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If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor, is easy to whip up, and comforts every bite, this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining tender ground beef infused with savory sauces, perfectly cooked noodles, and a hint of spice, it’s a meal that feels both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with an Asian-inspired treat, this recipe hits all the right notes with its rich, bold taste and lovely textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe lies in its simplicity and the careful balance of ingredients that each bring their own magic to the dish. From the umami-packed sauces to the fresh aromatics, every element plays a crucial role.
- 8 ounces noodles: Lo mein or ramen noodles provide a chewy, delightful base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 pound ground beef (lean): Offers a hearty, protein-rich foundation that adds depth and bite.
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil: A clean, high-heat oil perfect for browning the beef without overpowering flavors.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Brings pungent warmth and aromatic depth to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced): Adds a zesty, slightly spicy brightness that cuts through the richness.
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended): Provides saltiness and umami, grounding the entire flavor profile.
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce: Lends a sweet, tangy, and savory element that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances savory components with a caramel-like sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Delivers an extra punch of umami, making the dish deeply satisfying.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat): Adds a gentle kick for those who love a hint of spice.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch plus 2 tablespoons water (slurry): Essential for thickening the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- 3 green onions (sliced plus extra for garnish): Infuse freshness and crunch, perfectly balancing the richness.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish): Adds a subtle nuttiness and pleasing visual finish.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Begin by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions—this ensures they reach that perfect chewy texture essential to the dish. Once cooked, drain them well and set them aside to await their flavorful pairing with the beef and sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add the ground beef. Cooking it until it browns evenly, about 5 to 6 minutes, allows the meat to develop rich flavor and the texture you want in your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish light and balanced.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in minced garlic and ginger directly into the skillet with the beef, sautéing for about one minute until their fragrances bloom. This step is a flavor game-changer—garlic brings warmth while ginger offers a zesty lift that brightens the entire dish.
Step 4: Mix and Pour the Sauce
Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and optional red pepper flakes in a bowl. Pour this luscious, thick mixture evenly over the beef, allowing the savory and sweet components to mingle and coat the meat beautifully.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Next, stir in your cornstarch slurry. Cooking the concoction for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens ensures every strand of noodle and morsel of beef gets evenly coated with a glossy finish that makes the dish so satisfying with each bite.
Step 6: Combine Noodles and Sauce
Add the cooked noodles directly into the skillet, tossing gently to coat them thoroughly with the rich sauce and tender beef. This step brings the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe together, melding all the wonderful textures and flavors into one harmonious dish.
Step 7: Stir in Green Onions
Finally, fold in sliced green onions. They add a subtle crunch and fresh brightness that helps balance the richness of the beef and sauce. Now is a good moment to taste and adjust seasoning if the dish needs a little extra soy or spice for your palate.
Step 8: Plate and Garnish
Serve your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe hot, topped with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and extra green onions for a gorgeous, appetizing finish that invites you to dig right in.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of sliced green onions and a light sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds add texture and a burst of flavor that perfectly complement the rich beef and noodles. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few extra red pepper flakes can bring another layer of warmth to this crowd-pleaser.
Side Dishes
Pair your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe with simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a refreshing crunch, or a crisp Asian-style cucumber salad that adds coolness to the spicy, savory profile. Light miso soup or an egg drop soup also make great companions for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the noodles in individual bowls adorned with edible flowers or a drizzle of chili oil for visual appeal and extra flavor. You can also turn this recipe into noodle bowls with a side of pickled vegetables and a soft-boiled egg for a restaurant-style experience right at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles and beef hold up well, though the texture may soften slightly, which can be revived with a quick reheat.
Freezing
This dish freezes nicely, too. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that the noodles might become a bit softer after thawing, so consider undercooking them slightly when making the original batch if you plan to freeze leftovers.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much. Microwaving works as well but stir occasionally to ensure even heating and preserve that delicious sauce coating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef brings a hearty, rich flavor, you can swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative to suit your dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.
What type of noodles works best?
Lo mein and ramen noodles work beautifully due to their texture and ability to absorb sauces. However, you can experiment with other thin wheat noodles or even rice noodles if you prefer.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes optionally, so you can control the heat. Leaving them out results in a milder dish, perfect for all ages, while adding them introduces a gentle kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with finely chopped mushrooms, tofu, or a plant-based ground beef substitute. Adjust the sauce as needed for umami, possibly increasing the oyster sauce or adding a splash of mushroom soy sauce.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
The cornstarch slurry is key to thickening the sauce. Ensure you mix it well before adding and cook the sauce a few extra minutes if it’s still not as thick as you like. Avoid adding too much liquid afterward to maintain the right consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of noodles coated in a deep, savory sauce and studded with flavorful ground beef. The Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights or when you want to treat yourself to something delicious without a fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a go-to staple in your recipe collection—easy, tasty, and totally crave-worthy!
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Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender lo mein or ramen noodles tossed in a savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich ground beef sauce. Enhanced with garlic, ginger, and a complex sauce of soy, hoisin, oyster sauce, and brown sugar, this dinner is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal with a hint of heat from optional red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 ounces noodles (use lo mein or ramen noodles)
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef (lean)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (for deeper umami)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
Garnish
- 3 green onions (sliced plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain them well and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Brown Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and fresh ginger to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté together for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Prepare Sauce and Combine: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this sauce mixture over the cooked beef, stirring to coat evenly.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry made by mixing 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Cook the beef and sauce mixture for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Toss Noodles: Add the cooked noodles into the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss well to ensure noodles are evenly coated and heated through, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Green Onions and Adjust: Stir in the sliced green onions. Taste the dish and adjust any seasoning such as salt or more soy sauce if desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the noodles in bowls and garnish with sesame seeds and additional green onions for a fresh, crunchy finish.
Notes
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chili slices.
- Lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease and makes the dish healthier.
- Oyster sauce is optional but adds a deeper umami flavor; can be omitted for a vegetarian adaptation using a substitute.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in a skillet.
