Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a fun and tasty dish! With savory ground beef, colorful veggies, and hearty noodles, it’s a meal that hits the spot.
I love how quick it is to make, which is perfect for busy nights. Plus, the flavors are so good, it’s hard not to go back for seconds! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: I love using lo mein noodles for their chewiness, but you can easily substitute spaghetti or any other pasta you have on hand. Rice noodles also work great if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.
Ground Beef: While beef provides a nice depth of flavor, you can swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative if you’re aiming for a lighter dish or a vegetarian version.
Green Onions: These add a fresh crunch. If you don’t have them, try using chopped chives or shallots instead. They provide a similar freshness and mild onion flavor.
Oyster Sauce: This adds a unique umami taste. If you can’t find it, soy sauce with a dash of sugar makes a decent substitute, although it won’t have the same depth.
Brown Sugar: If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses for a similar flavor. Honey or maple syrup can also work in a pinch.
How Do You Make the Meat and Sauce Flavorful?
Getting the right flavor in your beef and sauce requires a bit of technique. When you cook the ground beef, it’s important to break it apart well to ensure even cooking. Here’s how I suggest you do it:
- Use medium-high heat to char the beef a little as it cooks; it adds flavor.
- When you add garlic and ginger, make sure to stir quickly. They burn easily and can taste bitter if overcooked.
- After adding the sauces and brown sugar, allow them to bubble a bit before adding the cornstarch mixture. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Finally, toss the cooked noodles in well so they soak up all those delicious flavors!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz noodles (such as lo mein or spaghetti)
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy and tasty dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the noodles and about 20 minutes preparing the beef and sauce. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner and delicious enough to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once they are done, drain them and set them aside for later.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat up the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until it is nicely browned and cooked through.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Once the beef is browned, add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until you can smell the wonderful aroma!
4. Mix in the Green Onions:
Add the chopped green onions to the skillet (remember to save some for garnish). Stir and cook for another minute to soften them slightly.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Pour in the cornstarch mixture. Stir everything well and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce is nice and thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Combine with Noodles:
Finally, add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together until the noodles are well coated with the delicious sauce.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot, garnished with tasty sesame seeds and the remaining chopped green onions. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Noodle?
Absolutely! While lo mein and spaghetti work great, feel free to use any noodles you prefer, such as udon, rice noodles, or even zoodles for a low-carb option. Just adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type to ensure they’re cooked perfectly.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you’re looking to change up the protein, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat can be great alternatives. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly, as leaner meats may require less cooking time than beef.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm them in the skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the noodles seem dry, add a splash of water or broth for moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the beef mixture and cook the noodles in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to eat, simply combine and heat on the stove or microwave, adjusting seasonings to taste.
