Craving a delicious, flavorful meal that combines tender noodles, savory ground beef, and a sweet, tangy sauce? This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is the perfect choice! It’s a quick and easy dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavors with just a few simple ingredients. With rich, umami-packed sauce coating every bite of juicy ground beef and chewy noodles, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for takeout-inspired comfort food—all made in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep!
Ingredients:
For the Noodles and Beef:
- 12 oz rice noodles (or linguine/spaghetti if preferred)
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2-3 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
For the Mongolian Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (or honey for a lighter sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional for a tangy kick)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced, or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1/2 cup water
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. If you’re using rice noodles, soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes, or boil them if using linguine or spaghetti. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat, and add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Mongolian Sauce
While the beef is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), cornstarch, and water. Make sure everything is well combined, and the cornstarch is fully dissolved to ensure the sauce thickens evenly.
Step 4: Combine the Beef and Sauce
Pour the Mongolian sauce into the skillet with the browned beef. Stir well to coat the beef in the sauce, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the sauce to cook and thicken for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should become glossy and coat the beef nicely.
Step 5: Toss with Noodles
Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Gently toss the noodles with the beef and sauce until everything is well combined and the noodles are evenly coated in the flavorful sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat, and garnish the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with freshly sliced green onions. For extra flavor, sprinkle with sesame seeds or drizzle a little more sesame oil over the top.
Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious homemade Mongolian beef noodles!
Cooking Tips and Tricks:
- Noodle Variations: While rice noodles are traditionally used in Asian-inspired dishes, feel free to use any noodles you have on hand, like spaghetti, linguine, or even udon noodles for a chewier texture.
- Add Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, bell peppers, or carrots. Stir-fry them with the beef and sauce to get a more colorful and balanced meal.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes, or drizzle some sriracha over the finished dish for an extra spicy kick.
- Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic add the best flavor to this dish, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use ground ginger and garlic powder instead. Just reduce the amounts slightly to avoid overpowering the dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 490
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 960mg
Flavor Profile:
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe brings together a blend of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. The combination of soy sauce, hoisin, and brown sugar creates a perfectly balanced sauce that is slightly sweet with a deep, rich flavor. The ground beef adds a hearty, savory element, while the noodles soak up all the sauce, making each bite full of comforting flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish is filling and satisfying on its own, but here are a few ideas for sides and pairings:
- Steamed vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, bok choy, or green beans for a fresh and healthy side.
- Egg rolls or spring rolls: For a more indulgent meal, pair the noodles with crispy egg rolls or spring rolls for a fun, textural contrast.
- Rice: If you want to bulk up the meal, serve the noodles alongside a bowl of steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.
Wine and Beverage Pairing:
- Wine: A light, fruity Pinot Noir or a crisp Riesling pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors of this dish.
- Beer: For beer lovers, a light lager or pilsner works well to balance the richness of the beef and the sweetness of the sauce.
- Non-alcoholic: Serve with a refreshing glass of iced green tea or a light sparkling water with a splash of lemon.
Seasonal Suggestions:
This dish can be enjoyed year-round, but it’s especially comforting in the cooler months when you crave something warm and hearty. In the summer, lighten it up by adding more fresh vegetables or serving it with a side of crunchy Asian cucumber salad to balance the rich flavors.
