Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

When you need a quick dinner packed with bold flavors, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is the dish to try. This savory recipe combines tender noodles, seasoned ground beef, and a sweet-savory Mongolian-inspired sauce, all tossed together in one pan. It’s a perfect balance of umami and comfort, ready in under 30 minutes.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz noodles (spaghetti, linguine, or rice noodles)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 green onions, sliced (reserve green tops for garnish)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp minced ginger

For the Mongolian Sauce

• ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but adds depth)
• 1 tsp cornstarch, mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Garnish

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain and set aside, tossing lightly with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
3. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Prepare the Mongolian Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce (if using).
2. Pour the sauce over the cooked ground beef, stirring to coat evenly.
3. Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked noodles and shredded carrots to the skillet, tossing to combine and heat through.
2. Sprinkle with sliced green onion tops and chili flakes (if using) for extra flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Transfer the noodles to a serving platter or individual bowls.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions. Serve hot!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with steamed broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal.
• Add a fried or poached egg on top for a hearty twist.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze: Freeze the beef and sauce mixture separately for up to 2 months, and cook fresh noodles when ready to serve.

Helpful Notes

1. Noodle Options: Feel free to substitute with udon, ramen, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
2. Vegetarian Alternative: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based meat.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.
4. Extra Veggies: Stir-fry bell peppers, mushrooms, or bok choy along with the onions for added texture and flavor.
5. Adjust Sweetness: Reduce the brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet sauce.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Jet Tila: Toast sesame seeds before garnishing to release their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the dish.
• Ming Tsai: Use freshly grated ginger for a more vibrant and authentic flavor.
• Gordon Ramsay: Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice at the end to brighten the dish and balance the sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground chicken or turkey is a leaner option and works just as well in this recipe.

2. What’s the best noodle type for this dish?

Spaghetti and linguine work well, but rice noodles or lo mein are great for a more traditional feel.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

4. How can I make it spicier?

Add chili flakes, sriracha, or a dash of chili oil to the sauce for an extra kick.

5. Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Use lean ground beef, reduce the sugar, and swap regular noodles for zoodles or shirataki noodles.

6. What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?

Try using a mix of soy sauce and a bit of honey or peanut butter for a similar sweet-savory flavor.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just ensure your skillet or wok is large enough to hold the extra ingredients without overcrowding.

8. How do I keep the noodles from clumping together?

Toss them with a bit of oil after draining and stir them well when combining with the sauce.

9. What if I don’t have fresh ginger?

Use ½ tsp ground ginger as a substitute, though fresh ginger provides better flavor.

10. Can I skip the cornstarch slurry?

The slurry thickens the sauce, but you can skip it for a thinner consistency.