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!