Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef for a healthier option, but you can switch to turkey or chicken if you prefer less fat. For a vegetarian option, try using mushrooms or lentils.

Noodles: Egg noodles are great, but feel free to use spaghetti, rice noodles, or even zucchini noodles if you want a low-carb choice!

Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce gives the dish a nice umami flavor. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, tamari sauce works well. For a soy-free alternative, coconut aminos is a great choice.

Brown Sugar: You can substitute with honey or maple syrup, keeping in mind it might slightly change the flavor. For a no-sugar alternative, try using stevia or erythritol.

Vegetables: The recipe calls for carrots and green onions, but feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for more color and nutrients!

How Do I Get the Beef Cooked Just Right?

Getting the ground beef perfectly cooked is key for this dish. Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat to ensure a nice sear. Here’s how to do it:

• Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. This helps it cook evenly.
• Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Look for a nice browned color—this means it’s done.
• If there’s excess fat, drain it quickly to avoid a greasy dish.

Following these steps will keep your beef tender and flavorful, setting the stage for your delicious noodles!

Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Main Dish:

• 8 oz ground beef
• 8 oz egg noodles or any preferred noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Flavoring:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Vegetables:

• 1 cup green onions, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• Optional: red pepper flakes (to taste) for some heat

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe should take you about 10 minutes for prep and another 15 minutes for cooking, making a total of approximately 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick and yummy weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Noodles:

Begin by cooking the noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente. Once done, drain them well and set them aside for later use.

2. Sauté the Ground Beef:

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat in the pan, carefully drain it off.

3. Add Garlic and Ginger:

Once the beef is browned, add in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté this mixture for about 1-2 minutes until both are fragrant—this will give your dish a lovely aroma!

4. Create the Sauce:

Now, pour in the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and black pepper. Mix everything well, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. This is where the flavors start to come together!

5. Include the Veggies:

Next, toss in the shredded carrots and chopped green onions (remember to save some green onions for garnish later). Allow the mixture to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the veggies are tender yet still crisp.

6. Combine with Noodles:

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss everything gently until the noodles are fully coated in that delicious sauce.

7. Final Touches:

Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to your liking.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Transfer the noodles to serving plates and garnish with the reserved green onions. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful and easy Mongolian ground beef noodles!

FAQ for Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just cook it the same way, and it will absorb the flavors beautifully.

What Type of Noodles Can I Substitute?

If you don’t have egg noodles, you can use spaghetti, soba noodles, or even rice noodles. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen noodle!

Can I Add More Vegetables?

Yes, feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables! Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli make excellent additions, just be sure to add them at the same time as the carrots for even cooking.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.