Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a fun and tasty dish! It combines juicy ground beef, colorful veggies, and chewy noodles all in one bowl. What’s not to like?
Making it feels like a mini cooking adventure, and it’s super quick too! I love throwing in all those bright veggies I have lying around for a little extra crunch and color. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Chow mein or udon noodles work best for this recipe, bringing good texture to the dish. If you don’t have these, feel free to use spaghetti or rice noodles as tasty alternatives.
Ground Beef: I love using ground beef for its flavor and texture, but ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for a leaner option.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger provide a fantastic aroma and taste. If you’re in a hurry, you can use garlic and ginger paste, but fresh is always my go-to for the best flavor.
Hoisin Sauce: This sweet and slightly spicy sauce adds depth. If you can’t find it, try using barbecue sauce in a pinch, though the flavor will change slightly.
Oyster Sauce: For a rich umami flavor, oyster sauce is key. If you’re vegetarian or allergic to shellfish, look for mushroom sauce or soy sauce for a similar taste.
How Do I Ensure My Ground Beef is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking ground beef may seem straightforward, but getting it just right helps ensure a tasty dish. Here are some steps to help you:
- Use medium-high heat to cook the beef quickly while keeping it moist.
- Break the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks, ensuring even browning and cooking.
- Cook until it’s no longer pink—about 5-7 minutes is usually perfect. Season with salt and pepper during cooking for best flavor.
Keep an eye on it; overcooking can lead to dryness!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz chow mein or udon noodles
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes boiling the noodles, and another 10 minutes to cook the beef and combine everything. Quick and easy for a tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the chow mein or udon noodles according to the package instructions. Once they are ready, drain them well and set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil. Sauté them for about 1 minute, just until they become fragrant. Be careful not to burn them!
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Keep stirring until the beef is browned and fully cooked, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Stir until everything is well mixed and set the sauce aside for later.
5. Combine Beef and Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked ground beef in the skillet. Stir everything together until the beef is evenly coated in the sauce. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors nicely.
6. Add Noodles and Green Onions:
Now, add the cooked noodles and chopped green onions into the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated in the delicious sauce and are heated through.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Mongolian ground beef noodles hot, garnished with extra chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top. Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying meal!
Can I Use Another Type of Noodle?
Absolutely! If you can’t find chow mein or udon noodles, you can use rice noodles or even spaghetti as a substitute. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the noodles you choose.
Can I Make This Recipe with Ground Turkey or Chicken?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef for a leaner option! Just be aware that the flavor might be slightly milder, so you may want to increase the quantities of soy sauce and seasoning to enhance the taste.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry to revive the sauciness.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas is a great idea for additional flavor and nutrition. Just add them to the skillet after the garlic and ginger, sautéing for a few minutes before adding the ground beef.
