Description: A quick, flavorful, and satisfying one-pan meal featuring savory ground beef and tender noodles coated in a sweet and umami-rich sauce. This recipe is easily customizable to your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 400 g (about 14 oz) ground beef
- 250 g (about 9 oz) noodles (ramen or udon)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated (optional but highly recommended)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water – optional for thickening)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Optional: sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, or chopped vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, etc.)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Be sure to check the cooking time on your noodle package to ensure they don’t overcook. Overcooked noodles will become mushy and unpleasant to eat. Slightly undercooking them is better, as they will continue to cook a bit when added to the sauce. Once cooked, drain the noodles well and set them aside. A quick rinse under cold water can help prevent them from sticking together.
Step 2: Prepare the sauce by combining the soy sauce, brown sugar, and water in a mixing bowl. Stir well until the brown sugar is fully dissolved. If you are using the cornstarch slurry for thickening, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water in a separate small bowl until smooth. This prevents lumps from forming when you add it to the hot sauce. Add the cornstarch slurry to the soy sauce mixture and stir to combine. Set the sauce aside.
Step 3: In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Sesame oil adds a distinct nutty flavor that is crucial to this dish. Ensure the oil is shimmering hot before adding the ground beef. This will help the beef brown properly and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Step 4: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon or spatula to break the beef apart into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook until the beef is fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease to prevent the dish from becoming too oily. Removing the excess grease will also enhance the flavors of the sauce.
Step 5: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using) to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma of garlic and ginger will fill your kitchen, signaling that the next step is near.
Step 6: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef, garlic, and ginger. Stir well to ensure that the beef is evenly coated in the sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened. If you omitted the cornstarch slurry, the sauce will still reduce and thicken slightly as it simmers.
Step 7: Add the cooked noodles to the pan with the beef and sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated and heated through. Use tongs or two spoons to gently toss the noodles and beef mixture, ensuring that the noodles are evenly distributed and coated in the delicious sauce.
Step 8: Garnish the Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. The green onions add a fresh, vibrant flavor, while the sesame seeds provide a subtle crunch and nutty aroma. If you like a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to your taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why you will love this recipe:
This Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes. The combination of savory ground beef, tender noodles, and a sweet and umami-rich sauce is simply irresistible. It’s a family-friendly dish that even picky eaters will enjoy. The recipe is also highly adaptable; you can easily adjust the level of sweetness, spiciness, and add-ins to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in the fridge.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef hot, straight from the skillet. It’s a complete meal on its own, but you can also pair it with a simple side dish such as:
- Steamed broccoli or green beans for added nutrients and color.
- A crisp cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the noodles.
- Egg rolls or spring rolls for an Asian-inspired appetizer.
- Kimchi for a spicy and fermented kick.
Tips:
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content of the dish.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your desired level of sweetness.
- For a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
- Add vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or snow peas for extra nutrients and flavor.
- If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving, may vary based on specific ingredients and portion size)
- Calories: 550-650
- Protein: 30-40g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg
Conclusion
Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef is a fantastic dish that offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. It’s simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner yet satisfying enough to become a family favorite. Its customizable nature means you can adapt it to your taste and dietary needs, making it a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress.
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While ramen or udon noodles are traditionally used, you can substitute them with other types of noodles such as spaghetti, linguine, egg noodles, or even rice noodles. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the type of noodle you use.
Q2: Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes, it is! To make it vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative such as crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a vegetarian ground beef substitute. To make it vegan, ensure that the noodles you use are egg-free and substitute the soy sauce with tamari if you are concerned about gluten.
Q3: How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
A: Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this recipe. You can add sliced carrots, bell peppers, snow peas, broccoli florets, or spinach to the skillet along with the garlic and ginger. Cook the vegetables until they are tender-crisp before adding the sauce.
Q4: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can prepare some components of this recipe ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights. The sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also cook the ground beef and store it separately. When you’re ready to assemble the dish, simply reheat the beef and sauce, cook the noodles, and combine everything together.
Q5: What if I don’t have brown sugar? Can I use another type of sweetener?
A: Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with other sweeteners, although the flavor will be slightly different. White sugar, honey, maple syrup, or even coconut sugar can be used as alternatives. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste until you achieve your desired level of sweetness.
