This Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a quick and yummy meal! With tender beef, tasty noodles, and a sweet soy sauce, it’s a hit for dinner any night.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef for this recipe to reduce grease. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options like lentils or crumbled tofu work well.
Noodles: Egg noodles are fantastic, but you can swap them for any favorite pasta—rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti! Simply adjust cooking times based on the type you choose.
Soy Sauce: This is key for that tasty umami flavor. If you’re watching sodium, go for low-sodium soy sauce. Gluten-free individuals can use tamari as a great alternative.
Brown Sugar: This brings a touch of sweetness. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead if you prefer a natural sweetener or need a vegan option.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor From Ground Beef?
Getting a great flavor from the ground beef is important, and it starts with browning. Make sure to cook the beef over medium-high heat until it’s nicely browned. This caramelizes the meat and adds depth to the dish.
- Heat your skillet well before adding the beef to avoid steaming.
- Cook in small batches if your skillet is crowded; it helps get that nice color.
- Don’t forget to drain excess fat for a cleaner taste.
By following these tips, your beef will enhance the dish beautifully! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz ground beef
- 8 oz egg noodles or any preferred noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take about 25 minutes total—5 minutes for preparation and approximately 20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and easy way to put a satisfying dish on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Begin by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re done, drain them and set them aside. This will be the base of your dish!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet or wok, heat up the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing them for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. This will fill your kitchen with a lovely aroma!
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned, using a spoon to break it up as it cooks. If there’s any excess fat once it’s done, drain it off to keep the dish light.
4. Make the Sauce Mixture:
Now, stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth (or water), and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Let this simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens up slightly, getting all those delicious flavors together!
5. Combine with Noodles:
Add the cooked noodles into the skillet and toss everything together. Make sure the noodles get well coated with the sauce and are heated through. This step is key to ensuring every bite is tasty!
6. Finish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sliced green onions. This adds a nice fresh crunch! Serve your noodles right away, garnished with sesame seeds if you like. Enjoy every delicious bite of your Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles!
FAQ for Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly, as poultry cooks faster than beef.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply heat in the microwave or toss back into a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the garlic and ginger until they’re tender before adding the ground beef.
Is This Recipe Spicy?
The recipe’s heat comes from the optional red pepper flakes, so it’s adjustable! If you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the red pepper flakes, and it will still taste delicious.
