Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a tasty dish that blends savory beef with soft noodles. It’s quick to make and packed with flavor from simple sauces and veggies!
This dish is perfect for busy nights, and I love how it comes together in just one pan—less mess for me! Who doesn’t love a tasty meal that makes cleanup a breeze? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: I recommend using udon noodles for their chewy texture, but chow mein noodles also work well. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, rice noodles or zucchini noodles can be fun substitutes!
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is my choice for this dish, but you can use ground turkey or chicken as alternatives. For a vegetarian option, try using textured vegetable protein or mushrooms for a similar texture.
Vegetable Oil: While vegetable oil is great for frying, feel free to switch it up with canola or peanut oil for added flavor. Using sesame oil for cooking may also give a unique taste but note that it has a lower smoke point.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the dish’s flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder or ground ginger as substitutes; just adjust the amounts to taste!
Sauces: The combination of soy, hoisin, and oyster sauces creates a rich flavor profile. If you need a soy sauce alternative, try coconut aminos. You can also use vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms.
How Do I Cook Perfectly Ground Beef?
Getting browned ground beef just right is key to making this dish tasty. Start by heating your skillet or wok over medium-high heat so the beef cooks quickly without steaming. Make sure to break the beef up into small pieces, allowing it to brown evenly.
- Add ground beef to the hot skillet, letting it sit undisturbed for a minute before breaking it apart.
- Cook until the meat is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to promote even cooking.
- Drain any excess fat if needed, then follow with adding garlic and ginger for a flavorful start.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz udon or chow mein noodles
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnishing:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes to cook. So, in just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to enjoy! Perfect for a busy weeknight or a fun dinner with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the noodles based on the package instructions. Make sure to cook them al dente, then drain the noodles and set them aside. They will soak up all the delicious flavors later!
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned, making sure to break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Once the beef is browned, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté everything together for about 1 minute until it smells super fragrant. It’s gonna make your kitchen smell amazing!
4. Mix in the Sauces:
Next, stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Mix everything together well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This cooks the flavors into the beef.
5. Combine with Noodles:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss them with the beef sauce. Make sure the noodles are well coated with that yummy sauce.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the skillet from the heat, and serve your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot! Don’t forget to sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for that extra touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Noodle?
Absolutely! While udon or chow mein noodles work best for this recipe, you can also use rice noodles, egg noodles, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of noodle you choose to ensure they don’t overcook!
What If I Don’t Have Hoisin Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute hoisin sauce with a mix of soy sauce (1 tablespoon) and honey (1 tablespoon) or maple syrup for a similar sweet and savory flavor. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still taste delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to bring back some moisture, or use the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! If you like more heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some chopped fresh chili peppers while cooking. You could also drizzle some sriracha or your favorite hot sauce on top when serving for an extra kick!
