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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently fold the previously prepared noodles into the seasoned meat mixture, ensuring each strand becomes thoroughly embraced by the flavorful sauce.
- 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