This Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles dish is a quick and tasty meal! It features tender noodles mixed with flavorful ground beef, soy sauce, and crunchy veggies.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for seconds! I love how this dish comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Serve it up with some fresh green onions on top. It adds a nice pop of flavor! Trust me, this yummy bowl will become a favorite in your home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: For this dish, lo mein works best, but you can easily swap in spaghetti or egg noodles if that’s what you have. Both will give you a nice texture!
Ground Beef: While I love using ground beef for its rich flavor, you can switch this for ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu if you’re going for a meatless option.
Sauces: Soy sauce is essential here, but if you need a gluten-free version, opt for tamari. Hoisin sauce adds sweetness and depth; however, if you don’t have it, a mix of soy sauce and some sugar can do in a pinch!
Vegetables: Bell peppers and carrots are wonderful, but feel free to use whatever veggies you like or need to use up. Broccoli, snow peas, or even zucchini work great!
How Do You Get the Perfect Flavor When Stir-Frying?
Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick cooking. Here’s how to get great flavors:
- Start by heating your oil until it shimmers before adding garlic and ginger. This releases their essential oils.
- Cook the ground beef until it’s well browned; don’t overcrowd the pan, or it won’t sear properly.
- Keep your veggies crisp by not cooking them for too long. They should be tender yet still have a bit of crunch.
- When you add your sauce, let it cook for a minute or two to allow the flavors to come together before tossing with the noodles.
Just remember, keep everything moving in the pan for even cooking and to prevent burning! Enjoy your delicious meal!
Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225g) noodles (e.g., lo mein, spaghetti, or egg noodles)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red or green)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Needed:
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of cooking time, totaling about 25 minutes. It’s the perfect quick meal for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Begin by cooking the noodles as per the package instructions until they are al dente. Once done, drain them and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and oyster sauce (if you’re using it). Set this sauce mixture aside as well.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat, making sure it’s hot enough for the next step!
4. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot skillet. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until they smell wonderful and fragrant.
5. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it out.
6. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Now, toss in the sliced onion, bell peppers, and shredded carrots. Stir-fry these for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender yet still a bit crunchy.
7. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and veggies, stirring well to combine. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add in the crushed red pepper flakes, and let everything cook together for another 2 minutes.
8. Add the Noodles:
Now it’s time to add the cooked noodles! Gently toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce and combined with the beef and veggies.
9. Season to Taste:
Give your dish a taste and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Serve your Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot and enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles are traditional, you can substitute with spaghetti, egg noodles, or even rice noodles. Just follow the cooking instructions for whichever type you choose!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in a pan and add the cooked noodles and sauce. It’s a quick way to whip up dinner!
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
This recipe is very flexible with veggies. In addition to bell peppers and carrots, you can add broccoli, snap peas, or even bok choy. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand for added nutrition and flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep the noodles from drying out.
