Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a hearty dish that combines tender beef with chewy noodles and colorful veggies. It’s all tossed in a sweet and savory sauce that makes each bite super tasty!
I love how quick this meal is to whip up after a long day. Plus, who can resist the magic of beef and noodles coming together? It’s the ultimate comfort food for busy nights! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Udon or lo mein noodles are great for this dish, but you could also use spaghetti or rice noodles if you have them at home. I find udon gives a nice chewiness that works well with the rich beef.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is usually what I go for, but ground turkey or chicken can be good substitutes if you’re looking for a lighter option. They won’t have the same richness, but they will still taste great!
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger pack a lot of flavor, but you can use garlic powder and ground ginger in a pinch. Just remember to adjust the amounts since they are more concentrated. I love how fresh ginger gives a nice touch here.
Oyster Sauce: If you don’t have oyster sauce, try hoisin sauce or even soy sauce mixed with a dash of sugar for some sweetness. This won’t replicate the exact flavor, but it’ll still be tasty!
How Do I Ensure My Beef is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the ground beef correctly is key to this recipe. You want it browned and fully cooked, which means no pink spots should remain. Here’s how to master it:
- Start by heating your skillet on medium-high before adding oil.
- Break the beef apart as you add it to the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Look for a good browning to develop on the beef!
- Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper while it cooks for the best flavor.
This way, you get tender beef that pairs wonderfully with the noodles and sauce.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 12 oz noodles (such as udon or lo mein)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing the ingredients and 15 minutes cooking. So, in total, it will take you around 30 minutes to whip up this delicious Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles dish—perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by boiling a pot of water. Once it’s boiling, add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions until tender. Once done, drain the noodles in a colander and set them aside while you prepare the beef.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil and sauté for about 1 minute until they start to smell fantastic. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart, cooking until it turns brown and is no longer pink—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to season it with salt and pepper as it cooks.
4. Combine Sauces:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar with a whisk until everything is combined well. Pour this sauce over the cooked beef in the skillet and stir everything together to make sure the beef is fully coated in the tasty sauce.
5. Mix in the Noodles:
Now it’s time to get those noodles back in the action! Add the drained noodles to the skillet and gently toss them with the beef and sauce mixture until they are evenly coated and heated through.
6. Finish with Green Onions:
Drizzle the sesame oil over the noodle dish and sprinkle in the chopped green onions. Give everything a good mix to incorporate the flavors together nicely.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are ready! Serve them hot in bowls, topped with sesame seeds and extra green onions for that beautiful finishing touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Different Noodles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While udon and lo mein noodles work great, you can also use rice noodles, spaghetti, or even egg noodles as a substitute. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodles you choose!
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce, which will give a slightly different flavor but still keep it delicious. A mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar can also work in a pinch!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce if needed to restore moisture!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! If you like some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce before mixing it with the beef. You can also top your dish with sliced fresh jalapeños for an extra kick!
