Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a tasty blend of flavors that combine tender beef, colorful veggies, and soft noodles all in one dish. It’s quick to make and super satisfying!
Trust me, it’s hard to stop at just one plate! I love how it comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Udong noodles are thick and chewy, perfect for this dish. If you can’t find them, egg noodles are a great alternative. You can even use spaghetti or rice noodles in a pinch!
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is my choice, providing good flavor without too much grease. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken. You could also use tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Sauces: Soy sauce brings depth to the dish. If you’re looking for a reduced sodium intake, go for low-sodium soy sauce. Hoisin sauce adds sweetness and richness; if you don’t have it, a mix of soy sauce and honey can work well. The oyster sauce is optional, but it enhances flavor. Consider using mushroom sauce as a vegetarian substitute.
Garnishes: Green onions add freshness and crunch. If you’re out of green onions, chopped cilantro or fresh herbs can be a nice touch. Don’t skip the sesame seeds though, they add a delightful nutty flavor!
How Do I Cook the Perfect Noodles?
Getting your noodles just right can be a bit tricky. Here’s how to ensure they come out perfect:
- Boil water in a large pot and add a bit of salt. This ensures flavor gets infused into the noodles.
- Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions. Stir them occasionally so they don’t stick together.
- Once cooked, drain them but don’t rinse; you want some starch left to help the sauce stick!
- Set them aside while you prepare the rest of the dish, so they’re ready to soak up all those delicious flavors!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz. udon noodles or egg noodles
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
For the Sauces:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes roughly 25 minutes in total. You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and 15 minutes to cook everything. Fast and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the udon noodles or egg noodles according to the package instructions. Make sure to drain them well when they are done, and set them aside for later.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks, browning it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s no longer pink and cooked through.
3. Add Flavor with Garlic and Ginger:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet with the beef. Stir them in and cook for about 1 minute until they smell amazing.
4. Mix in the Sauces:
Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), brown sugar, and sesame oil. Mix everything well so that the beef is nicely coated with the flavorful sauces.
5. Combine with Noodles:
Now, add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the sauce and heated through. It shouldn’t take long!
6. Finish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped green onions. Taste your dish and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnishing each portion with extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that finishing touch. Enjoy!
Can I Use a Different Type of Noodle?
Absolutely! If you can’t find udon or egg noodles, you can substitute with rice noodles, spaghetti, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Just be sure to cook them according to their package instructions for the best results!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.
Can I Make This Recipe with Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can! Ground turkey or chicken is a great lean alternative. Just cook them in the same way as the beef, but be mindful that they may require slightly less cooking time. Aim for a light golden brown color to avoid dryness.
What Can I Use Instead of Hoisin Sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce on hand, you can make a simple substitute by mixing equal parts soy sauce and honey or brown sugar with a dash of rice vinegar. This will mimic the sweet and savory flavor of hoisin while still allowing your noodles to shine!
