This fun recipe features ground beef stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, tossed with noodles for a hearty meal that’s easy to make. Perfect for busy nights!
I love how quick this dish comes together. Just cook, mix, and enjoy! You’ll have a delicious dinner that everyone will want seconds of. Who knew weeknight meals could be this tasty? 🍜
Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: I used egg noodles, but you can easily swap them for rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti in a pinch. The key is to pick a noodle that can hold the sauce well.
Ground Beef: Ground beef is classic here, but you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. They all add nice flavor when cooked properly!
Vegetable Oil: While vegetable oil works well, you can substitute it with sesame oil for a nuttier flavor. Just remember, sesame oil has a stronger taste, so use it sparingly.
Soy Sauce: If you’re looking for a low-sodium option, there are many available. Alternatively, tamari is a great gluten-free substitute.
Brown Sugar: You can replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness. Just adjust the amount based on your taste preference!
How Do I Cook the Beef Without Overcooking It?
Cooking ground beef can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll get it just right. Here’s how:
- Use medium-high heat and add the beef in a single layer. This helps it brown evenly.
- Break the meat apart with a spatula, but don’t overdo it—let the beef sear for a minute before stirring.
- Keep stirring until it’s no longer pink to avoid dryness, about 8-10 minutes total.
Don’t rush this step! Properly browned beef adds a lot of flavors that make this dish so good.
Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Noodles:
- 8 oz (225 g) egg noodles or your favorite noodles
For The Beef:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
For The Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water (or beef broth)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Garnishing:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Optional: 1 tsp chili flakes or sriracha for heat
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the ingredients, and then it will take another 20 minutes for everything to come together—perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions until they reach the al dente stage, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Once done, drain them in a colander and set them aside. This will be the base you’ll mix with your beef later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds. You want them to become fragrant, but be careful not to burn them!
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it apart with a spatula. Keep stir-frying until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. This is where the amazing flavor starts to build!
4. Prepare the Sauce:
While the beef is cooking, take a small bowl and mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water (or beef broth), and black pepper. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce over the cooked beef in the skillet. Stir well to combine, and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add the Noodles:
Next, add the cooked noodles into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce and distribute the beef throughout. Cook it for an additional minute, stirring gently.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, stir in the sliced green onions, cooking for another minute just to warm them up. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle chili flakes or drizzle sriracha over the top. Serve your delicious Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot, garnished with sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose to ensure it’s cooked through.
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, tamari is a great substitute. For a lighter sauce, you can use coconut aminos, which offers a similar flavor profile but with less sodium. Adjust the amount to taste, as different brands might vary in flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. Stir-fry them after cooking the garlic and ginger but before adding the ground beef. This will keep the veggies crisp and enhance the dish’s flavor.
