noodles with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or tofu and use a vegan hoisin sauce or soy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and ground beef ahead of time. Store the beef and sauce separately from the noodles, and combine them when ready to serve. The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I freeze Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked ground beef and sauce for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet. It’s best to cook the noodles fresh for serving.
What other proteins can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork for a different flavor. You can also use sliced beef strips for a more traditional Mongolian beef dish.
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