When I first came across Mongolian ground beef noodles, I was drawn to its simplicity and balance. It’s a dish that blends savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors, making it a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
The combination of ground beef, soy-based sauce, and noodles creates a rich, hearty dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
What I enjoy most about this recipe is its adaptability. With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can make something that feels special yet unpretentious. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough to share with friends or family.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 8 oz Noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or rice noodles)
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Ground Ginger
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 1/4 cup Hoisin Sauce
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 2 tbsp Cold Water
- 2-3 Green Onions, sliced (optional)
- Sesame Oil or Avocado Oil for cooking
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper. In another bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic and ground ginger to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Sauce and Beef: Pour the soy sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef. Stir well to combine.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Add Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated.
- Season and Serve: Season with additional soy sauce or pepper if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve hot.
Optional Additions
- Red Bell Peppers, Broccoli, or Zucchini can be added to the skillet with garlic for extra flavor and nutrients.
- For a spicy kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Use coconut aminos or tamari as a substitute for soy sauce if needed.
This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted based on your preferences for spice and sweetness. Enjoy!
About The Noodles..
You can use different types of noodles for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles. Here are some options:
- Rice Noodles: These are commonly used in gluten-free versions and provide a light, silky texture.
- Lo Mein or Spaghetti: These noodles work well if you prefer a more traditional pasta feel.
- Udon Noodles: Thicker and chewier, udon noodles can add a hearty texture to the dish.
- Linguine or Fettuccine: These can be used as alternatives to lo mein or spaghetti for a slightly different texture.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles can be a great substitute.
- Cassava Spaghetti: This is another gluten-free option that can mimic traditional pasta.
Choose the noodle type based on your dietary preferences and the texture you prefer.
What can be substitute for hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce or prefer not to use it, there are several alternatives you can try:
- Plum Sauce: Plum sauce is a common substitute for hoisin sauce due to its similar sweet and tangy flavor profile. You can adjust it by adding soy sauce or honey to taste.
- Teriyaki Sauce: Teriyaki sauce can be used as a substitute, especially if you add a bit of peanut butter to thicken it and match the texture of hoisin sauce.
- Barbecue Sauce: Mixing barbecue sauce with molasses and soy sauce can create a sweet and savory substitute for hoisin sauce.
- Soy Sauce: While soy sauce is thinner and less sweet than hoisin sauce, it can be used in a pinch. You might want to add some sugar or honey to match the sweetness of hoisin sauce.
- Miso Paste: Miso paste adds a savory umami flavor but is thicker and less sweet than hoisin sauce. You can add sugar or honey to balance the flavor.
- Black Bean Sauce: This can be used with added sugar or honey to match the sweetness of hoisin sauce.
- Homemade Mixtures: You can also create your own hoisin sauce substitutes by combining ingredients like bean paste, brown sugar, garlic, and prunes.
These alternatives allow you to customize the flavor to your liking and dietary needs.
More Tips
Here are some tips on how to make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles spicier, add vegetables, and store leftovers:
Making it Spicier
- Increase Red Pepper Flakes: Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle them on top of the dish before serving. Start with small increments to adjust the heat level to your taste.
- Use Hot Sauce: Add a few dashes of hot sauce like sriracha or hot chili oil to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Spicy Peppers: Sauté diced jalapeños or serrano peppers with the garlic and ginger for added heat.
Adding Vegetables
- Bell Peppers: Green, red, or yellow bell peppers add a crunchy texture and sweetness. Sauté them with garlic and ginger.
- Broccoli: Quickly stir-fry broccoli florets with the garlic and ginger for a nutritious and flavorful addition.
- Zucchini: Thinly slice zucchini and sauté it with the aromatics for a light and refreshing twist.
- Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms can be added to the skillet with the beef for an earthy flavor.
Storing Leftovers
- Cool Quickly: Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
- Airtight Containers: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you plan to store leftovers for longer, consider freezing them. Place the cooled noodles in airtight containers or freezer bags and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently when needed.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a skillet or microwave until hot and steaming. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of water or broth to thin it out.
These tips will help you customize the dish to your taste and ensure safe storage of leftovers.
