Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an excellent choice for weeknight meals.
- Flavorful Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, hoisin, and ginger creates a deliciously balanced and savory dish.
- Versatile: You can customize the spice level and add veggies to suit your taste.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Kid-Approved: A family favorite that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 8 oz (225g) linguine or spaghetti noodles
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup (60ml) hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup (60ml) beef broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and ginger to the beef, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Sauce and Beef: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the beef. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Mix in Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly with the beef and sauce mixture. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Transfer to serving plates and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy hot!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Include broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for added texture and nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha for more heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Swap Protein: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the noodles from drying out. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
FAQs
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Toss the cooked noodles with a small amount of oil after draining to prevent them from clumping.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the beef in advance. Store them separately and combine with freshly cooked noodles when ready to serve.
What type of noodles work best for this recipe?
Linguine, spaghetti, or ramen noodles all work well. Choose what you have on hand or prefer.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium?
Yes, but the dish may be saltier. Adjust by reducing the soy sauce slightly or diluting it with water.
Is hoisin sauce necessary?
Hoisin sauce adds a unique sweetness and depth, but you can substitute it with oyster sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and honey.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Can I freeze Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
Freezing is not recommended as the noodles may become mushy upon reheating.
How do I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
Reduce or increase the brown sugar according to your taste preferences.
What can I serve with this dish?
Pair it with a simple side salad, steamed dumplings, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the ingredients.
Conclusion
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a versatile and satisfying recipe that’s perfect for quick dinners or meal prep. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your home. Give it a try and enjoy a takeout-inspired meal in the comfort of your kitchen!
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a quick and flavorful recipe featuring tender noodles, savory ground beef, and a rich, umami-packed sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or takeout-style comfort food at home, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 8 oz (225g) linguine or spaghetti noodles
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup (60ml) hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup (60ml) beef broth
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Boil salted water and cook noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat.
- Add Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Combine Sauce and Beef: Stir the sauce into the beef and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Mix in Noodles: Toss cooked noodles with the beef and sauce mixture, cooking for 2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
- Add Veggies: Broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers can be added for extra nutrition.
- Adjust Sweetness: Modify the brown sugar amount based on your preference.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired