Mongolian ground beef noodles bring together the richness of savory beef and tender noodles in a mouthwatering dish that satisfies. This globally inspired meal has gained popularity for its delightful flavors and easy preparation. If you’re looking to add a quick yet delicious meal option to your weeknight dinner rotation, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
Why We Love This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
This dish shines thanks to its balance of delicious flavors and textures. The tender ground beef cooks quickly and absorbs vibrant seasonings, while the noodles provide a comforting base. You also get to enjoy an array of vegetables that add freshness and color, contributing nutritional value to your plate. The combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes captures your taste buds and makes it a delightful meal for all ages. Plus, it takes minimal time to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The recipe’s flexibility allows you to customize it with ingredients you love, ensuring it becomes a favorite in your household.
Ingredients for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
- 8 ounces of egg noodles or rice noodles
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Directions
Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and set them aside.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. Cook until browned through, about 5-7 minutes.
Sprinkle in the sliced onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until they soften.
Toss in the broccoli and carrot. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet crisp.
Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Gently toss the noodles with the beef and vegetables until evenly coated in the sauce.
Remove from heat and mix in the chopped green onions.
Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds.
How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Mongolian ground beef noodles make a fantastic main course that can stand alone, but you can enhance your meal by serving it with complementary sides. Consider a light salad with fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette to add some crunch and freshness to your dining experience. You might also include a small bowl of steamed edamame to provide a protein boost and a pleasant pop to the palate. For those who enjoy an extra touch of flavor, a side of egg rolls or spring rolls can create a lovely fusion atmosphere. Present the dish in pre-warmed bowls to keep it warm longer and to elevate your dining experience. Don’t forget to provide chopsticks and forks to accommodate your guests’ preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy this flavorful creation comfortably.
Expert Tips for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
To truly master Mongolian ground beef noodles, consider a few expert tips. First, ensure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This will streamline your cooking process, making it swift and efficient. For an even richer flavor, consider using freshly minced garlic and ginger, as they bring a more aromatic quality to the dish than their powdered counterparts. If you want extra texture, you can experiment with different vegetables based on the season or what’s in your refrigerator—snow peas and mushrooms complement the dish beautifully. Cooking the beef at high heat ensures a nice sear, which locks in the delicious flavors. If you are a fan of spice, feel free to increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or incorporate a touch of chili oil. Lastly, presentation matters, so take time to arrange the noodles and beef mix attractively on the plate, finishing with a sprinkle of green onion and sesame seeds for that polished touch.
How to Store Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Proper storage of your Mongolian ground beef noodles helps maintain their tasty flavors and textures. Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. This will prevent moisture buildup and potential spoilage. You can keep the dish in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, use a microwave-safe container, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out, and microwave for a few minutes, stirring halfway for even heating. If you need to store it longer, consider freezing. Place the cooled noodles in a freezer-safe container, and they can last for up to three months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove for the best results.
Variations of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
One of the greatest aspects of Mongolian ground beef noodles is their versatility. You can play around with different ingredients to achieve unique flavors. If you prefer a lighter option, consider using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. For a vegetarian twist, swap the meat for textured vegetable protein (TVP) or firm tofu, absorbing flavors beautifully. Incorporating different noodles can also change the dish’s character; try using udon or soba noodles for a different texture. Additionally, you might swap the soy sauce for tamari for a gluten-free version. Consider adding sugar snap peas or sliced zucchini for a fresh crunch and bright color. For a bit more warmth, include a handful of bean sprouts or a drizzle of spicy chili sauce. These variations allow you to get creative while keeping the essence of the dish intact, ensuring it caters to everyone’s tastes.
FAQ about Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
What are Mongolian ground beef noodles made of?
Mongolian ground beef noodles consist of ground beef, egg or rice noodles, vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli, and a mix of soy sauce and hoisin sauce for flavor.
Can I make Mongolian ground beef noodles ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the noodles and beef mixture in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, and reheat when ready to eat.
Is there a vegetarian option for Mongolian ground beef noodles?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with textured vegetable protein or tofu for a vegetarian version while keeping the rest of the ingredients the same.
How do I make Mongolian ground beef noodles spicier?
To add heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle a spicy chili oil over the finished dish. You can also add jalapeño or chili peppers during cooking.
What side dishes pair well with Mongolian ground beef noodles?
Consider serving a fresh salad, steamed edamame, or egg rolls alongside the noodles for a complete meal.
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 ounces egg noodles or rice noodles
Protein
- 1 pound ground beef
Cooking Essentials
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Cooking the Noodles
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and set aside.
Sautéing Aromatics and Beef
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. Cook until browned through, about 5-7 minutes.
Adding Vegetables
- Sprinkle in the sliced onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until they soften.
- Toss in the broccoli and carrot. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet crisp.
Combining Ingredients
- Pour in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Gently toss the noodles with the beef and vegetables until evenly coated in the sauce.
Final Touch
- Remove from heat and mix in the chopped green onions.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds.
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