Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a fun and tasty dish! They combine delicious ground beef with tender noodles in a simple, savory sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner!
I love how easy this meal comes together. Just cook everything in one pan, and in no time, you have a warm, comforting bowl that makes you feel right at home. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Lo mein or spaghetti works great here, but you can swap them for rice noodles or even zucchini noodles for a lighter dish. If gluten-free is your goal, rice noodles are a simple alternative!
Ground Beef: I often use lean ground beef to keep things healthier. If you prefer leaner meat, ground turkey or chicken is a fantastic swap, making it lighter while keeping the flavors strong.
Soy Sauce: The backbone of this dish, regular or low-sodium soy sauce can be used. If you’re watching your salt intake, low-sodium is an excellent choice. For a gluten-free option, try tamari instead.
Oyster and Hoisin Sauce: Both add depth of flavor. If you don’t have oyster sauce, a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar can suffice. For hoisin, you might use a blend of peanut butter, soy sauce, and a touch of vinegar if necessary.
Ginger: Fresh ginger is my go-to for its punchy taste, but powdered ginger can work in a pinch. Just be cautious with the amount you use, as it’s stronger than fresh!
How Do I Make Sure the Noodles Are Perfectly Coated in Sauce?
Tossing the noodles with the sauce evenly is key here! After cooking your noodles, remember to rinse them briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. This step also keeps them al dente!
- Once your sauce is ready, add the drained noodles into the skillet and gently fold them into the sauce. Use tongs to mix everything without breaking the noodles.
- Keep the heat low while you combine to avoid overcooking the noodles and losing that wonderful texture!
Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning. Sometimes all it needs is that final dash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of salt. Enjoy your flavorful noodle dish!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz noodles (like lo mein or spaghetti)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the noodles and 20 minutes preparing the beef and mixing everything together. It’s a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for busy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Noodles:
Start by boiling a pot of water. Once it’s bubbling away, add your noodles and cook them according to the package instructions. When they’re done, drain them and set them aside. Make sure they don’t stick together!
2. Browning the Beef:
Next, grab a large skillet or wok and heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s a lot of fat, you might want to drain some off.
3. Adding Flavor:
Once the beef is browned, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes until you can smell their delicious aroma filling the kitchen!
4. Making the Sauce:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar into the skillet. Mix everything well and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. You’ll want the sauce to thicken a bit for that extra yummy taste.
5. Mixing Noodles and Beef:
Carefully add the cooked noodles to your skillet. Gently toss everything together, making sure the noodles are well-coated in that delicious sauce. Use tongs or a couple of forks to mix it nicely!
6. Final Touches:
Stir in the chopped green onions and drizzle the sesame oil over top. Add salt and pepper to your liking to finish off the flavor.
7. Serving:
Serve your Mongolian beef noodles hot! Garnish with extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a lovely touch. Enjoy your meal with family or friends!
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just cook it in the skillet until fully cooked through, similar to the beef. Adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for leaner meats like turkey or chicken.
What Type of Noodles Can I Use?
You can use any noodles you prefer! Lo mein, spaghetti, or even rice noodles work well. Just be sure to cook them according to package instructions for the best texture. If you prefer a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pasta alternatives.
How to Store Leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or extra sauce to ensure the noodles don’t dry out. Warm gently in the microwave or skillet, stirring occasionally.