This Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles dish is a fun and tasty meal! It features tender ground beef mixed with flavorful soy sauce and garlic, served over warm noodles.
You can whip this up in a flash—perfect for busy weekdays! I love to sprinkle some green onions on top for extra crunch. Who doesn’t love a meal that’s quick and yummy? 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use lean ground beef for a healthier option. If you’re looking for a substitute, ground turkey or chicken works well too. For a plant-based twist, try using cauliflower rice or lentils.
Noodles: Egg noodles give a nice texture, but spaghetti or rice noodles are great alternatives if you have them on hand. For gluten-free options, rice noodles or zucchini noodles can do the trick!
Soy Sauce: It gives that umami flavor we love. Low-sodium soy sauce is a good swap if you’re watching your salt intake. Coconut aminos can be used for a soy-free version.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and balance. If you need to avoid sugar, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, or even a sugar substitute like stevia.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a lovely warmth. If you don’t have fresh ginger, ground ginger works in a pinch, but adjust the amount since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Make Sure My Noodles are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking noodles sounds simple, but it can be tricky! Here’s how to get it right:
- Use a large pot with plenty of water so the noodles can move freely.
- Salt the water well before adding the noodles. It should taste like the sea!
- Cook according to package instructions, but check a minute or two early. You want them al dente (a bit firm) since they’ll cook further in the skillet.
- Drain and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep them from getting mushy.
Following these simple steps will help you achieve perfectly cooked noodles that will hold up great in your dish!
Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz ground beef
- 8 oz noodles (e.g., egg noodles or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 25 minutes in total—around 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Noodles:
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Once it’s bubbling, add a pinch of salt and the noodles. Cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once ready, drain the noodles and set them aside.
2. Browning the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, pour in the vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned and no longer pink. This gives nice flavor to the dish!
3. Adding Flavor:
Once the beef is browned, throw in the minced garlic and grated ginger if using. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute until you can smell the wonderful aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Making the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and red pepper flakes. This mixture will be the sauce that brings everything together! Pour this delicious sauce over the cooked beef in the skillet, stirring well to coat the beef evenly. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Combining Everything:
Add the drained noodles to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Gently toss everything together until the noodles are well-coated in the tasty sauce. This is where the flavors really come together!
6. Finishing Touches:
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, soy sauce is already salty, so you may want to taste it first before adding more salt.
7. Serving:
Serve your delicious Mongolian ground beef noodles hot, garnished with sliced green onions to add a fresh crunch. Enjoy your meal!
Enjoy your homemade Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles! 🍜
FAQ for Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be great substitutes for ground beef. If you prefer a plant-based option, consider using lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat.
What Noodles Work Best for This Dish?
Egg noodles and spaghetti are common choices, but feel free to use any noodles you have on hand, such as rice noodles or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the beef and noodles ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
How Can I Customize the Flavor?
You can easily adjust the flavors by adding more soy sauce or brown sugar for sweetness. If you enjoy heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add some Sriracha. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas can also be added for extra crunch and nutrition!