Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a quick and tasty dish! It features flavorful ground beef mixed with tender noodles, veggies, and a savory sauce that brings everything together.
This dish is perfect for those busy nights when you still want something yummy. I love how easy it is to whip up, and it usually disappears fast—everyone loves it! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Noodles: These are perfect for the dish, but if you don’t have them, spaghetti works just fine. You can also use rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
Ground Beef: I like to use lean ground beef, but turkey or ground chicken could be good alternatives for a lighter meal. Just keep in mind the fat content may slightly change the flavor.
Green Onions: These add freshness; if you don’t have them, chopped regular onions can be used instead, though the flavor will be different. Shallots also work well.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos. If you want less sodium, look for low-sodium soy sauce.
Sriracha: If you prefer less heat, you can skip it, or substitute with a dash of red pepper flakes—just a pinch will do!
Sesame Oil: This gives a lovely nutty flavor. If you’re out, canola or vegetable oil can substitute it, but you’ll miss a bit of that unique taste.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Ground Beef?
Cooking ground beef can be tricky if you’re new to it, but here are some easy steps. Making sure it’s perfectly browned adds great flavor to your dish!
- Use medium heat to prevent burning. Let the skillet heat up before adding the beef.
- Break the beef apart with your spatula. The smaller the pieces, the better they cook evenly.
- Let it sit without stirring for a minute to get nice browning before turning it.
- Always drain any excess fat after cooking to keep your dish from becoming greasy.
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz egg noodles (or spaghetti)
For the Beef Mix:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- Additional green onions, if desired
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the noodles and prepping the ingredients, and another 10 minutes for the beef and sauce. A quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the egg noodles following the package instructions. Once done, drain them and set them aside for later. They should be nice and fluffy, just waiting for that tasty sauce!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring them for about 30 seconds until they smell amazing and fragrant. This is the perfect way to kick off the flavors!
3. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to your skillet. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula, for about 5-7 minutes until browned. Make sure to drain any excess fat so your dish stays nice and delicious without being too greasy.
4. Combine the Sauce:
Now it’s time to add the flavor! Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, sriracha (if you like it spicy), and water. Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Toss in the Noodles:
Add your cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together to combine. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes—this gives the noodles a chance to absorb all that flavorful sauce.
6. Final Touches:
Season your delicious noodles with salt and pepper to taste. Then, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped green onions for a fresh crunch.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the noodles hot and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a little extra flair. You can add more green onions on top for an extra pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your delightful meal!
Can I Use Another Type of Noodle?
Absolutely! If you don’t have egg noodles, spaghetti works just fine, or you can opt for rice noodles for a gluten-free version. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary, so check for doneness as you go!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like a bit more heat, you can increase the amount of sriracha or add a dash of red pepper flakes. You could also try using a spicy soy sauce or chili oil for an extra kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, or warm it up on the stove with a splash of water to regain some moisture.
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Yes, using ground turkey or chicken is a great way to lighten the dish! The cooking time will be similar, just ensure that it’s cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
