Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish. You can use lean ground beef for less fat. If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too.

Noodles: Egg noodles give a nice texture, but feel free to use rice noodles or whole wheat pasta for a healthier choice.

Soy Sauce: A must for that umami flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead. Low-sodium soy sauce is a great alternative if you want less salt.

Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the soy sauce’s saltiness. If you’re sugar-free, try using honey or a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit to sweeten the sauce.

Vegetables: Green onions and carrots not only add color but also crunch. You can easily swap in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli—whatever you have on hand!

How Do I Get the Beef Nice and Brown Without Overcooking It?

Getting the beef to brown nicely while keeping it tender is key. Here’s how to do it right:

• Start with a hot pan to ensure the beef sears properly.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan! If you’re using a lot of beef, cook it in batches.
• Let it cook without stirring too much. Give it time to develop that golden-brown crust before flipping.
• Drain any excess fat after browning, which will enhance the flavor of the dish.

Follow these tips for perfectly browned beef that adds taste and texture to your noodles!

Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 8 oz ground beef
• 8 oz egg noodles or your preferred noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water or beef broth
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This dish takes about 20 minutes in total! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the ground beef and noodles, and about 10 minutes to let everything combine and soak up the flavorful sauce. Perfect for a quick meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Noodles:

Start by cooking the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re done, drain them and set them aside. This will ensure they’re ready to soak up all the delicious sauce later on.

2. Heat the Oil:

In a large pan or skillet, pour in the vegetable oil and set the heat to medium-high. Let the oil heat up, but don’t let it smoke!

3. Brown the Beef:

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper, and cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. Remember to break the beef apart with a spatula as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain it to keep your dish lighter.

4. Add Flavor:

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes. This will make your kitchen smell amazing!

5. Make the Sauce:

Now, pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and water (or beef broth), along with the red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Mix everything well, and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes so the flavors can come together.

6. Mix in the Veggies:

Throw in the shredded carrots and chopped green onions, stirring them into the sauce. This adds color, texture, and nutrition to your dish!

7. Combine with Noodles:

Now it’s time to add the cooked noodles to the pan. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the beef and sauce mixture.

8. Finish Cooking:

Allow the mixture to cook together for another 2 minutes. This lets the noodles soak in some extra flavor from the sauce.

9. Serve and Enjoy:

Dish up your flavorful Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot! You can sprinkle some sesame seeds on top if you like. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Bon appétit! 😋

FAQ about Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. If you choose a leaner meat, just be mindful of cooking times to avoid drying it out!

What Noodles Can I Use Instead of Egg Noodles?

If you’re looking for alternatives, rice noodles, whole wheat pasta, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option work well! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?

Yes! If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sliced fresh chilies. For a different flavor, a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce can also spice things up!

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce’s consistency if needed.