Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Introduction

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a flavorful, hearty, and easy-to-make dish that brings the savory tastes of Mongolian cuisine into your kitchen. This recipe combines the richness of ground beef with the bold flavors of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a variety of spices, creating a satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The noodles soak up the delicious sauce, giving each bite a balance of savory, slightly sweet, and umami-packed flavor.

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit your tastes. Whether you’re a fan of extra heat, or prefer a more subtle flavor, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles will quickly become a favorite go-to meal in your culinary repertoire. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be able to whip up this delicious dish in no time.

Why You’ll Love Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

• Rich, Bold Flavors: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger creates a savory, slightly sweet sauce that coats the noodles perfectly, making each bite incredibly flavorful.
• Quick and Easy: This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, as it can be made in under 30 minutes. It’s a one-pan meal that is both simple and satisfying, ideal for when you don’t have much time to cook.
• Customizable: You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots, or even swap the ground beef for chicken, pork, or tofu to suit your dietary preferences.
• Comforting and Filling: The hearty ground beef and chewy noodles provide a filling, comforting meal that will satisfy your hunger and your taste buds.
• Family-Friendly: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a kid-friendly dish that’s easy to adjust for different taste preferences, making it a hit with both adults and children alike.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 400-450 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400-450 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6-8g

Ingredients

For the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
• 8 oz noodles (lo mein, udon, or spaghetti)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for added flavor)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated or minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon chili paste (optional, for extra heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Optional Vegetables:

• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup broccoli florets

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Noodles

Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. For lo mein, udon, or spaghetti, boil a pot of water, add the noodles, and cook until tender (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain the noodles, and set them aside. If you want to prevent the noodles from sticking, toss them with a little bit of sesame oil or vegetable oil.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

Heat the vegetable oil (or sesame oil) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the pan. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks, stirring occasionally. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed, and return the pan to the heat.

3. Add Garlic and Ginger

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the cooked ground beef, stirring frequently. Allow the garlic and ginger to cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. This step infuses the oil with the aromatic flavors of garlic and ginger, adding depth to the dish.

4. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, chili paste (if using), and black pepper. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is well mixed. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the ground beef, stirring to coat the meat evenly. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

5. Add the Noodles

Once the sauce has thickened a bit, add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the ground beef and sauce. Toss the noodles gently to coat them in the flavorful sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of water (1-2 tablespoons) to loosen it up. Continue stirring for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.

6. Add Vegetables (Optional)

If you’re adding vegetables, now is the time to do so. You can toss in sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, or broccoli, or any combination of your favorite vegetables. Stir the vegetables into the noodles and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until they are tender but still crisp. The vegetables will absorb some of the sauce and add a fresh crunch to the dish.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles in individual bowls, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and texture. Enjoy immediately while hot!

Tips for Perfect Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

• Use High-Quality Soy Sauce: Since soy sauce is one of the main ingredients in this dish, using a good-quality, low-sodium soy sauce will help enhance the flavors without making the dish too salty.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the level of heat by adding or reducing the amount of chili paste or hot sauce you use. If you prefer a milder dish, skip the chili paste altogether or use a small amount.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will provide the best flavor. If you use pre-minced garlic or ginger, the dish may lack some of the aromatic richness that these ingredients add.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Be careful not to overcook the noodles. They should be just tender but still firm enough to hold their shape and texture when combined with the sauce.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables to the dish. Broccoli, snap peas, spinach, and bok choy are all excellent options that pair well with the savory sauce.
• Leftovers: This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen up the sauce.

Variations of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

• Mongolian Chicken Noodles: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken for a lighter version of the dish. Ground chicken absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully and offers a slightly leaner option.
• Mongolian Beef and Broccoli Noodles: Add a generous amount of broccoli florets to the noodles for a more substantial vegetable addition. The slight crunch of the broccoli complements the tender beef and the savory sauce.
• Spicy Mongolian Noodles: For a more intense level of heat, add sliced fresh chili peppers, or use extra chili paste. You can also drizzle the noodles with chili oil for an additional spicy kick.
• Mongolian Ground Pork Noodles: Swap the ground beef for ground pork for a different texture and flavor profile. Pork is slightly sweeter and pairs wonderfully with the umami-packed sauce.
• Vegetarian Mongolian Noodles: Replace the ground beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly version. Stir-fry the tofu or tempeh until crispy for added texture and flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb some of the sauce while sitting, so you may need to add a little water or soy sauce when reheating to bring back the sauce’s consistency.

If you’d like to freeze the dish, allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles can be kept for up to 2-3 months. When reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Pair your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with these sides for a complete meal:

• Asian-Inspired Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes makes an excellent contrast to the rich and savory noodles.
• Spring Rolls: Serve the noodles with crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables or shrimp for a crunchy, light side dish.
• Edamame: Steamed edamame with a sprinkle of sea salt is a great appetizer or side dish that complements the umami flavors of the noodles.
• Kimchi: The tangy, spicy flavors of kimchi add a bold contrast to the dish, enhancing its flavor profile.
• Steamed Rice: Serve the noodles over steamed jasmine rice for an added level of texture and a way to soak up the extra sauce.

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Conclusion

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a comforting and delicious dish that combines savory beef, tender noodles, and a flavorful sauce that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Its ease of preparation and the ability to customize ingredients make it a versatile meal that suits all kinds of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying texture. Enjoy the savory goodness of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family!