Get ready for a tasty meal with these Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles! This dish features tender beef, savory sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles for a warm and hearty feel.
Honestly, the flavors are just so good! I love slurping up those noodles, and it feels like a hug in a bowl on a busy night. Give it a try, and you’ll see what I mean!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Udon Noodles: Udon noodles are thick and chewy, giving a delightful texture. If you can’t find them, spaghetti is a great substitute. You can also try rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
Ground Beef: I usually go for lean ground beef to keep it lighter. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat version, or even tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
Green Onions: These add a fresh crunch and mild onion flavor. If you don’t have green onions, chives or red onions can work, but use them sparingly as they have a stronger taste.
Sauces (Soy, Oyster, Hoisin): These sauces are key for flavor! If oyster sauce isn’t available, you can skip it or use extra hoisin sauce. Coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Red Pepper Flakes: Spice it up to your taste! If you prefer milder flavors, use less or substitute with a pinch of black pepper.
How Do I Cook the Perfect Ground Beef?
Getting the perfect texture for your ground beef is vital. Begin by using a large skillet or wok to prevent overcrowding. Here’s how:
- Heat the skillet on medium-high, then add vegetable oil.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Let it brown without stirring too much initially—about 5-7 minutes helps develop flavor.
- Once browned, drain excess fat if necessary before adding garlic and ginger!
These tips will help your beef brown beautifully and combine well with the noodles later on! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225 g) udon noodles (or spaghetti)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 3 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1-2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take you about 30 minutes in total—10 minutes for prepping and cooking the noodles, and 20 minutes to cook and combine everything in the skillet. A quick and delicious meal for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add the udon noodles (or spaghetti) and cook according to the package instructions. Once they’re done, drain them well and set them aside. Don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water, just in case you need to loosen up the sauce later!
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. You’ll want to cook it until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Keep the beef moving around so it cooks evenly!
3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Once the beef is browned, add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Sauté everything together for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. This will really boost the flavor of your dish!
4. Stir in the Sauces:
Next, pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. You want all the ingredients to blend together nicely.
5. Combine Noodles and Beef:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet and toss everything together gently. Make sure the noodles are well-coated with the delicious sauce.
6. Season and Garnish:
Give the noodles a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Don’t forget to stir in the chopped green onions, saving a few for garnish. You’re almost ready to serve!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Mongolian ground beef noodles hot, garnished with sesame seeds and the remaining green onions. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use Another Type of Noodle?
Absolutely! While udon noodles provide a chewy texture, you can substitute them with spaghetti, ramen, or rice noodles depending on your preference. Just adjust the cooking time as per the noodle type to ensure they are cooked perfectly.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or tofu. If you use tofu, press and cube it before cooking to achieve a nice texture. Everything else in the sauce can remain the same, just ensure your sauces are vegan-friendly!
What to Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just add a splash of water or broth in a pan and stir over low heat until warmed through. This will help prevent the noodles from becoming too dry!
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! You can reduce or completely omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor. Alternatively, if you like things spicier, consider adding fresh chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce when serving to kick up the heat!
