Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a warm, flavorful dish that combines tender beef, soft noodles, and a mix of yummy veggies. It’s a meal that comes together in one bowl!
This dish is so easy to make that you’ll be wondering why you didn’t try it sooner! Perfect for a cozy night in or a fun dinner with friends. Plus, I love how the flavors come together—simply fantastic!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Wide rice noodles give a lovely texture, but you can easily swap them for spaghetti or any pasta you like. I once used whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier twist—it worked great!
Ground Beef: While ground beef is standard, feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. I’ve also tried lentils for a vegetarian version, and it turned out delicious!
Vegetable Oil: Any neutral oil works, like canola or grapeseed. I prefer sesame oil because it adds a nice depth of flavor, but it’s best used in moderation due to its strong taste.
Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce: If you need gluten-free, opt for tamari instead of soy sauce. For a vegan recipe, skip the oyster sauce or use a mushroom-based substitute that mimics the same umami flavor.
Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar or maple syrup can replace brown sugar well. I love using coconut sugar for its slight caramel flavor!
How Do I Get the Ground Beef Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking ground beef might seem straightforward, but getting it just right is key. Aim for perfectly browned meat that locks in flavor. Here’s how:
- Use medium-high heat to ensure quick cooking without steaming the beef.
- Spread the ground beef evenly in the skillet, letting it rest for a minute before stirring. This allows for browning.
- Break it apart with a spatula, but not too much initially—let it develop a nice color first!
- Remember to drain excess fat if you’re using fatty beef, but leave a bit for flavor!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz wide rice noodles or spaghetti
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For Garnish:
- 3 green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will require about 15 minutes of preparation and cooking time. It’s quick, straightforward, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Begin by cooking the wide rice noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once they are cooked, drain them in a colander and set aside. Make sure they are not too soft, as they will cook a bit more when added to the beef later.
2. Prepare the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently and breaking it apart with a spatula until it is nicely browned. This gives the dish great flavor!
3. Add Aromatics:
Once the beef is browned, add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until you can smell their wonderful aroma and they become fragrant. This step is important to enhance the flavor of your dish!
4. Mix in the Sauces:
Now, pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Stir everything together well, making sure each piece of beef is nicely coated in the sauce. This will add a rich, savory flavor to your noodles.
5. Combine with Noodles:
Next, gently add the cooked noodles to the beef mixture in the skillet. Toss everything together to make sure the noodles are heated through and coated with the delicious sauce. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
6. Add Green Onions:
Stir in the sliced green onions and taste your dish, adding salt and pepper according to your preference. The green onions bring a fresh crunch that complements the dish perfectly!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are ready! Serve the noodles warm in bowls, garnished with additional sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that nice touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Noodle?
Absolutely! While wide rice noodles or spaghetti are recommended, you can substitute with any noodle of your choice, such as udon, egg noodles, or even whole wheat pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you want a lighter option, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as leaner meats may require less time to brown.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the noodles from drying out.
