This Mongolian Beef Noodles recipe is the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy. The rich Mongolian sauce, tender ground beef, and noodles come together to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. It’s quick and easy, making it an excellent weeknight meal that can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Mongolian Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to taste)
For the Noodles and Beef:
- 8 ounces noodles (udon, ramen, or spaghetti work well)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
- Boil the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Step 2: Make the Mongolian Sauce
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch until smooth. Set the mixture aside.
- Cook the garlic and ginger: In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the sauce mixture: Pour the soy sauce mixture into the saucepan with the garlic and ginger, stirring constantly. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the red pepper flakes. Remove the sauce from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is fully browned.
- Add the sauce: Once the beef is cooked, pour the prepared Mongolian sauce over the beef. Stir to coat the beef evenly with the sauce. Let the beef and sauce simmer together for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Noodles and Beef
- Toss with noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
- Add green onions: Stir in the chopped green onions and cook for an additional minute to let the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish: Transfer the Mongolian beef noodles to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and additional green onions if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy this delicious, savory meal!
Cooking Notes
- Noodle options: Udon or ramen noodles work great for this dish, but spaghetti is a fine substitute if you don’t have Asian noodles on hand.
- Adjusting spice: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. If you like more heat, feel free to add more.
Variations
- Vegetable Add-ins: Add sautéed bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to the dish for extra color and nutrition.
- Chicken or Pork: Swap out the ground beef for ground chicken or pork for a different take on the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I freeze Mongolian Beef Noodles?
It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but you can freeze the ground beef mixture without the noodles for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, cook the noodles fresh and combine with the thawed beef mixture.
Can I use a different type of beef?
Yes! You can use thinly sliced beef like flank steak or sirloin instead of ground beef for a more traditional Mongolian beef dish.
These Mongolian Beef Noodles are a delicious and quick meal that’s sure to satisfy. The rich and savory sauce combined with tender ground beef and chewy noodles makes for a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you choose to add extra veggies or keep it simple, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite
