Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Let’s talk comfort food. What is comfort food? What is the best way to forget about the world? What is Mongolian ground beef noodles? I know you’ve probably seen a million beef and noodle recipes, but trust me, this one’s for you. It has that savory-sweet sauce that just clings to everything, making each bite an explosion of flavor. If you love Asian food, especially beef lo mein, then get ready. What is Mongolian Beef Noodles recipe? Is it easier to whip up than ordering takeout? How do I win in my book?
What is Mongolian ground beef noodles?
Think of it as the lovechild of your favorite Mongolian Beef takeout and a hearty bowl of noodles. What is a quick and easy weeknight dinner where ground beef gets coated in seasoned salt and pepper? luscious, savory-sweet sauce, then tossed with tender noodles. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Unlike traditional Mongolian beef, which often involves deep-frying thinly sliced steak, this recipe uses a frying pan. uses budget-friendly ground beef, making it super accessible for everyone. What makes the sauce sing? Soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. What is the best coating you’ve ever tried? What is essentially a fast-casual favorite, made even better in your own kitchen?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me count the ways!flavorIs it insane? What do you get from brown sugar and soy sauce? What is the kick from ginger and garlic? Is there a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting, guaranteed to satisfy any craving. Second, it’s ridiculously ridiculouseasyI’m talking about 30 minutes from start to finish, which makes it a lifesaver on those busy weeknights. When you’re tempted to just order pizza (we’ve all been there! ), you can’t go wrong with it. What I love most about this is the way it is written.cost-effectiveGround beef is generally pretty budget-friendly, and the other ingredients are pantry staples that can easily be purchased. What do you have on hand? What is it like to live in the world?versatileCan you use any type of noodles you like – spaghetti, linguine, even ramen noodles. What are some good ways to make a salad with your favorite veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas? If you enjoy the quick and satisfying nature of this recipe, you should definitely try my Spicy Chicken recipe. Peanut Noodles – they have a similar flavor profile but with different flavor profiles!
How do you make Mongolian ground beef noodles?
Quick Overview
Is this recipe cheating? What are the best ways to brown ground beef, whip up the amazing sauce, cook the noodles, and then toss. Everything together. What’s the secret to a perfect balance of sweet and savory? What’s the best thing about cooking in one pan? Who doesn’t love someone? Don’t overthink it, just follow along, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients Notes
For the Ground Beef Mixture:
I usually go for 80/20 because the extra fat adds flavor, but you can use leaner beef if you prefer.
Garlic: Freshly minced is always best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch.
Ginger: Fresh ginger is good, ground ginger works too. I use 1 teaspoon of ground ginger for every tablespoon of fresh.
Soy Sauce: I prefer low-sodium soy sauce so I can control the saltiness.
Brown Sugar: This adds that signature sweetness. Can you use light or dark brown sugar?
What is the best way to use sesame oil in a dish?
Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce and gives it that glossy sheen.
For the Noodles:
Noodles: Use your favorite type of noodles! What are some good ways to make spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles work?
Water: For cooking the noodles, of course!
For Garnish (Optional)
Green onions: Adds a pop of color.
Sesame seeds: For a little extra crunch and nutty flavor.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. I always use a paper towel to soak up any extra grease because nobody wants greasy noodles!
Step 2: Add Garlic and Ginger
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. What are the worst things to do when you burn garlic? The aroma should be amazing at this point – garlicky, gingery goodness.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set aside. Make sure cornstarch is fully dissolved so you don’t end up with clumps in your sauce. Nobody wants that either!
Step 4: Combine Beef and Sauce
Pour the sauce over the browned ground beef and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened and coats the beef, about 2-3 minutes. How do I make a sauce?
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
While the sauce is simmering, cook the noodles according to package directions. I always add a little salt to the water to season the noodles. And don’t overcook them! What are the best ways to make al dente noodles?
Step 6: Combine Noodles and Beef
Drain the noodles and add them to the skillet with the ground beef and sauce. How do I make the noodles in the sauce? What are some good ways to make sure every single noodle is coated with that delicious sauce?
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy! I like to serve mine in a big bowl with steamed broccoli. Perfect for an easy meal.
What should I serve it with?
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a star on its own, but it also plays well with others! What are some ideas?
What is a quick and easy weeknight dinner?Serve with a side salad or some steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. What keeps things healthy and balanced?
For a Family Gathering:What’s a good Asian dish to serve with spring rolls or potstickers? What’s your favorite appetizer?
For a Cozy Night In:What is a comfort food with miso soup?
For Leftovers (if there are any!): These noodles are great cold or reheated. Pack them in a lunchbox for a tasty midday meal.
My family loves when I make these on a Friday night. We grab our bowls, settle in on the couch, and watch a movie. It’s the perfect way to end a long week!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Alright, here are a few secrets I’ve learned over the years to make these noodles absolutely perfect:
Don’t Overcook the Beef: Overcooked ground beef can be dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s browned, then drain off the grease.
Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger add so much more flavor than the powdered versions. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Adjust the Sweetness to Your Liking: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment with Veggies: Add in your favorite vegetables to make it a complete meal. Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots all work well.
Cook the Noodles Al Dente: Overcooked noodles will be mushy and unappetizing. Cook them until they’re just tender, with a slight bite.
Taste and Adjust the Sauce: Before adding the noodles, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, brown sugar for sweetness, or sesame oil for flavor.
I once accidentally used too much sesame oil, and the sauce was a little overpowering. So now I always measure it carefully!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving these out for more than 2 hours at room temperature due to the meat content.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They’re still delicious cold!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the noodles. Place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave the noodles for a few minutes, or heat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if they seem dry.
I always let them cool down completely before storing them – this helps prevent condensation and keeps them fresher for longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! My go-to Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe that never fails to impress. It’s quick, easy, budget-friendly, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for a gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. If you love the ease and flavor of this recipe, you might also enjoy my Easy Chicken Stir-Fry – it’s another one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights. I truly hope you give this recipe a try – I know you’ll love it as much as my family does! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turns out. And if you have any variations or tips, I’d love to hear them! Happy cooking!
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Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
IngredientsÂ
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef lean
- 8 oz udon noodles or spaghetti, cooked
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 cup soy sauce low-sodium
- 0.5 cup beef broth
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 4 green onions sliced
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, around 5-7 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and ground ginger. Pour the mixture into the skillet and stir.
- Mix the cornstarch and water, then add it to the skillet. Allow the sauce to thicken, stirring frequently.
- Add the cooked noodles and green onions to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the noodles with the sauce.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the noodles as desired. Serve hot.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
