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If you love meals that come together quickly but pack a punch of flavor, this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need in your culinary rotation. Imagine tender noodles coated in a rich, savory sauce with just the right balance of sweetness and spice, all brought to life by ground beef cooked to perfection. It’s comfort food elevated, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners when you want something both satisfying and impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—bringing in layers of flavor, texture, and even a pop of color that makes the dish as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.
- 8 ounces spaghetti or your favorite noodles: The base that holds all those delicious flavors together; feel free to pick your preferred type.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a hearty, meaty foundation with a rich texture perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Helps to brown the beef evenly and adds a subtle richness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Small but mighty, garlic brings an aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds a zesty warmth that complements the sweet-savory sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: The backbone of the sauce, lending umami depth without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Balances savory elements with a touch of molasses-style sweetness.
- 1/4 cup water: Keeps the sauce luscious and helps everything blend perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Adds complexity with its slightly sweet, tangy, and spiced flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry): This thickens the sauce, giving it a glossy finish that clings to the noodles.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to add excitement without overwhelming the dish.
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish): A fresh, crisp contrast and a burst of vibrant color.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Adds a subtle nutty flavor and a wonderful textural crunch.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Begin by cooking your choice of noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them well once done and set them aside in a warm spot. This step is straightforward but crucial since your noodles are the canvas that will carry all those savory flavors later on.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet, then add the ground beef. Break it apart with your spatula and cook until it’s thoroughly browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Taking the time to brown the beef properly will develop a rich, caramelized flavor that’s the heart of this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe.
Step 3: Remove Excess Fat
Once the beef is cooked, carefully drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy, ensuring a clean, savory bite every time.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir these around for about a minute until fragrant—they release incredible aromatics that fill your kitchen and set the flavor tone.
Next, pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and hoisin sauce. Stir them all together and let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the brown sugar to dissolve completely and the flavors to meld into that perfect sweet-savory blend we cherish in this recipe.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the skillet and continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce transform into a shiny, thick glaze that wraps the beef and noodles beautifully. Add the red pepper flakes now to infuse a mild kick of heat—feel free to adjust or skip these depending on your spice tolerance.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Finally, add the cooked noodles right into the skillet, tossing everything so that each strand is luxuriously coated in that luscious sauce. Let them warm together for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to marry the flavors perfectly. This final step makes the dish sing—every bite bursting with balanced, mouthwatering delight.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling sliced green onions on top adds a fresh, vibrant crunch with a touch of mild onion flavor that brightens the dish. Don’t forget the sesame seeds! They lend a subtle nuttiness and texture that makes every mouthful feel special and complete.
Side Dishes
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, simple sides like steamed broccoli or snap peas to add a refreshing crunch. A light cucumber salad or pickled vegetables also make great companions, providing acidity that balances out the richness of the beef and sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests or just spice up your weeknight dinner presentation? Serve the noodles family-style in a large, shallow dish garnished generously with scallions and sesame seeds, letting everyone help themselves. Alternatively, plate individual servings with a side of fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for a colorful, fragrant finish. You can also drizzle a little toasted sesame oil over the top right before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making it a great make-ahead meal option that tastes just as delicious when reheated.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the cooked noodles and beef mixture in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor. Label it with the date so you can enjoy your tasty noodles whenever you need a quick fix.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers or thawed frozen Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe, reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to revive that saucy consistency. Stir occasionally to heat evenly without drying out, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep everything tender and saucy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully, you can swap in rice noodles, udon, or even egg noodles to change things up. Just adjust the cooking time as needed according to the noodle type’s instructions.
Is ground beef the only meat that works?
Not at all! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork are fantastic alternatives if you prefer a lighter option or want to vary flavors. Just be sure to adjust cooking times to make sure your meat is fully cooked and still juicy.
How spicy is this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe?
The recipe calls for half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which provides a gentle warmth but not overwhelming heat. You can easily skip, reduce, or increase it depending on your spice preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Use plant-based ground meat substitutes or sauté extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version that still delivers all the rich Mongolian flavors.
What’s the secret to a great sauce in this recipe?
It’s all about balance. Mixing low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin, and fresh aromatics like garlic and ginger creates layers of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. Thickening with cornstarch slurry ensures your sauce clings to the noodles perfectly without being watery.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe that keeps me coming back to it time and again. Whether you’re new to this flavor combo or already a fan, it’s a quick, flavorful dish that warms the soul and pleases any crowd. Go ahead and make it your own—your taste buds will thank you for it!
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Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Description
A quick and flavorful Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe featuring tender ground beef in a savory hoisin and soy sauce-based glaze, tossed with perfectly cooked noodles and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a delicious weeknight meal that combines sweet, salty, and spicy elements in a comforting noodle bowl.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or your favorite noodles
Beef and Sauce
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Garnish
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until it is browned evenly, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove Excess Fat: Carefully drain and discard any excess fat from the skillet to avoid greasy sauce.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the cooked beef and stir continuously for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and hoisin sauce. Stir the mixture and allow it to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry gradually and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze consistency.
- Add Spice: Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes to add a subtle heat, adjusting the amount according to your spice preference.
- Combine Noodles and Beef Sauce: Add the cooked noodles directly into the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat all noodles evenly in the thickened sauce and warm through for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the Mongolian beef noodles to serving plates or a large dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for texture and flavor. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and avoid an overly salty dish.
- You can substitute spaghetti with any preferred noodle like rice noodles or lo mein.
- If you like it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add fresh chopped chili.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Leftover noodles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, reheat gently before serving.
