Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a dish that effortlessly brings together bold flavors, hearty textures, and an irresistible umami taste. With its rich, savory sauce and perfectly cooked noodles, this recipe has become a favorite for home cooks looking for a quick and satisfying meal. The dish is inspired by classic Mongolian beef but with a ground beef twist, making it budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and incredibly delicious.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Directions:
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and beef broth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the beef.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken it. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce coats the beef.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the noodles in the sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 425 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Origins of Mongolian Beef
While “Mongolian Beef” sounds like it hails from Mongolia, the dish actually has no direct connection to Mongolian cuisine. Instead, it is a creation of American Chinese restaurants, believed to have been popularized in Taiwan before making its way to the United States. Traditional Mongolian cuisine features hearty meats such as lamb and mutton, often cooked in simple, rustic methods.
The dish we know as Mongolian Beef is primarily stir-fried beef, coated in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. It is typically served with rice or noodles, making it a go-to option for those who love Asian-inspired flavors. This adaptation using ground beef brings a new twist to the classic dish, making it more accessible and convenient for busy households.
Why This Recipe Works
One of the main reasons Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is so popular is its simplicity. The recipe uses easily available pantry staples, yet the outcome is as satisfying as any takeout meal. Here are a few key reasons why this dish works so well:
1. Affordable and Accessible Ingredients
Ground beef is often more budget-friendly than cuts like flank steak or sirloin, which are traditionally used in Mongolian Beef recipes. Additionally, most of the sauce ingredients—such as soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic—are common in many home kitchens, making it easy to whip up without an extra trip to the store.
2. Quick and Easy to Prepare
This dish is a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you need a fast yet fulfilling meal. The entire recipe can be completed in about 25-30 minutes, with minimal prep work required. Cooking the beef, mixing the sauce, and tossing it all together with noodles is a straightforward process that even beginner cooks can master.
3. Rich, Balanced Flavor
The combination of savory soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, and aromatic ginger and garlic creates a perfect balance of flavors. The sauce thickens beautifully, coating every strand of noodle and every bite of beef, ensuring a burst of taste in every mouthful.
4. Versatile and Customizable
One of the best things about this dish is its adaptability. You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and color. If you prefer a different protein, ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu can be used instead of beef.
Tips for the Best Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
1. Use the Right Noodles
Lo mein noodles work wonderfully for this dish, as they absorb the sauce well while maintaining a slightly chewy texture. However, if you don’t have lo mein noodles on hand, spaghetti, fettuccine, or even ramen noodles can be used as a substitute. Rice noodles can also be an option if you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative.
2. Brown the Beef Properly
For the best texture, make sure to cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it browns. This helps achieve a deep, rich flavor. If there’s excess fat after cooking, drain it to prevent the sauce from becoming too greasy.
3. Balance the Sweet and Savory
The key to a great Mongolian sauce is the right balance of sweet and salty flavors. Brown sugar adds caramelized sweetness, while soy sauce and hoisin sauce bring umami depth. If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the brown sugar slightly or use honey as an alternative.
4. Don’t Skip the Ginger and Garlic
These two ingredients are essential for achieving the authentic Asian-inspired taste. Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger provide a fragrant, slightly spicy kick that enhances the dish’s overall flavor.
5. Add a Cornstarch Slurry for Thickness
To achieve a restaurant-quality sauce, a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) is added to the dish. This thickens the sauce, ensuring it clings to the noodles and beef rather than pooling at the bottom of the pan.
6. Garnish for Extra Flavor
A final touch of chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds enhances the dish’s presentation and adds a hint of freshness and nuttiness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha can also be added if you like a little heat.
Pairing Suggestions
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a satisfying meal on its own, but if you want to serve it as part of a larger feast, here are a few pairing ideas:
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with lightly steamed broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas for added texture and nutrition.
- Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: These crispy appetizers complement the soft, saucy noodles beautifully.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with a soy-vinegar dressing helps balance the richness of the dish.
- Hot and Sour Soup: A small bowl of hot and sour soup can add depth to your meal, creating a comforting dining experience.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen up the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can cause the noodles to become too soft.
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, consider prepping the sauce separately and storing it in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to cook, you can quickly brown the beef, cook the noodles, and toss everything together.
Conclusion
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a dish that delivers bold flavors, a satisfying texture, and the convenience of a quick and easy meal. With its rich sauce, tender beef, and perfectly cooked noodles, it’s a fantastic alternative to takeout that can be made right in your kitchen.
Whether you’re a fan of Asian-inspired dishes or just looking for a simple and delicious recipe to add to your meal rotation, this one is sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to customize it with your favorite ingredients!