Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are quick and tasty! They combine tender ground beef with soft noodles, all tossed in a yummy sauce that’s a little sweet and a bit salty.
This dish is a lifesaver on busy days! I love how it comes together in just one pan—fewer dishes mean more time for eating (and maybe a quick nap). 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: I recommend egg noodles or lo mein for their texture, but you can swap them for rice noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just adjust cooking time based on the type you choose!
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best for a juicy dish. If you want to keep it lighter, ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives. They’re also ideal for a healthier option.
Sauces: Soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce are key for flavor. If you’re avoiding seafood, you can use more soy sauce or a vegan oyster sauce. Low-sodium soy sauce can also cut down the saltiness if needed.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh minced garlic and grated ginger add a wonderful aroma. If you don’t have fresh ones, garlic powder and ground ginger can work. Just remember, they’re less potent, so use less!
Sesame Oil: This adds a rich, nutty flavor. You can substitute it with olive oil, but you might miss that unique taste. A small amount of peanut oil can also work if you are okay with peanut flavors.
How Do I Ensure My Beef Stays Tender and Flavorful?
To achieve tender beef, it’s all about cooking it just right. Here are a few tips:
- Heat your skillet or wok fully before adding the beef. This helps to sear it quickly, locking in juices.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan. If you have a lot of beef, cook it in batches to allow proper browning.
- Make sure to stir frequently as it cooks to break it apart and ensure even cooking.
When you add the garlic and ginger, focus on not overcooking them! Stir for just a minute or two until they’re fragrant to maximize their flavors without burning.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Noodles and Meat:
- 8 oz egg noodles or lo mein noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
For The Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
For The Aromatics and Garnish:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles dish takes about 20 minutes in total. About 10 minutes for prep and another 10 minutes for cooking. Just enough time to whip up a delicious meal quickly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once they are done, drain them and set them aside. We want them to be nice and ready for the beef!
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 skillet and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it’s nice and crumbly!
3. Add the Aromatics:
Now, stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Cook everything together for another 1-2 minutes, until you can smell those delicious aromas filling your kitchen!
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir until it’s well combined. This is the tasty sauce that will bring all the flavors together!
5. Combine Noodles and Beef:
Add the cooked noodles into the skillet with the beef. Pour the sauce over the top. Toss everything together gently to ensure that the noodles are well coated with the scrumptious sauce. Everything should be well mixed.
6. Finish with Green Onions:
Add the chopped green onions to the skillet and toss everything again. Give it a good mix so that the green onions spread through the dish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the noodles hot, garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and extra green onions on top. Dig in and enjoy your flavorful meal!
Can I Substitute Another Type of Noodle?
Absolutely! If you don’t have egg noodles or lo mein noodles on hand, you can use spaghetti, rice noodles, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of noodle you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you’re looking for extra heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or stir in some Sriracha or chili sauce when mixing the sauce. You can also slice up fresh chili peppers and toss them in while cooking the beef for an additional kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles from drying out.
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the dish. The cooking time might be slightly less, so keep an eye on it to ensure the meat is fully cooked and not overdone.
