This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful meal that combines tender noodles, savory ground beef, and a sweet and slightly spicy Mongolian sauce. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and comes together in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
For the Mongolian Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- ½ 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
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set aside. If the noodles finish cooking before the beef, you can toss them with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Mongolian Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch until smooth. Set the mixture aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour the soy sauce mixture into the skillet with the garlic and ginger. Add the red pepper flakes and stir well. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Once thickened, remove the sauce from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
In a separate large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, for 6-8 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Step 4: Combine the Noodles and Beef
Once the beef is cooked, pour the prepared Mongolian sauce into the skillet with the ground beef. Stir to coat the beef in the sauce. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the sauce and combined with the beef.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Stir in the chopped green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish. Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot and enjoy!
Cooking Notes:
- Noodles: Udon, ramen, or spaghetti are all great options for this dish, but you can use any type of noodles you prefer.
- Spiciness: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. You can add more for extra heat or leave them out if you prefer a milder dish.
- Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer in the skillet, or add a little extra cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it up.
Variations:
1. Mongolian Chicken or Turkey Noodles:
Swap out the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
2. Vegetable Mongolian Noodles:
Add vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the dish for extra color and nutrition. Simply sauté the vegetables in the skillet before adding the noodles.
3. Gluten-Free Mongolian Noodles:
Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and choose gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dish ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
Yes, you can freeze this dish in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli would complement the flavors in this dish and add extra nutrition.
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a simple yet flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With savory ground beef, tender noodles, and a deliciously sweet and spicy Mongolian sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The dish is versatile, allowing you to swap in your favorite proteins or vegetables to suit your preferences. Try this recipe today for a quick and satisfying dinner