Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a tasty dish packed with flavor! With ground beef, noodles, and a mix of veggies, it’s both hearty and satisfying for a family meal.
What I love most is how quick and easy it is to whip up! Just cook everything in one pan. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something yummy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chow Mein Noodles: These are classic for this dish, but if you can’t find them, spaghetti or rice noodles can be a good alternative. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken can work well as lighter substitutes. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, try crumbled tofu or tempeh for a similar texture.
Vegetable Oil: Canola or peanut oil are great substitutes. They also have high smoke points, perfect for stir-frying.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh is best! But if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder and ground ginger can also work, just use about 1/8 teaspoon for each clove or inch.
Oyster Sauce: For a vegetarian option, you can replace it with mushroom stir-fry sauce, or you can use soy sauce if you’re in a bind.
Sesame Oil: This adds great flavor, but in a pinch, you can omit it or use a bit of olive oil for different flavor notes. Just remember, it’s a finishing oil!
How Do I Ensure the Beef is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef properly is key to this dish. Start by breaking it up well while browning. Here’s a simple approach:
- Heat the oil until it shimmers but does not smoke, then add the beef.
- Keep the heat medium-high. Stir regularly to break it into smaller pieces and help it brown evenly.
- Make sure the beef is fully browned with no pink bits left. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- If you drain excess fat, do it wisely – a bit keeps the flavors rich!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz (225 g) chow mein noodles or any stir-fry noodles
For the Beef:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
For the Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced red chili (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and another 15 minutes for cooking. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dish of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the chow mein noodles based on the instructions on the package. Once they are done, drain them and set them aside. This step is important, as we want perfectly cooked noodles that will soak up all that delicious sauce later!
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. This should take about 5-7 minutes. You want the beef to be cooked through and brown for great flavor.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Once your beef is cooked, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry these together for an additional 1-2 minutes until it smells wonderful and fragrant. This will add a lovely aroma to your dish!
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Pour this delicious sauce over your cooked beef in the skillet. Stir it all together, ensuring the meat is well-coated with the sauce.
5. Combine with Noodles:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and gently toss everything together. Make sure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and heated through. This is where everything starts to come together beautifully!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles immediately. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and optional sliced red chili for an extra kick. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Noodle?
Absolutely! While chow mein noodles are traditional, you can substitute them with any stir-fry noodles like udon, rice noodles, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodle you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have oyster sauce, replace it with an equal amount of soy sauce mixed with a teaspoon of sugar for a sweet and savory flavor. Alternatively, you can use hoisin sauce or teriyaki sauce if you have those on hand—just adjust the quantity to taste!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep the noodles from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! You can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add sliced fresh chilies for extra heat. Alternatively, a dash of sriracha or chili paste can amp up the spiciness without changing the flavor profile too much.
