These easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a tasty blend of juicy beef and soft noodles, packed with flavorful soy sauce and garlic. It’s a quick dinner that’s ready in no time!
Honestly, it’s so simple that you can whip it up even on the busiest nights. Just stir-fry, mix it all together, and enjoy a hearty meal without the fuss. What’s not to love? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Udon noodles work wonderfully for a chewy texture, but you can use spaghetti or any thin noodles if udon isn’t available. I often reach for whole wheat noodles for added fiber.
Ground Beef: While beef is traditional, ground turkey or chicken can make a lighter dish. I’ve tried it with ground pork as well, which adds a nice richness.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps the dish balanced. If you want to avoid soy sauce entirely, use coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
Brown Sugar: This adds a hint of sweetness. You could swap it out for honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind the flavor will change a bit.
Hoisin Sauce: It’s optional, but it adds depth. If you don’t have it, a little extra soy sauce with a touch of sugar can work in a pinch.
How Can I Perfectly Cook the Noodles?
Cooking noodles might seem simple, but timing is crucial. Here’s how to get it right:
- Follow the package instructions, but stop cooking 1–2 minutes before the recommended time. This will ensure your noodles are al dente after mixing with the beef.
- Once they’re cooked, drain them but don’t rinse! Keeping some starch helps the sauce cling better.
Personal tip: I always add a splash of oil to the noodles after draining to prevent them from sticking. Trust me, it makes tossing them later so much easier!
Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles for Quick Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 12 oz noodles (udon or thick wheat noodles work well)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10-15 minutes for cooking. Altogether, you can enjoy your flavorful Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Noodles:
Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Don’t overcook them as they will continue to soften after you mix them into the dish. Drain the noodles and set them aside, but remember not to rinse them to keep some starch for sauce adhesion.
2. Cooking the Aromatics:
In a large skillet or wok, heat up the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté these for about 30 seconds, just until they become fragrant—this will make your kitchen smell amazing!
3. Browning the Beef:
Add the ground beef into the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, feel free to drain it to keep the dish lighter.
4. Mixing the Sauce:
While the beef is cooking, mix together the soy sauce, water or broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce (if you’re using it), and black pepper in a small bowl. Once the beef is done, pour this sauce over the meat and stir it all together. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Combining Everything:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together thoroughly. Make sure the noodles are well coated with the rich sauce and mixed nicely with the beef.
6. Garnishing and Serving:
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish your dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a little crunch and a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy your delightful Mongolian ground beef noodles!
FAQ for Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While udon noodles are traditional, you can substitute them with spaghetti, rice noodles, or even whole wheat noodles. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Hoisin Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can simply omit it or add a bit more brown sugar to balance the flavors. A mix of soy sauce and a touch of honey can also work as a quick alternative!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm them gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
Definitely! If you like some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce while it simmers. You can also add some chopped chili peppers when cooking the beef to integrate that spiciness right into the dish.
