Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef Recipe

Irresistible Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef Recipe

Mongolian-inspired noodles with ground beef bring a delightful twist to your dinner routine.

Savory aromas will fill your kitchen as you combine these ingredients.

Tender beef mingles with silky noodles, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Each bite promises a journey through rich, umami-packed sensations.

Colorful vegetables add crunch and vibrancy to the dish.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Mongolian Noodles With Ground Beef That Bring Big Flavor Fast

  • Quick Weeknight Warrior: Whip up this delicious Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a fast, satisfying meal.
  • Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold tastes from soy sauce, hoisin, and red pepper flakes, this dish delivers an incredible taste experience that will tantalize taste buds without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable ground beef and basic pantry ingredients, this recipe provides a restaurant-quality meal at a fraction of the cost, stretching your food budget while keeping everyone full and happy.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easily adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe your own, ensuring it becomes a flexible go-to meal that adapts to your family's preferences.

Ground Beef and Noodle Sauce in Mongolian Noodles

Main Ingredients:
  • Egg Noodles, Wheat Noodles: Provides the base for the dish, soft and chewy texture.
  • Ground Beef: Hearty protein source with rich flavor. Select lean ground beef for less grease and better texture.
Sauce Components:
  • Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami and saltiness to the dish.
  • Hoisin Sauce: Sweet and tangy sauce that gives complex flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Creates sweetness and helps sauce caramelize.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic: Provides intense aromatic base. Fresh garlic cloves recommended for best taste.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds nutty, rich Asian-style flavor. Use toasted sesame oil for deeper taste.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Brings gentle heat and spiciness. Adjust amount based on spice preference.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Green Onions: Fresh garnish with mild onion flavor. Chopped just before serving for maximum freshness.
Thickening Agent:
  • Cornstarch: Helps create smooth, glossy sauce texture. Mix with water to create slurry before adding.

How To Cook Mongolian Noodles With Ground Beef

Step 1: Boil Noodles

Select your favorite wheat or rice noodles and cook them in rapidly boiling water.

Follow package directions carefully to ensure perfect texture.

Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Craft Flavorful Sauce

Whisk together a robust sauce using:
  • Soy sauce
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Sesame oil
  • Red pepper flakes

Blend ingredients until smooth and set aside for later use.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef and break into small crumbles while cooking.

Continue cooking until meat turns completely brown and develops a rich caramelized exterior.

Carefully drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 4: Enhance Beef Flavor

Add fresh minced garlic to the browned beef.

Sauté for one minute to release aromatic flavors.

Pour prepared sauce over beef and stir thoroughly to create an even coating.

Step 5: Combine Noodles and Beef

Gently add cooked noodles into the skillet with seasoned beef.

Toss everything together until noodles are completely covered with sauce and beef is evenly distributed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer noodle mixture to serving plates.

Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, bright finish.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the mouthwatering combination of flavors.

Noodle Tips With Mongolian Beef Flavor

  • Select wheat, rice, or egg noodles based on dietary preferences or availability. Each noodle type brings a unique texture and flavor profile to the dish.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to personal heat tolerance. Start with a small amount and gradually increase for desired spiciness without overwhelming the meal.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat substitutes for varied protein options. Ensure proper cooking times for different protein sources.
  • Add minced ginger or a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce for extra complexity and brightness. These ingredients elevate the overall flavor without changing the recipe's core essence.
  • Use cornstarch slurry sparingly to prevent sauce from becoming too thick. Stir continuously while adding to achieve smooth, glossy coating on noodles and beef.

Mongolian Noodles: Reheat Without Losing Texture

  • Store leftover Mongolian noodles in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled noodles to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, ensuring they remain good for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
  • Warm noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying and restore moisture and flavor.
  • Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and maintain the dish's texture and taste.

What Complements Mongolian Noodles

  • Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Choose a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir that complements the savory beef without overpowering the delicate noodle flavors.
  • Quick Refreshing Drink Match: Select an ice-cold Asian beer such as Tsingtao or Sapporo to cut through the richness of the ground beef and balance the sauce's tangy sweetness.
  • Perfect Vegetable Companion: Serve alongside crisp cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing to add a cool, bright contrast to the warm, spicy noodle dish.
  • Textural Side Suggestion: Add quick-pickled radishes or kimchi for a crunchy, tangy element that enhances the meal's overall flavor profile and provides a zesty counterpoint to the beef.

Bold Flavors in Mongolian Beef Noodle Styles

  • Gluten-Free Noodle Swap: Replace wheat noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Protein Option: Substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based meat alternatives for a meatless version that maintains protein content.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta to reduce carbohydrate intake and add extra vegetables to the meal.
  • Spicy Korean-Inspired Upgrade: Incorporate gochujang sauce instead of red pepper flakes for a deeper, more complex heat profile and authentic Korean flavor kick.

FAQs

  • Are these noodles truly Mongolian?

While inspired by flavors, this dish is more of an American-Chinese restaurant creation rather than an authentic Mongolian recipe. The name comes from the bold, robust sauce style popular in Mongolian-style cooking.

  • Can I use different types of noodles?

Absolutely! While traditional recipes use specific noodles, you can substitute with egg noodles, udon, ramen, or even spaghetti. Just ensure they’re cooked al dente for the best texture.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes provide a mild heat level. You can easily adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste preference.

  • Do I need any special cooking equipment?

No special equipment is required. A standard large skillet or wok and basic kitchen utensils are sufficient to prepare this delicious noodle dish.

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Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef Recipe

Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Mongolian noodles dance with savory ground beef in this quick, flavor-packed dish that brings Asian street food directly to your kitchen. Spicy, tangy sauce coats perfectly tender noodles, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) ramen noodles (or any thin noodles)

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Aromatics and Garnish:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a generous pot of boiling water and immerse the noodles, cooking them until they reach a tender yet firm consistency. Carefully drain and set aside, allowing them to rest.
  2. Create a vibrant sauce by whisking together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a compact mixing bowl. Let the flavors meld while preparing the other components.
  3. Ignite a large skillet over medium-high heat, introducing the ground beef to the searing surface. Methodically break down the meat using a wooden utensil, ensuring even browning and thorough cooking. Eliminate any accumulated excess fat.
  4. Introduce minced garlic to the cooked beef, allowing it to sizzle and release its aromatic essence for approximately one minute. Cascade the prepared sauce over the meat, stirring meticulously to achieve complete coating.
  5. For those desiring a more robust sauce consistency, incorporate the cornstarch mixture, continuing to cook and stir until the sauce thickens and develops a glossy sheen.
  6. Gently fold the previously prepared noodles into the seasoned meat mixture, ensuring each strand becomes thoroughly embraced by the flavorful sauce.
  7. Transfer the completed dish to elegant serving plates, adorning the surface with a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions. Present immediately while the dish maintains its optimal temperature and textural integrity.

Notes

  • Transform noodle texture by slightly undercooking them before final tossing, ensuring a perfect al dente bite when mixed with hot beef sauce.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter, healthier protein alternatives that maintain the dish’s rich flavor profile.
  • Create deeper umami depth by adding a splash of rice wine or mirin during beef cooking stage, enhancing overall sauce complexity.
  • Control spice levels easily by adjusting red pepper flakes quantity, allowing customization for different heat preferences without compromising the recipe’s fundamental taste.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mongolian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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