This Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles dish combines tender beef and chewy noodles with a sweet and savory sauce. It’s quick to make and oh-so-delicious!
You’ll love how simple it is—just cook everything in one pan! I usually whip this up when I’m craving comfort food without the fuss. It’s a winner for sure! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the dish. I love using lean ground beef for less grease, but you can swap it with ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if needed.
Noodles: Egg noodles add great texture, but feel free to use any wide noodles like rice noodles or udon for a different twist. Gluten-free noodles also work well if you have dietary restrictions.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce brings the umami flavor. If you’re watching your sodium, low-sodium soy sauce is a good alternative. Tamari can be used for a gluten-free option.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient adds sweetness and helps balance the saltiness of the soy sauce. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but use a little less to start.
How Do I Make the Sauce Thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce for your noodles, there are a couple of tricks you can use. First, make sure you cook the sauce long enough to reduce it slightly. If you want even more thickness, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it thickens.
Another option is to let it simmer gently after adding the noodles, allowing the sauce to coat them beautifully as it reduces. Remember, patience is key here!
Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 8 oz ground beef
- 8 oz egg noodles or any wide noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the noodles and ground beef and another 10 minutes mixing everything together. It’s quick and perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re tender, drain them and set aside. This keeps the noodles ready to mix with the saucy beef later.
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula so it cooks evenly. This should take about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Flavors:
Now, add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet with the beef. Sauté everything for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. You’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen!
4. Create the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this delicious mixture into the skillet with the beef. Stir and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Combine with Noodles:
Carefully add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that the noodles are well coated with the flavorful sauce. Let it cook together for another 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate your Mongolian beef noodles and serve hot. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that lovely crunch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes that work well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may cook slightly quicker than ground beef.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you’d like to add more heat, consider increasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. You can also stir in some sriracha or chili paste while cooking the sauce for an extra kick!
What Should I Do if I Have Leftover Noodles?
If you have leftover noodles, store them separately from the sauce to avoid them getting mushy. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm them in the microwave or in a pan with a little bit of water.
Can I Add Vegetables?
Definitely! You can toss in some bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots while cooking the beef. This not only adds flavor but also boosts the nutritional value of the dish!
