Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a tasty mix of tender beef and chewy noodles, all coated in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s a delightful meal that’s quick to whip up!
You’ll love how easy this dish is to make, perfect for busy nights. I usually pair it with some veggies to sneak in the good stuff. Who says noodles can’t be healthy? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Noodles: The traditional choice for this dish, egg noodles are soft and absorb flavors well. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, feel free to substitute with rice noodles or even spiralized vegetables like zucchini or carrots.
Ground Beef: While beef gives a rich flavor, you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner dish. For vegetarians, crumbled tofu or tempeh makes a great substitute. Just ensure to season it well.
Green Onions: The green onions add a fresh crunch. If you don’t have them, chives can work or even a small amount of finely chopped white onion for the base flavor. Just remember to adjust the amount because they have a stronger bite.
Sauces: Soy sauce is essential for that savory taste. Tamari offers a gluten-free alternative. For hoisin sauce, you can use stir-fry sauce or a bit of peanut butter mixed with soy sauce in a pinch. Brown sugar can be replaced with honey or agave syrup.
Sesame Oil: This oil gives a lovely nutty aroma. If you don’t have it, a splash of olive oil with a sprinkle of sesame seeds can do the trick.
How Do I Ensure My Noodles and Beef Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking noodles and beef correctly is key to a great dish! Here’s how to nail it:
- For the noodles, always follow package instructions, but slightly undercook them. They’ll absorb flavor later and won’t get mushy.
- When cooking the ground beef, use medium-high heat to get a nice browning without steaming it. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Don’t forget to drain excess grease from the beef if there is too much; it keeps the dish from being too oily.
By following these tips, you’ll end up with noodles that are firm and flavorful, along with well-cooked beef that’s juicy and delicious!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 8 oz egg noodles (or any preferred noodles)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 25 minutes to prepare, including cooking the noodles and browning the beef. In just a short time, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Noodles:
Start by cooking the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re nice and tender, drain them and set aside for later. It’s important that they’re not too sticky, as you want them to mix easily with the beef!
2. Browning the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, pour in the vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up, cooking it until it’s browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, feel free to drain it off so your dish doesn’t get too oily.
3. Adding Fresh Flavors:
Now, it’s time to boost those flavors! Add the white parts of the chopped green onions, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the skillet. Sauté everything together for about 2 minutes or until you smell those wonderful aromas. This step is key to infusing the beef with flavor!
4. Mixing the Sauce:
Next, stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling a bit spicy! Mix everything well and let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This will help all the ingredients blend together beautifully!
5. Combining Everything:
Now, it’s showtime! Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss them with the beef mixture. Make sure all the noodles are well coated with that tasty sauce. Let everything cook together for another 2 minutes just to heat through and let the flavors mingle.
6. Garnishing and Serving:
Once it’s all heated, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your delicious dish with the green parts of the green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This will give your noodles a lovely crunch and a nice pop of color!
Enjoy your homemade Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles!
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef for Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can swap out the ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for leaner meats which may cook faster.
What If I Don’t Have Hoisin Sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing together 1 tablespoon of soy sauce with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter or a bit of honey. This will provide a similar sweet and savory flavor to your dish!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the skillet to keep the noodles moist and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add in vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and sauté them with the ground beef until they’re tender before adding the sauces and noodles to create a more colorful and nutritious dish!
