Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
This Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles recipe is a delightful combination of flavors that makes for a quick and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests, this dish features tender ground beef enveloped in a sweet and savory sauce, complemented by garlic and ginger. The noodles soak up the rich flavors, creating a well-balanced meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic nights.
- Flavorful Sauce: The unique blend of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and spices creates a rich and savory taste that elevates the dish.
- Versatile Dish: Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles can be paired with various sides or enjoyed on their own, making it suitable for any occasion.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its delicious flavors, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Customizable: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin cooking, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Cooking spoon
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Pot for boiling noodles
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A non-stick skillet helps prevent the ground beef from sticking and allows for easy stirring.
- Whisk: This tool is essential for combining cornstarch with water smoothly to create a slurry.
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Noodles
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine noodles
For Thickening the Sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
For Garnish
- 4 green onions (sliced)
How to Make Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, which should take about 5 minutes. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add minced garlic and grated ginger to infuse flavor.
Step 2: Boil the Noodles
While the beef is cooking, boil water in a pot. Add linguine or fettuccine noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain them and set aside.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients for Sauce
After draining excess fat from the cooked beef, add brown sugar, low-sodium beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir everything well to combine.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the beef mixture in the skillet. Bring everything to a simmer until thickened; this should take about 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Toss Noodles with Sauce
Add the drained noodles into the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss everything together so that the noodles are evenly coated in the flavorful sauce. Let it sit for another 2–3 minutes so that the noodles absorb all those delicious flavors.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles hot, garnished with sliced green onions on top for an added crunch.
Enjoy this easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week!
How to Serve Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles make for a delicious meal that can be served in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Cilantro: Adds a fresh and vibrant flavor.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle for a nutty crunch.
Pair with a Side Salad
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy salad with a sesame dressing complements the noodles well.
- Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, offering a nice contrast to the rich flavors.
Serve with Additional Sauces
- Chili Oil: Drizzle for an extra kick of heat.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds sweetness and depth, perfect for dipping.
Top with Protein
- Shredded Chicken: For those wanting additional protein on their plate.
- Tofu Cubes: A great vegetarian option that absorbs the sauce well.
How to Perfect Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
To achieve the best texture and flavor in your Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles, follow these simple tips.
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opting for lean beef reduces grease and enhances the dish’s overall texture.
- Cook Noodles Al Dente: This helps them hold up better against the sauce without becoming mushy.
- Let Flavors Marinate: Allow the cooked noodles to sit in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb more flavor.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you enjoy heat, increase red pepper flakes or serve with chili oil on the side.
Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
Pairing your Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles with delightful side dishes can elevate your meal even further. Here are some excellent options:
- Steamed Broccoli: A nutritious choice that balances the richness of the noodles.
- Fried Rice: Offers a hearty addition that complements Asian flavors perfectly.
- Egg Rolls: Crunchy and savory, egg rolls make for a fun appetizer.
- Spring Rolls: Light and fresh, filled with veggies or shrimp for added variety.
- Miso Soup: A warm broth that adds warmth and umami to your meal.
- Pickled Vegetables: Provides a tangy contrast, enhancing overall flavor dynamics.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles can be easy, but some common mistakes can ruin the dish. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the garlic and ginger: These ingredients add essential flavor. Make sure to add them at the right time during cooking.
- Overcooking the noodles: Cooking them too long can lead to mushy noodles. Follow package instructions for al dente results.
- Not draining excess fat: Leaving excess fat in the skillet can make your dish greasy. Always drain before adding sauces.
- Ignoring the sauce balance: The right balance of ingredients is key for flavor. Measure carefully to avoid overpowering sweetness or saltiness.
- Rushing the simmering step: Allowing the sauce to thicken properly enhances the texture and flavor. Don’t skip or rush this step.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
- Use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- Best enjoyed within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread noodles on a baking tray and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water if needed and stir frequently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles:
What type of noodles should I use for Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles?
Any Asian-style noodles like linguine or fettuccine work well, but traditional options include egg noodles or rice noodles.
Can I customize Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots to make it more nutritious and colorful.
How spicy are Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles?
The spice level depends on whether you include red pepper flakes. Adjust according to your preference for heat!
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Its savory flavors and easy preparation make it versatile—feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. Give this tasty dish a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender ground beef with flavorful sauces, garlic, and ginger. Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining friends. The noodles soak up the rich, sweet, and savory sauce, creating a well-balanced dish that appeals to everyone. With customizable options for added vegetables and proteins, you can make this dish your own while enjoying its comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine noodles
- 4 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef (approximately 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and grated ginger in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Boil water in a pot and cook noodles as per package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet and mix in brown sugar, beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Combine cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry and add it to the skillet mixture. Simmer until thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
- Toss noodles into the skillet with the beef mixture until evenly coated. Let sit for an additional 2–3 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
