Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a fun, tasty dish that brings a bit of the wild west to your kitchen! With ground beef, noodles, and a few simple sauces, it’s a quick meal that packs a punch.
What makes these noodles special? They are full of flavor and super easy to whip up after a long day. Plus, who doesn’t love a satisfying bowl of noodles that can be ready in no time? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Noodles: I like using egg noodles for their chewy texture. You can swap them for spaghetti or any long noodle if you prefer that or have them on hand.
Ground Beef: Ground beef gives a nice flavor, but you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Soy Sauce: This is essential for that umami taste. If you’re watching your sodium, low-sodium soy sauce or tamari works well too.
Hoisin Sauce: Adds a sweet dimension to the dish. If you don’t have it, a mix of soy sauce and a bit of honey or sugar can work in a pinch.
Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way with this flavorful oil. If you’re out, you can use vegetable oil, but it won’t have the same richness.
How Do I Properly Cook Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Cooking the ground beef perfectly is key to getting great flavor. Start by heating your skillet to a medium-high temperature to achieve a good sear. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Add a bit of sesame oil and let it get hot before adding the beef.
- As it cooks, use a spatula to break it apart into small pieces. This helps it cook evenly.
- Keep an eye out for excess fat. Drain it if there’s too much, but a little adds flavor.
- Cook until it’s fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz egg noodles (or spaghetti)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 4 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the noodles and about 10 minutes making the tasty beef and sauce mixture. It’s a quick meal that’s full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Noodles:
Start by cooking the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once they are done, drain them in a colander, and set them aside. We want them ready for the beef mixture!
2. Browning the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, using a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. If there’s a lot of excess fat, you can drain some off.
3. Adding Flavors:
Now, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry them with the beef for about 1 minute, until everything smells wonderful and fragrant!
4. Mixing the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch (if using). Pour this flavorful sauce over the browned beef, stirring to coat everything evenly.
5. Combining Noodles and Beef:
Grab those cooked noodles and add them to the skillet. Toss everything together so the noodles and beef are well combined and heated through. If it seems a bit dry, you can splash in a little water or more soy sauce.
6. Finishing Touches:
Stir in the chopped green onions, saving some for garnish. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
7. Serving:
Serve your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot and garnish with the remaining green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work well as a lighter option. Just keep in mind that they may require a bit of additional seasoning, so taste and adjust with a pinch more soy sauce or salt as needed.
What If I Don’t Have All the Sauces?
No worries! You can substitute hoisin sauce with an equal mix of soy sauce and a touch of honey or brown sugar. If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use soy sauce or a dash of fish sauce for a similar umami flavor.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to prevent the noodles from drying out and heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
