Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles: Sweet, Savory, and Ready in 15 Minutes!
By Jason Griffith
Craving the irresistible flavors of your favorite Asian takeout but short on time? These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodlesare your answer! This incredibly quick and satisfying dish brings together savory ground beef, tender ramen noodles, and a rich, glossy sauce infused with soy, hoisin, and a hint of sweetness and spice. It’s a flavor-packed, budget-friendly meal that comes together in just 15 minutes, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner solution!
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of meals that taste like they simmered all day but are actually lightning-fast to prepare, and these Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles fit the bill perfectly! What I absolutely adore is the way the savory ground beef absorbs all the deliciousness of that sweet and salty Mongolian sauce. The touch of sesame oil and red pepper flakes adds incredible depth and a subtle kick. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one pan (minus the noodles), which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. It’s a truly addictive dish that’s perfect for satisfying those takeout cravings in a fraction of the time!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz ramen noodles (or thin stir-fry noodles)
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or medium fat content)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (toasted sesame oil recommended)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening, forming a slurry)
Swaps and Notes
- Noodles: Ramen noodles (without the seasoning packets) are quick and convenient. You can also use thin spaghetti, linguine, lo mein, or chow mein noodles.
- Ground Beef: You can use lean or medium ground beef. Ground turkey or pork can be substituted, but the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is preferred for the best flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative.
- Hoisin Sauce: This thick, sweet-savory sauce is crucial for authentic Mongolian flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a glossy glaze. Adjust to your preferred sweetness.
- Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty aroma.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust to your preferred level of heat or omit entirely for a mild dish.
- Cornstarch Slurry: This is optional but recommended if you prefer a thicker, clingier sauce. Ensure cornstarch is mixed with cold water thoroughly before adding to the hot sauce to prevent lumps.
- Green Onions: Both the white and green parts are used; reserve the dark green tops for garnish.
- Vegetables (Optional): For a more complete meal, add some quick-cooking vegetables like thinly sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or snow peas with the ground beef.
Directions:
1. Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the 8 oz ramen noodles (discarding seasoning packets) or other thin noodles. Cook according to package instructions until al dente (cooked but still slightly firm to the bite). Drain the noodles well and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is well combined. Set this prepared sauce aside.
3. Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the 1 lb ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula, until it is completely browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4. Combine Beef and Sauce: Add the 3 cloves minced garlic to the cooked ground beef in the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the cooked beef in the skillet. Stir well to coat the beef completely. If you desire a thicker sauce, now is the time to add the cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water). Whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for 1-2 additional minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
5. Toss with Noodles: Add the cooked noodles directly into the skillet with the sauced ground beef. Using tongs, toss to combine everything, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated with the rich Mongolian sauce. Continue tossing for 1 minute to heat the noodles through.
6. Serve: Transfer the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles into serving plates or bowls. Garnish generously with chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious, quick, and satisfying meal!
Tips for Success
- Prep All Ingredients (Mise en Place): This dish comes together very quickly, so have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and the sauce mixed before you start cooking.
- Drain Excess Fat: Draining fat from the ground beef helps keep the dish from being greasy and allows the sauce to cling better.
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: Cook noodles just to al dente; they will absorb more sauce and soften slightly when tossed in the hot skillet.
- Whisk Cornstarch Slurry Well: If using, ensure cornstarch is fully dissolved in cold water before adding to the hot sauce to avoid lumps.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce before adding the noodles and adjust sweetness, saltiness, or spice to your preference.
- High Heat: Cook the beef and toss the noodles over medium-high heat to keep things hot and meld flavors quickly.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
- Side of Vegetables: Serve with a simple side of steamed broccoli, stir-fried snow peas, or a light cucumber salad for added freshness.
- Spring Rolls: Complement with some homemade or store-bought spring rolls.
- Beverages: Iced green tea, a cold beer, or sparkling water with lemon.
- For other comforting and hearty ground beef meals, check out these Chefmaniac.com favorites:
Storage and Leftover Tips
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The noodles may soften, and the sauce will thicken upon cooling.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a microwave (adding a tiny splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce) or in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for this dish, as the noodles can become mushy and the sauce may separate upon thawing and reheating.
Final Thoughts
These Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a fantastic way to bring the bold, sweet, and savory flavors of Asian cuisine to your table in record time. It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal that’s perfect for conquering those takeout cravings on any busy weeknight. Get ready to stir-fry your way to deliciousness!
What are your go-to speedy weeknight meals, or do you have a secret ingredient for quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dishes? Share your ideas and tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
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