Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a quick and tasty meal! With tender beef, flavorful veggies, and noodles tossed in a yummy sauce, it’s a winner for dinner.
This dish is super easy to make, perfect for busy nights. I love how the sauce makes everything come together, and it’s a fun way to enjoy a big bowl of noodles. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lo Mein Noodles: Lo mein noodles are a classic choice, but you can use any thin egg noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch. I like using fresh noodles when I can find them, as they offer a chewier texture.
Ground Beef: While ground beef is traditional, you can swap it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat if you’re looking for a lighter option. All will give a delicious flavor!
Vegetable Oil: This oil helps to cook the beef, but you can substitute it with canola or peanut oil for a different taste. Peanut oil works especially well for high-heat cooking.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative, but keep an eye on the flavor balance in your dish.
Oyster Sauce: If you’re not a fan of seafood or need a vegetarian alternative, try using hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar for sweetness.
Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a lot of depth; just remember a little goes a long way. If you don’t have it, a light drizzle of olive oil can work too, but the flavor profile will be different.
How Do You Cook Ground Beef Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef to perfection is vital for this dish. You want it to be nicely browned and crumbly, not too greasy or mushy. Follow these simple steps:
- Start with a hot skillet over medium-high heat. This helps the beef to sear well.
- Add the ground beef in a single layer, let it cook for a minute or two before stirring. This browning adds flavor!
- Break it apart with a spatula and keep cooking until there is no pink left, around 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat if there’s too much, but leaving a little helps enhance the flavor.
Taking these steps will ensure your ground beef is flavorful and contributes well to your noodles!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodle Base:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or any thin egg noodles)
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 green onions, chopped (whites and greens separated)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mongolian ground beef noodles recipe takes about 20-25 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the noodles and around 15 minutes preparing the beef and sauce. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by boiling a pot of water according to the package instructions for the lo mein noodles. Once the water is boiling, add the noodles and cook them until they’re tender, usually about 4-6 minutes. When they’re done, drain them in a colander and set them aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, using a spatula to break it apart, until it’s well browned and no longer pink.
3. Add Aromatics:
Next, add the chopped white parts of the green onions, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the skillet with the beef. Sauté everything together for about 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously until it smells delicious and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if you’d like some heat). Pour this tasty sauce over the cooked ground beef in the skillet, stirring to combine.
5. Combine with Noodles:
Now it’s time to add the cooked noodles! Toss the noodles into the skillet with the beef and sauce, mixing everything together so the noodles get coated in that yummy sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Turn off the heat and garnish your dish with the green parts of the chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This adds a nice touch and a bit of crunch!
7. Enjoy:
Your Mongolian ground beef noodles are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them hot and dig in. Bon appétit!
Can I Use a Different Type of Noodle?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are preferred for their texture, you can substitute them with other thin egg noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type you choose and ensure they are cooked before adding them to the dish.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you’re looking to make a healthier or different version, ground turkey or chicken works well in this recipe! Alternatively, you can use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as leaner meats may cook faster.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Mongolian ground beef noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it for a couple of minutes or warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent sticking.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. Just sauté them with the beef after it’s browned for a delicious and nutritious boost. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they remain crisp-tender.
