These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a tasty mix of tender beef, fresh veggies, and chewy noodles, all tossed in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s a quick meal that’s sure to please!
Making this dish is a breeze! I love how everything comes together in one pan. Plus, it’s the perfect way to use up any leftover veggies you have lying around. Yum! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Lo mein noodles give a great chewy texture, but you can easily swap them for spaghetti if needed. Other options like udon or rice noodles work too, so pick what you can find.
Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can also work, just keep an eye on cooking time.
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness to the dish. If you don’t have one, shallots or green onions can be used instead for a different twist.
Ginger: Fresh ginger gives a wonderful zing. If fresh isn’t available, you can use powdered ginger, but reduce the quantity to about 1/2 teaspoon.
Soy Sauce: This adds depth. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari instead. You can also do a low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
How Do I Perfectly Brown the Ground Beef?
Getting that nice brown color on the beef is key for flavor. Here’s how you can achieve this:
- Heat the skillet until hot before adding the oil—this helps to sear the meat.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to allow even browning.
- Let the beef sit without stirring for the first couple of minutes to form a good crust.
With these tips, your beef should come out with a lovely brown color and rich flavor!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Optional: Sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add the lo mein noodles or spaghetti and cook them according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them well and set them aside for later.
2. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s well browned. Use a spoon to break it apart while it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Aromatics:
Once the beef is browned, stir in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook this mixture for another 3-4 minutes, until the onions become soft and translucent. The aroma will be fantastic!
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Once combined, pour this savory mixture over the cooked beef in the skillet and stir well to flavor the beef evenly.
5. Combine Noodles and Beef:
Add the drained noodles to the skillet with the beef mixture. Gently toss everything together so that the noodles are well-coated in the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
6. Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the flavorful noodles to a serving dish. Top with sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top. If you like a bit of spice, feel free to add Sriracha or red pepper flakes.
7. Enjoy:
Serve the Mongolian ground beef noodles hot and dig in! Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes. Just be aware that these meats are leaner than beef, so you might want to add a bit more oil while cooking to keep the dish moist and flavorful.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce alternative, try using tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos if you’re avoiding soy altogether. Both will give you a slightly different flavor but still work well in this recipe!
How Should I Store Leftover Noodles?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to the skillet to prevent the noodles from drying out.
