These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a tasty mix of savory beef, soft noodles, and crunchy veggies, all in a delicious sauce! It’s a quick meal that’s sure to please everyone.
I love how easy this dish is to whip up after a long day. Plus, it’s so good that I always end up making extra for lunch the next day. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Noodles: Egg noodles add a nice chewiness to the dish, but you can swap them for spaghetti or even rice noodles if that’s what you have on hand. Each option offers a slightly different texture, so feel free to experiment!
Ground Beef: I prefer 85% lean ground beef for its flavor and balance of fat. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken. Tofu can also work well for a vegetarian dish; just add some extra seasoning to compensate.
Vegetable Oil: While vegetable oil is great for frying, you can substitute with grapeseed or canola oil. You might even try using a flavored oil to enhance the dish, like chili oil for a spicy kick.
Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a nice crunch. If you don’t have them, you can use shallots or regular onions, but the flavor will be different. Fresh cilantro also adds a fresh touch if you enjoy its flavor!
How Do I Get the Beef Perfectly Browned?
Browning the beef is crucial for great flavor. Start by using medium-high heat to get a good sear without overcooking. Here’s how to do it:
- Break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. This helps it brown evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; if it’s too crowded, the beef will steam instead of brown. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Give it time to develop a crust before stirring too much — about 5-7 minutes should do.
These simple steps can really elevate your dish and give you that rich, delicious taste! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz egg noodles (or spaghetti)
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 green onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 15 minutes to cook, making a total of 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weekday dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the egg noodles according to the instructions on the package. Once they’re cooked, drain them in a colander and set aside. This will be the base for your tasty beef mixture!
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break the beef apart with a spatula as you cook. Once browned, season with a little salt and pepper to bring out the flavors.
3. Add Aromatics:
Next, stir in the chopped white parts of the green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger into the skillet. Sauté these for 2-3 minutes until everything smells delightful. This is where the magic happens!
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and optional red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Pour this flavorful sauce over the browned beef mixture in the skillet and give everything a good stir to combine.
5. Combine with Noodles:
Now it’s time to add the cooked noodles! Pour them into the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss everything together gently until the noodles are well-coated in that delicious sauce and heated through, which should take another 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles immediately. Top each serving with the green parts of the chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a lovely finish. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Noodle?
Absolutely! If you don’t have egg noodles handy, spaghetti or any other long pasta works great as a substitute. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time, and you’ll be good to go!
What if I Don’t Have Ground Beef?
No problem at all! You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives if you’re going meatless. Just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the meat’s fat content.
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let them cool completely and then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep them from drying out.
Can I Make This Vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, you can use crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a mix of mushrooms and other vegetables instead of ground beef. Just sauté the veggies until tender, and proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual!
