If you’re craving something savory, satisfying, and packed with flavor, this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner. Imagine tender ground beef cooked with garlic and ginger, brought to life by a rich, slightly sweet soy-hoisin sauce, and tossed with your favorite noodles for a meal that’s both hearty and comforting. It’s simple to make, yet downright addictive, perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without fussing over complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe are straightforward, but each one plays an essential role in building its dynamic flavor and texture. From the savory ground beef to the fragrant ginger and the tangy, slightly sweet sauce, these basics come together to make something truly special.
- Ground beef (1 lb): The hearty protein base that adds richness and body to the dish.
- Noodles (8 oz): Spaghetti or rice noodles both work great; they soak up the sauce perfectly.
- Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): For browning the beef and mellowing the garlic and ginger without burning.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Brings warm, aromatic depth that enhances the beef’s flavor.
- Fresh ginger, grated (1 tbsp): Adds a bright, zesty note that brightens the dish beautifully.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): The salty umami base that provides the signature Mongolian flavor.
- Hoisin sauce (2 tbsp): A sweet and tangy addition that complements the soy sauce perfectly.
- Brown sugar (2 tbsp): Balances the saltiness with subtle sweetness for a luscious sauce.
- Water (1/2 cup): Helps create the sauce’s perfect consistency without overpowering the flavors.
- Cornstarch (1 tsp, optional): Whisked into water to thicken the sauce if you prefer it a bit more clingy to the noodles.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): For a little kick if you like a hint of heat in your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe.
- Green onions, chopped (2): Fresh garnish that adds a crisp, oniony brightness.
- Sesame seeds: A toasty finish that adds a delightful crunch and nuttiness.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions. Whether you choose spaghetti or rice noodles, make sure to drain them well once they’re tender but still have a bit of chew. Setting them aside keeps them ready to soak up all that amazing sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. This step builds a savory foundation full of rich, caramelized flavors that make the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Once the beef is cooked through, toss in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until you can smell that wonderful, fragrant aroma filling your kitchen. This step boosts the depth and brightness of the dish, making it feel fresh and vibrant.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and water. If you’re going for a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little water separately before adding it in. This combination creates the uniquely balanced sauce that’s sweet, salty, and perfectly saucy.
Step 5: Combine the Sauce with Beef
Pour the sauce over your browned beef and stir it all together. Let it come to a gentle simmer so that the sauce thickens slightly, coating the beef in a glossy, flavorful glaze. This simmering time is where the magic happens, as all those flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Toss in the Noodles
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss well. Make sure every strand is coated in that luscious sauce, so each bite is packed with flavor. This step transforms the dish from a tasty beef skillet to a complete, comforting meal.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you want that subtle heat, then top with chopped green onions and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve these Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot and watch how quickly they disappear!
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds add not only color but also texture and a burst of brightness that complements the savory noodles beautifully. For a little extra flair, sprinkle some crushed peanuts or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil right before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple vegetable sides like steamed bok choy, sautéed snap peas, or a light Asian-inspired cucumber salad. These fresh elements balance the richness of the noodles and add a refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles in individual bowls for a cozy family-style dinner or plate it on warmed, decorative plates with garnishes artistically scattered for a more polished look when entertaining guests. Adding a side of pickled vegetables can add a pop of acidity that cuts through the sauce’s richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles might soak up more sauce as they sit, so you may want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen things up.
Freezing
While Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftover portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain the best texture when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent the noodles from drying out and to keep the sauce silky and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work well, though the flavor will be slightly lighter. Just follow the same cooking steps and adjust seasoning if needed.
What type of noodles work best for this recipe?
Spaghetti or rice noodles are both great options. Spaghetti gives a sturdier bite, while rice noodles offer a more delicate texture that absorbs the sauce nicely.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, just swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian hoisin and soy sauces. It won’t have the exact same richness but will still be delicious and comforting.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or snap peas stir-fried along with the garlic and ginger make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.
How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that warms the palate without overpowering the dish. You can adjust the amount or skip them to keep it milder.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that feels both familiar and exciting, this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is a winner every time. It’s packed with bold flavors, textures that satisfy, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation!
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Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender ground beef cooked with garlic and ginger in a savory soy-hoisin sauce, served over perfectly cooked noodles. This easy recipe combines Asian-inspired flavors with a touch of sweetness and optional heat, garnished with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for a satisfying meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Noodles and Garnish
- 8 oz noodles (spaghetti or rice noodles work well)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet with the beef. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and aromatic.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and water. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry and add it to this sauce mixture.
- Combine Sauce and Beef: Pour the sauce over the cooked beef in the skillet. Stir well to coat all the beef evenly. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop flavor.
- Add Noodles: Add the cooked noodles directly to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss everything together carefully to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle with optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, then garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm and enjoy your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles!
Notes
- Use spaghetti noodles if rice noodles are unavailable; both work well.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and brown sugar to taste for saltiness and sweetness.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional but helps thicken the sauce for a richer coating.
- Add red pepper flakes according to preferred spice level or omit for mild flavor.
- For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
