Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a tasty dish that brings together savory beef, tender noodles, and colorful veggies. It’s a quick and filling meal, perfect for busy weeknights!
You can whip this up in no time, and it always hits the spot. I love adding extra soy sauce for a little zing. You know what they say, more sauce, more fun! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lo Mein Noodles: These are a great choice for this dish, but if you can’t find them, spaghetti works too! You can also use rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is commonly used for a healthier option, but ground turkey or chicken can be good substitutes as well. You can even use plant-based ground meat if you prefer a vegetarian dish.
Green Onions: These add a fresh crunch. If you’re out, chives or regular onions can be used, but reduce the amount as they are stronger in flavor.
Sauces (Soy, Oyster, Hoisin): For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. If you can’t find oyster sauce, a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar can work in a pinch.
Sesame Oil: This adds a lovely nuttiness, but if you don’t have any, you can use olive oil. It won’t be the same, but it will still taste good!
How Do I Make Sure My Meat is Cooked Evenly and Tastes Great?
Cooking the ground beef properly is essential for flavor. Start by heating your skillet or wok to medium-high heat. Make sure to break the meat apart as it cooks; this helps it brown evenly.
- Sauté the beef for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned. This browning adds great flavor.
- Add garlic and ginger after the beef to let their flavors blend in but be careful not to burn them, as they can turn bitter.
This technique ensures your beef is cooked through, tender, and packed with flavor, setting a good base for the rest of the dish!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
For the Sauce and Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 green onions, chopped (with some reserved for garnish)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1-2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, so you’ll have your delicious Mongolian ground beef noodles ready in about 35 minutes! Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re nice and tender, drain them and set them aside for now. This will be the base of your dish!
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the hot skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is browned all the way through.
3. Add Flavor:
Now, it’s time to amp up the flavor! Toss in the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet with the beef. Cook everything together for another minute until you can smell that wonderful aroma filling your kitchen!
4. Mix in the Sauces:
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well combined and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken a bit. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
5. Combine the Noodles:
Add the cooked noodles back into the skillet. Toss everything together, making sure all the noodles are nicely coated with the flavorful sauce and beef mixture. It’s coming together beautifully!
6. Finish with Sesame Oil:
Drizzle the sesame oil over the noodle mix and toss it again. This adds a lovely nutty flavor to the dish that you’ll love!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove your skillet from the heat and garnish your dish with the reserved chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve your Mongolian ground beef noodles hot and enjoy this delightful meal!
Can I Substitute the Lo Mein Noodles?
Absolutely! If you can’t find lo mein noodles, spaghetti or even rice noodles work well as substitutes. Just be sure to cook them according to the package instructions, as cooking times may vary.
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for a substitute, ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative will work nicely! Just adjust the cooking time as needed, as some may cook faster than beef.
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can cook the beef and prepare the sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the beef mixture, cook the noodles, and combine everything together!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to help steam the noodles and keep them moist.
