If you are craving a comforting and flavorful meal that comes together quickly without skimping on deliciousness, the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is a must-have in your cooking repertoire. This dish marries tender ground beef with savory, sweet, and slightly spicy sauces, all tossed with perfectly cooked noodles for a satisfying bite every time. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy bold Asian-inspired flavors right at home, promising a feast that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe, the ingredients are refreshingly simple yet each plays an essential role in building the layered flavors and varying textures that make this dish truly special. From the tender ground beef to the mix of sauces and aromatics, every element contributes to that signature balance of savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich goodness.
- 8 ounces noodles: Lo mein or ramen noodles work beautifully here for their perfect chew and ability to soak up sauce.
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose lean to keep it hearty yet not greasy.
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil: A neutral oil that withstands high heat for browning the beef.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a pungent, aromatic kick that is foundational in Asian cuisine.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced): Brings a bright, warming freshness that complements the beef.
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended): Provides the salty, savory base for the sauce while controlling salt levels.
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet, tangy dimension with subtle spice and richness.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the savory ingredients with a touch of caramelized sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Enriches the dish with deep, complex umami flavors.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat boost for those who like a little spice.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, creating a glossy, clingy coating on the noodles and beef.
- 2 tablespoons water: Combined with cornstarch to make a slurry for smooth thickening without lumps.
- 3 green onions (sliced plus extra): Inject freshness and a mild crunch, both mixed in and as garnish.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds: Toasted for a nutty finish and pretty presentation on top.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking your preferred noodles according to the package instructions—lo mein or ramen noodles are excellent choices here. Once they’re tender yet springy, drain them well and set aside so they’re ready to soak up all the luscious sauce later. This simple base sets the stage for the flavorful beef and sauce mix.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add your ground beef. Let it cook without stirring for a minute to get a good sear, then break it apart and continue cooking until it’s fully browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it to keep the dish balanced and not greasy.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for just about a minute until you can smell their fragrant aroma perfuming the pan. These ingredients add layers of warmth and zest that perfectly complement the beef.
Step 4: Make and Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and red pepper flakes. This combination delivers salty, sweet, and umami-packed flavors that marry beautifully. Pour this sauce over the cooked beef, stirring to distribute it evenly throughout.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry, then stir it into the beef and sauce mixture. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy coating that clings tantalizingly to every piece of beef.
Step 6: Combine Noodles and Beef
Now it’s time to bring everything together—toss in your drained noodles and stir thoroughly to coat them in that rich, flavorful sauce. Make sure the noodles heat through and soak up every bit of that delicious mixture.
Step 7: Add Green Onions and Final Taste
Stir in most of the sliced green onions for a fresh crunch and mildly sharp bite, then taste your creation and adjust the seasoning as needed. This is your moment to make the dish perfectly balanced, whether adding a pinch more soy sauce or a dash of heat.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Finally, transfer the noodles to serving bowls and sprinkle with sesame seeds and some extra green onions. This simple finishing touch adds a lovely nutty aroma and visual appeal that make the dish as inviting as its wonderful flavors.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds are classic choices to garnish these noodles. They add brightness and a delightful nutty crunch, creating a layered sensory experience that elevates each forkful of your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crisp steamed or stir-fried vegetables, like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas, to introduce refreshing contrasts. A light Asian cucumber salad or quick pickled carrots also provide a crisp, tangy counterpoint that complements the richness of the beef and sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the noodles in a large, shallow bowl with extra garnishes on the side for everyone to customize. Alternatively, portion it into individual bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg for extra richness or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for additional crunch, making your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe not only delicious but visually exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover noodles in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This recipe holds up well, though the noodles might firm up a bit, simply loosen them with a splash of water when reheating.
Freezing
While this dish can be frozen, it’s best eaten fresh to keep the noodles from becoming mushy. If you need to freeze it, cool completely and pack tightly in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stove in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or broth to loosen the sauce as you warm it. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until heated through. Avoid overheating to maintain texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative that works well with the savory sauce, though you may want to add a little extra seasoning as turkey can be milder in flavor.
What type of noodles work best for this recipe?
Lo mein and ramen noodles are ideal due to their chewy texture and ability to soak up the sauce, but you can experiment with udon or even spaghetti in a pinch.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for diced mushrooms or crumbled tofu and use vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce alone to keep that rich umami flavor while making it meat-free.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a subtle kick without overpowering the dish, but you can easily omit or increase the amount depending on your spice preference.
Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
You can cook the noodles and prepare the sauce mixture in advance, then quickly cook the beef and combine everything when ready to serve for a super speedy meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely heartwarming about the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe that makes it a go-to for weeknight dinners or whenever you want a meal that feels both quick and special. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do, because the balance of flavors and ease of preparation make it an absolute winner every time you plate it. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
Print
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender noodles tossed with savory ground beef cooked in a rich sauce of soy, hoisin, oyster sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe combines sweet, salty, and umami flavors with a hint of heat and a fresh garnish of green onions and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 ounces noodles (use lo mein or ramen noodles)
Beef and Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef (lean)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (for deeper umami)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)
Garnishes
- 3 green onions (sliced plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the noodles according to package instructions until tender. Drain thoroughly and set them aside to prevent clumping and keep ready for combining with the beef.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook it for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the pan if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and fresh ginger directly into the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and red pepper flakes to create a savory and slightly sweet sauce. Pour this mixture over the cooked beef in the skillet.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry made by combining cornstarch and water. Cook the mixture in the skillet for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and coats the beef nicely.
- Toss Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained noodles into the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss everything well together so the noodles are fully coated and heated through evenly.
- Add Green Onions: Stir in the sliced green onions to incorporate a fresh, mild onion flavor. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the noodles and beef mixture to serving bowls. Garnish with extra sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added texture and a nutty finish.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and calories.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control salt levels in the dish.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based protein or mushrooms, and omit oyster sauce.
- Red pepper flakes are optional; adjust them to control the spice level.
- Ensure you cook noodles just until tender but not mushy for best texture.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
