Quick Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Sizzling Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe for Dinner Magic

Mongolian ground beef noodles dance with bold, savory flavors that will instantly spark your culinary curiosity.

Every bite promises a delightful mix of tender meat and silky noodles.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become exciting with this simple yet remarkable dish.

Home cooks can easily master these delectable noodles without complex techniques.

Authentic ingredients blend seamlessly to create a meal that feels both comforting and adventurous.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of salty, slightly sweet, and umami notes.

Jump into this recipe and let your taste buds explore a world of delicious possibilities.

FAQs

  • What's the origin of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?

The dish is actually an American-Chinese creation, not authentically Mongolian. It was likely developed in Chinese-American restaurants to appeal to Western tastes.

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey work great as substitutes if you want a leaner protein option for this recipe.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

No, the recipe is savory and slightly sweet from the brown sugar and hoisin sauce. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce.

  • How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce, gluten-free hoisin sauce, and substitute the regular noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free pasta to create a celiac-friendly version.

What Makes Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles So Irresistible

What Makes Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles So Irresistible
  • Speed Up Weeknight Dinners: Prepare a delicious meal in just a few simple steps with minimal kitchen effort and quick cooking techniques.
  • Satisfy Comfort Food Cravings: Enjoy a hearty, flavorful dish that combines savory ground beef with perfectly seasoned noodles for a crowd-pleasing meal.
  • Customize for Every Palate: Easily adjust spice levels, swap noodle types, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours and keep everyone happy.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Create a restaurant-quality meal at home using affordable ingredients that stretch to feed the whole family without breaking the bank.

Key Components in Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful protein that forms the base of this Mongolian-inspired dish.
Noodles:
  • Egg Noodles, Spaghetti: Provides a delicious and satisfying base for the savory beef sauce.
Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Adds depth and fragrant notes to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce: Delivers a rich, umami flavor that is essential to the Mongolian-style sauce.
  • Brown Sugar: Brings a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.
  • Hoisin Sauce: Contributes a complex, slightly sweet and tangy flavor to the sauce.
  • Ground Ginger: Provides a warm, spicy undertone typical of Asian-inspired cuisines.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and subtle spiciness to the dish.
Thickening Agent:
  • Cornstarch: Helps to create a smooth and glossy sauce with the perfect consistency.
Cooking Fat:
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking in the skillet.
Garnish:
  • Green Onions, Sesame Seeds, Fresh Cilantro: Adds fresh flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the final dish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Step-by-Step Guide to Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Step 1: Boil Delectable Noodles

Cook egg noodles or spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside, keeping them ready for the upcoming flavor explosion.

Step 2: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until perfectly browned, breaking it into delightful small pieces.

Step 3: Enhance With Aromatics

Toss in chopped onions and cook until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds, releasing its enticing fragrance.

Step 4: Create Magical Sauce

Combine the following ingredients in a mixing bowl:
  • Soy sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Ground ginger
  • Black pepper

Pour the vibrant sauce into the skillet and mix thoroughly with the beef.

Step 5: Thicken The Sauce

Introduce cornstarch slurry and stir continuously until the sauce transforms into a glossy, thick consistency, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Marry Noodles And Beef

Add cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing until every strand is generously coated with the rich sauce. Fold in sliced green onions for a fresh kick.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds, extra green onions, and fresh cilantro on top. Serve piping hot and enjoy your culinary masterpiece.

Expert Advice to Elevate Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

  • Swap regular noodles with zucchini noodles or rice noodles for a gluten-free or lower-carb alternative.
  • Enhance flavor by marinating ground beef in soy sauce and garlic for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
  • Prevent sauce from becoming too runny by adding cornstarch slurry gradually and stirring constantly.
  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
  • Prepare extra sauce and store separately for a quick meal prep option that stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Flavorful Twists to Explore with Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

  • Gluten-Free Mongolian Beef Noodles: Replace spaghetti with rice noodles or zucchini noodles. Use tamari instead of soy sauce to maintain gluten-free requirements.
  • Substitute ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based ground meat alternative. Keep seasoning ingredients the same for authentic flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Mongolian Beef Option: Swap traditional noodles with spiralized daikon radish or cauliflower rice. Reduce brown sugar or use sugar substitute to lower carbohydrate content.
  • Asian-Fusion Ground Turkey Noodles: Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey. Add sriracha sauce for extra heat and complexity. Maintain original sauce ingredients for consistent taste experience.

Pairing Ideas to Complement Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

  • Cozy Family Feast: Gather loved ones around the table and serve this hearty noodle dish with steamed rice for extra comfort and satisfaction.
  • Quick Lunch Boost: Pack the noodles in a sealed container for a delicious midday meal that reheats perfectly and keeps you energized through work or school.
  • Asian-Inspired Platter: Create a vibrant spread by adding crispy vegetable spring rolls, pickled cucumber salad, and a small side of kimchi to complement the rich beef noodles.
  • Spice Lover's Delight: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha sauce over the noodles for an extra kick that transforms the dish into a zesty flavor adventure.

Keeping Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Fresh and Tasty

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish separate from garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions.
  • Transfer cooled noodles to a shallow, sealed container to help them cool quickly and preserve texture.
  • When reheating, use the stovetop method for best results and to prevent noodles from becoming mushy.
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Quick Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Quick Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe


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4.6 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory Mongolian ground beef noodles blend rich flavors from traditional Asian cuisine with modern comfort. Hearty protein and silky noodles create a satisfying meal that you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Carbohydrates:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) egg noodles or spaghetti

Seasonings and Sauces:

  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Garnish:

  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare noodles according to package directions, then drain and set aside, ensuring they remain at room temperature.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add ground beef and cook until deeply browned, breaking into small crumbles.
  3. Incorporate chopped onions and sauté until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes, then introduce minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
  4. Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, and black pepper in a separate mixing bowl, creating a robust marinade.
  5. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to coat the beef mixture evenly and allow flavors to meld.
  6. Create a cornstarch slurry and slowly integrate into the skillet, continuously stirring until the sauce reaches a glossy, thickened consistency within 2-3 minutes.
  7. Gently fold cooked noodles into the beef mixture, ensuring complete and uniform sauce coverage throughout the dish.
  8. Sprinkle sliced green onions into the skillet, providing a fresh, crisp element to the final preparation.
  9. Transfer to serving plates and garnish with additional green onions, sesame seeds, and optional fresh cilantro for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Swap noodles with gluten-free alternatives like rice noodles or zucchini noodles for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Create a lighter version by using lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce overall fat content.
  • Enhance protein content by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for a more nutritious meal.
  • Control sodium levels by using low-sodium soy sauce and reducing added salt for heart-healthy eating.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 577 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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