Description: A quick and flavorful weeknight meal inspired by Mongolian cuisine, featuring savory ground beef tossed with noodles in a sweet and umami-rich sauce. This dish is easy to customize and comes together in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz ramen noodles (or any thin noodles like spaghetti, linguine, or even udon)
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 90/10 lean ground beef works well)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred to control saltiness)
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark, depending on preference)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon of fresh grated ginger (optional)
- 1/4 cup beef broth (optional but adds depth to the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar (optional, adds a nice tang)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Noodles:
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce. Once cooked, drain the noodles immediately in a colander. Rinse them briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Set aside. If using longer noodles like spaghetti or linguine, you may want to cut them into shorter, more manageable lengths for easier eating.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Add the optional crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. For a more complex flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger and/or a tablespoon of rice vinegar to the sauce. The ginger will add a warm, spicy note, while the rice vinegar will provide a pleasant tang that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and hoisin sauce. If you want to incorporate beef broth, add it now, and whisk to combine. The beef broth will enrich the sauce and add a savory depth of flavor. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar. If you want more saltiness, add a splash more soy sauce. Set the prepared sauce aside.
Step 3: Cook the Beef:
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is hot before adding the ground beef. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. It is crucial to break up the beef as finely as possible during cooking to ensure it coats evenly with the sauce later on. Use a paper towel or spoon to drain any excess fat from the skillet. Removing the excess fat will prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 4: Combine Everything:
Add the minced garlic to the cooked beef. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor to the dish. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir to coat the beef evenly. If you’d like a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. The cornstarch slurry helps to create a glossy and clingy sauce that adheres well to the noodles. If you find the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth to thin it out.
Step 5: Toss with Noodles and Serve:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. Use tongs to lift and toss the noodles, ensuring they are thoroughly coated with the savory sauce. Cook for another minute or two to heat the noodles through. Transfer to serving plates and garnish with chopped green onions. The green onions add a fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of color to the dish. Serve hot and enjoy.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy: It comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil creates a delicious sweet and savory flavor profile that is incredibly satisfying.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Add more or less crushed red pepper flakes for heat, adjust the sweetness with more or less brown sugar, or add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
- Versatile: Use any type of noodles you like, from ramen to spaghetti.
- Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is an affordable protein, making this a great option for feeding a family on a budget.
- Kid-Friendly: The sweet and savory flavor is generally appealing to children.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main course.
- Garnish with sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Add a side of steamed broccoli or other green vegetables for a complete meal.
- For extra protein, top with a fried egg.
- Serve with a side of kimchi or other pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast.
- Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for nutty flavor and texture.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the noodles. They should be slightly al dente, as they will continue to cook when tossed with the sauce.
- Drain the ground beef well to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
- Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce to your liking.
- For a thicker sauce, use a cornstarch slurry.
- For a spicier dish, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil.
- Add some grated fresh ginger for additional flavor
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion:
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a quick, easy, and delicious meal that is perfect for any weeknight. With its customizable ingredients and satisfying flavor, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So, grab your wok or skillet and give this recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed. The simplicity of the dish belies the complexity of flavor, and the fact that it can be prepared in under 20 minutes makes it an ideal choice for busy individuals and families. Enjoy the fusion of textures and tastes in every bite, and feel free to experiment with variations to make it your own signature dish. Q&A About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent substitutes for ground beef. You could also use ground pork, but be mindful of the higher fat content and ensure you drain off any excess grease after cooking. For a vegetarian option, consider using crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked through or properly heated.
Q2: I don’t have hoisin sauce. What can I use instead?
A: Hoisin sauce has a unique sweet and savory flavor, but you can substitute it with a combination of other ingredients. A good alternative is a mixture of 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of molasses or honey, and a dash of rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Mix these ingredients well to mimic the umami and sweetness of hoisin sauce. If you have any oyster sauce on hand, adding a teaspoon of that can also enhance the flavor.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the ground beef ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to eat, cook the noodles, then heat the sauce and beef in a skillet. Toss with the noodles and serve. However, it’s best to cook the noodles just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Q4: What other vegetables can I add to this dish?
A: The possibilities are endless! Sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) add a nice crunch and sweetness. Mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, or button) provide an earthy flavor. Shredded carrots, broccoli florets, snow peas, or even edamame can also be added. Stir-fry the vegetables with the ground beef before adding the sauce.
Q5: I’m on a low-sodium diet. How can I reduce the sodium in this recipe?
A: The main source of sodium in this recipe is the soy sauce. Use low-sodium soy sauce to significantly reduce the sodium content. You can also dilute the soy sauce with water or beef broth. Avoid adding any additional salt to the dish. Be mindful of other ingredients like hoisin sauce, which can also contain sodium. Reading labels and making substitutions with lower-sodium alternatives can help you control the sodium content. You can also enhance the flavor with other ingredients like fresh ginger, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.
