Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles For Quick Dinner

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Noodles: I love using spaghetti for this dish, but udon noodles work wonderfully too! If you’re gluten-free, try rice noodles instead; they will soak up those flavors nicely.

Ground beef: Lean ground beef gives great flavor. You can swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Plant-based ground beef is a fantastic choice for a vegetarian twist!

Soy sauce: I stick to a low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos or tamari are excellent alternatives for a similar taste.

Sesame oil: This adds a delicious nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use peanut oil or olive oil, but the taste won’t be quite the same.

Brown sugar: I love using brown sugar for its rich sweetness. For a healthier option, maple syrup or honey will work, but you’ll need to adjust the amount for sweetness.

How Do I Make My Ground Beef Flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of ground beef, cooking it with garlic and ginger is key. Here’s how I do it:

• First, heat your oil well before adding the beef so it browns nicely.
• When adding garlic and ginger, cook for about 1-2 minutes until they are fragrant. This step adds an amazing aroma!
• Let the beef cook fully and break it apart with a spoon. You want those nice browned bits for flavor.
• Finally, don’t rush the sauce; let it simmer until it thickens a bit—this really brings everything together!

With these tips, you’ll have juicy, flavorful ground beef that makes this dish shine!

Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles For Quick Dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For The Noodles:

• 8 ounces spaghetti or udon noodles

For The Beef Mixture:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For The Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Topping:

• 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious meal takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 10-15 minutes to cook. Overall, you should be able to have everything ready in 30 minutes or less—perfect for a quick dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Noodles:

Start by boiling water in a pot. Once it’s boiling, add your spaghetti or udon noodles. Cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente, then drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Ground Beef:

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add Flavor:

Now, toss in the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the sliced green onions into the skillet. Stir it all together and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until you start smelling that delicious fragrance.

4. Make the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy). Pour this mixture into the skillet with the beef. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

5. Combine Everything:

Add the drained noodles to the skillet. Toss it all together gently, ensuring that the noodles are evenly coated with the beef and sauce mixture. This is where the flavors meld together perfectly!

6. Final Touches:

Drizzle the sesame oil over the noodle dish and mix well. Then garnish with the green parts of the green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for some extra crunch.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Your easy Mongolian ground beef noodles are now ready to serve! Dish them out while they’re hot and enjoy a quick, satisfying dinner!

FAQ

Can I Use Other Noodles for This Recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti and udon noodles are great choices, you can also use rice noodles, ramen, or even whole wheat pasta. Just follow the cooking instructions for your chosen noodles!

How Can I Store Leftover Mongolian Noodles?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to keep them moist.

Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the beef mixture and sauce in advance, then store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, cook the noodles and combine everything. This will save you time on busy nights!

What Can I Use Instead of Brown Sugar?

If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can substitute it with white sugar or honey, adjusting the amount to taste. For a healthier option, try using maple syrup or coconut sugar!