This easy Mongolian ground beef noodles dish is a tasty mix of beef, noodles, and savory sauce. It’s simple to whip up and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
You can throw this together in no time, and the beef just adds that rich flavor. I love how it’s comforting and satisfying—a true winner in my home! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein and adds richness. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, consider using cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
Noodles: Egg noodles have a nice texture, but feel free to use any noodles you like. Rice noodles or whole wheat pasta are great alternatives. If you’re gluten-free, look for rice noodles or gluten-free pasta.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce gives the dish its iconic flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos can be a tasty substitute. For a bolder flavor, try dark soy sauce, but you’ll want to adjust the quantity since it’s richer.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the sauce’s saltiness. You can use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar if you prefer a different flavor profile.
How Do I Make the Most Flavorful Sauce?
The sauce is what brings this dish to life! Here’s how to nail it:
- Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, and water (or beef broth) in a bowl until the sugar dissolves. This ensures a smooth, balanced sauce.
- Let it simmer! After pouring the sauce into the skillet, allowing it to cook for 2-3 minutes helps develop the flavors.
- Adjust if needed: Taste as you cook. If you want it a bit sweeter, add more sugar. For extra saltiness, splash in more soy sauce.
By focusing on these key ingredients and perfecting the sauce, you’ll end up with a delicious bowl of Mongolian ground beef noodles that everyone will love!
Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles and Beef:
- 8 oz (about 225g) ground beef
- 8 oz (225g) egg noodles or any preferred noodles
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 3 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing this dish will take about 15 minutes, and it might take another 10-15 minutes to cook. Overall, you can have a delicious dinner ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s boiling, add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside for later.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked—make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Season with a bit of salt and pepper for flavor.
3. Prepare the Flavor Base:
If there’s excess fat in the pan, you can remove it, but leave about 1 tablespoon in the skillet for flavor. Then, add the remaining oil, followed by the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for about 1 minute until it smells amazing and fragrant!
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and water (or beef broth) until the brown sugar dissolves. This will be your savory sauce for the noodles.
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the cooked beef, garlic, and ginger. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken a little bit. This will allow the flavors to really meld together!
6. Toss in the Noodles:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, so everything is warm and mixed nicely.
7. Finish It Off:
Stir in the chopped green onions and red pepper flakes, if you like a bit of heat. Mix well to incorporate them into your dish.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Take the pan off the heat, and you’re ready to serve! Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired, and enjoy your flavorful Mongolian ground beef noodles hot!
FAQ for Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just be aware that the cooking time might be a bit shorter due to the lower fat content, so keep an eye on it!
What if I Don’t Have Egg Noodles?
No worries! You can use any noodles you have on hand, such as rice noodles, spaghetti, or whole wheat pasta. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of noodle you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you love heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes! You can also add some chopped fresh chili peppers or a dash of sriracha sauce when mixing in the sauce for an extra kick.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and sauce in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat everything on the stove and toss it with freshly cooked noodles when you’re ready to serve!
