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Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

A flavorful dish combining tender beef, savory sauce, and noodles with a balance of sweet and spicy notes. Perfectly customizable, this recipe allows you to adjust ingredients like noodles, vegetables, and spice levels to suit your taste.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4 people
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet or wok For cooking beef and stir-frying ingredients.
  • 1 Measuring Cups/Spoons Ensures accurate portions of sauces, spices, and liquids.
  • 1 Wooden spoon or spatula For stirring noodles and sauce consistently.
  • 1 Colander To drain cooked noodles without making them soggy.
  • 1 Mixing Bowls For preparing sauce and organizing ingredients.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Ground beef or sliced beef Lean ground beef or thinly sliced flank steak works well.
  • 8 oz Noodles (udon, linguini, etc.) Cook according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
  • 1/4 cup Soy sauce Low-sodium recommended for dietary flexibility.
  • 2 tbsp Hoisin sauce Adds sweetness and depth.
  • 2 tbsp Brown sugar Balances the savory flavors.
  • 1 tbsp Sesame oil For stir-frying and flavor enhancement.
  • 1 Garlic clove (minced) Boosts aromatic complexity.
  • 1 Ginger (minced) Adds zesty warmth.
  • 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes Adjust for heat preference.
  • 1/4 cup Beef broth For creating the sauce base.
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch Mixed with water to thicken the sauce.
  • 1 cup Bean sprouts Adds crunch and freshness.

Optional

  • Sambal oelek or cayenne For extra spice.
  • Garnish Green onions (chopped) For color and freshness.

Instructions
 

Prepare Ingredients :

  • Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Mince garlic and ginger. Chop green onions for garnish.

Make Sauce :

  • In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water). Set aside.

Cook Beef :

  • Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned (about 5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.

Stir-Fry Aromatics :

  • In the same skillet, add minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Combine Ingredients :

  • Return beef to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir continuously until the sauce thickens (2–3 minutes).

Add Vegetables and Noodles :

  • Stir in cooked noodles and bean sprouts. Toss everything together until heated through.

Garnish and Serve :

  • Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot with optional sides like steamed rice or sautéed vegetables.

Notes

    • Customization: Swap noodles with udon, linguini, or spaghetti for different textures. Add sambal oelek or cayenne for extra spice.
    • Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth.
    • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
    • Yes! Thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs work well as a substitute.
     
  2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
    • Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure hoisin sauce is gluten-free. Choose gluten-free noodles.
     
  3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
    • Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
     
  4. Can I freeze this dish?
    • Freeze sauce and beef separately from noodles to prevent sogginess. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
     
  5. How do I thicken the sauce?
    • Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir into the sauce during cooking.
 

Tips & Tricks

  • Flavor Enhancement: Add a drizzle of sesame oil at the end for extra aroma.
  • Texture Contrast: Include bean sprouts or shredded carrots for added crunch.
  • Wine Pairing: Serve with a light white wine like Riesling or Pinot Gris to complement the dish.
 

Presentation Tips

  • Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color.
  • Serving Style: Serve in a large bowl with chopsticks for an authentic touch. Pair with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Beverage Pairings: Offer sparkling water with citrus or chilled dry sherry for non-alcoholic options.
Keyword Customizable Recipe, Mongolian Beef, Noodles, Quick Dinner