These Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a tasty mix of chewy noodles and flavorful beef. The sauce is sweet and a little spicy, making every bite exciting!
Honestly, I whip this up whenever I need a quick dinner that still feels special. It takes no time, and the leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day—if there are any left! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Udon noodles are perfect for this recipe because they are thick and chewy, which pairs well with the beef. You can also use spaghetti or any other pasta you have on hand if needed. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Ground Beef: I like using beef for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken will work too. You can also use plant-based ground meat if you want a vegetarian version.
Soy Sauce: This ingredient adds that deep umami flavor. If you want a gluten-free option, look for tamari or coconut aminos. Low-sodium soy sauce is also a good choice if you’re watching your salt intake.
Brown Sugar: It balances out the saltiness from the soy sauce. If you prefer, honey or maple syrup can be used as a substitute. Just adjust the amount a bit since they may be sweeter.
How Do I Make My Noodles Stick to the Sauce?
Getting the noodles to cling to the sauce is all about cooking and combining them properly. Here’s how you do it:
- Make sure your noodles are cooked al dente. Overcooked noodles can become mushy.
- Add the noodles to the beef and sauce mixture while they’re still hot. This helps them absorb flavors.
- Toss gently but thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
When you let everything simmer together for a minute or two, the sauce thickens slightly, making it cling even better! Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning according to your taste as you mix everything together.
Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz noodles (udon or thick spaghetti)
For the Beef Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Garnish:
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 30 minutes in total. You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep everything and another 20 minutes to cook the dish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add the noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once they’re done, drain the noodles and set them aside for later.
2. Prepare the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
3. Add Aromatics:
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté these for 1-2 minutes until they smell amazing and fragrant. Be careful not to let them burn!
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Whisk these together until the sugar has dissolved completely. This sauce will bring sweetness and depth to your dish.
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken a little bit.
6. Add the Noodles:
Now, carefully add the drained noodles to the skillet. Toss them gently with the beef and sauce until the noodles are fully coated. Make sure every bite will be delicious!
7. Finish with Green Onions:
Stir in the sliced green onions and sprinkle in red chili flakes if you like some heat. Mix everything gently for a minute.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the noodles to plates or a serving dish. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and extra green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Dig in and enjoy your delightful meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef adds a rich flavor, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like lentils or soy crumbles for a vegetarian option. Just ensure to adjust cooking times as necessary!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like heat, consider adding more red chili flakes or a dash of sriracha or chili oil to the sauce. You can also toss in some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to bring up the spice level as you mix in the noodles!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the noodles in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to help moisten them if they seem dry. You can also reheat in the microwave with a little water for a quick fix!
Can I Prep This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the noodles and the beef sauce ahead of time. Store each component separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat both and combine them right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
