Craving the flavors of your favorite takeout but want something homemade and satisfying? This Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles recipe is the perfect answer! It is packed with tender ground beef, savory-sweet sauce, and noodles that soak up all the delicious flavors.
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This dish is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Inspired by classic Mongolian flavors, this recipe balances simplicity and deliciousness, making it a must-try for anyone who loves Asian noodles.
Ingredients
Here is everything you need to create this flavorful Mongolian beef noodle dish:
- Spaghetti: Spaghetti is a convenient substitute with a similar texture to noodles. You can also use any other Asian-style noodles.
- Ground beef: Besides ground beef, you can also use several other types to make Mongolian Beef Noodles. Thinly sliced flank steak is a traditional choice due to its tenderness and ability to absorb the rich Mongolian sauce. Sirloin steak is another excellent option; it offers a slightly leaner yet still flavorful alternative. For a melt-in-your-mouth experience, consider using ribeye steak, as its marbling adds a luxurious buttery flavor to the dish.
- Garlic cloves or minced garlic.
- Brown sugar
- Beef broth
- Oyster sauce: Some people may prefer to use hoisin sauce instead of oyster sauce. While this totally depends on personal preference, the main difference between these sauces is that hoisin sauce is a little sweeter than oyster sauce. However, use oyster sauce if you prefer a more balanced and less sweet flavor like me.
- Light soy sauce: Feel free to use low-sodium soy sauce if you worry about the sodium intake.
- Minced ginger
- Cornstarch: Thick the sauce to coat the noodles perfectly.
- Water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch.
- Green onions
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Sesame oil
- Sesame seeds: for garnish.
Cooking instructions step by step
Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, and beef broth. Set aside.
Stir fry the ground beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef in a single layer and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Cook the aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the ground beef and stir fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss the cooked noodles into the ground beef.
Combine the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet over the noodles and the cooked beef. Toss to coat well to ensure the noodles are fully coated in the savory sauce.
Serve and garnish: Add salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy your Mongolian Beef Noodles!
Pro tips to make the best Mongolian ground beef noodles
Here are some pro tips to make the perfect Mongolian Beef Noodles:
High heat for stir-frying: Use medium-high to high heat for a quick sear, ensuring the ground beef stays tender without overcooking.
Use fresh aromatics: Fresh ginger and garlic make a big difference in flavor compared to powders.
Al dente noodles: Slightly undercook the noodles so they don't turn mushy when tossed in the sauce.
Toss quickly: Add the noodles and beef to the sauce while still warm to help them absorb the flavors.
Veggie additions: For texture and nutrition, you can add broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots. If you do, stir-fry them briefly before adding the beef and sauce.
Serve immediately: Mongolian Beef Noodles are best served hot to enjoy their rich flavors and textures.
With these tips, you'll be able to achieve restaurant-quality Mongolian beef noodles!
Variations of Mongolian beef noodles
Here are some delicious variations of Mongolian Beef Noodles to try:
Spicy Mongolian Beef Noodles: Spicy Mongolian Beef Noodles are a fantastic way to add a fiery kick to the classic dish. You can create a bold flavor profile for those who enjoy extra heat by mixing chili paste, sriracha, or fresh red chilies into the sauce.
Vegetable-Packed Mongolian Noodles: For a more colorful and nutritious dish, try vegetable-packed Mongolian Noodles. These noodles contain a medley of stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms. These additions add vibrant textures and flavors, making them a well-rounded meal.
Low-Carb Mongolian Beef Noodles: These low-carb Noodles offer a guilt-free option for those watching their carbohydrate intake. Swapping traditional noodles for alternatives like zucchini, spaghetti squash, or shirataki noodles keeps the dish light yet satisfying.
Vegan Mongolian Noodles: For a plant-based version, Vegan Mongolian Noodles use substitutes like tofu, seitan, or tempeh instead of beef. Pairing these protein alternatives with vegetable broth in the sauce adds depth and umami, making the dish just as rich and savory as the original.
Mongolian Chicken or Shrimp Noodles: Mongolian Chicken or Shrimp Noodles are a lighter variation where beef is replaced with thinly sliced chicken breast or succulent shrimp. These proteins cook quickly and infuse the dish with their unique flavors, ensuring a tender and flavorful result with slight adjustments to the cooking time.
Gluten-Free Mongolian Beef Noodles: These noodles cater to dietary restrictions, using rice noodles or gluten-free pasta instead of regular noodles. Swapping soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos ensures the dish remains gluten-free without compromising its signature flavor.
Sweet and Sour Mongolian Noodles: Sweet and Sour Mongolian Noodles introduce a unique contrast to the classic dish by adding a splash of rice vinegar or pineapple juice to the sauce. The tangy notes complement the sweetness of the brown sugar, creating a balanced and refreshing variation.
Mongolian Beef Noodles with Egg: Mongolian Beef Noodles with Egg add a hearty touch by scrambling eggs in the pan before combining them with the noodles and sauce. This technique adds additional protein and creates a texture, making it even more satisfying.
These variations above allow you to adapt Mongolian Beef Noodles to suit your taste, dietary needs, or creative inspiration!
What to serve with Mongolian beef noodles
Mongolian Beef Noodles can be paired with various sides to complement the dish's savory flavor, serving it with a light, refreshing Asian-style cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to add some crunch and balance the richness.
Add more textures to the dish with steamed or sautéed vegetables, such as broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas.
If you want something more substantial, fried or steamed rice can help absorb the flavorful sauce.
Miso soup or egg drop soup is also a great way to start the meal with a light, comforting option. Lastly, crispy egg rolls or dumplings would make a tasty appetizer, adding more variety.
Store and reheat
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the noodles.
You can freeze your Mongolian beef noodles for more extended storage. However, I recommend freezing the sauce and beef mixture in a separate container for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight and prepare fresh noodles to serve alongside. That way, you can prevent them from becoming mushy.
Final thoughts
Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles are a delightful dish that combines rich flavors, tender textures, and the ease of a quick one-pot homemade meal. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the sweetness and spice to make it your own. Try this recipe and bring a taste of takeout-inspired comfort to your kitchen! Happy cooking!
FAQs
Yes! While this recipe calls for beef, you can substitute it with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, especially for chicken and tofu.
Traditionally, Asian egg noodles or ramen noodles are used, but for a slightly different texture, you can also use other noodles, like spaghetti, rice noodles, or udon. Choose whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Yes! You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. However, you should cook the noodles before serving to prevent them from becoming too soft. The sauce and beef can also be made a day in advance for even more flavor.
Mongolian Beef Noodles can be healthy, depending on the ingredients and cooking methods. To boost their nutritional value, you can choose lean cuts of beef, mix in more vegetables, and use whole-grain or low-carb noodles. To make them even healthier, opt for reduced-sodium soy sauce and natural sweeteners and limit the amount of oil used for stir-frying. While the dish can be rich in protein and flavor, making these adjustments helps create a balanced meal with fewer calories, fat, and sodium.
Yes! You can use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar if you prefer a natural sweetener. The flavor might slightly differ, but it will still be delicious.
Simple and Delicious Mongolian Beef Noodles Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 5 tablespoons brown sugar
- 5 tablespoons beef broth
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 5 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
- ½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 4 green onions
- salt and black pepper to taste
- red pepper flakes to taste
- a dash of sesame oil
- roasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, and beef broth. Set aside.
- Stir fry the ground beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef in a single layer and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Cook the aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the ground beef and stir fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss the cooked noodles into the ground beef.
- Combine the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet over the noodles and the cooked beef. Toss to coat well to ensure the noodles are fully coated in the savory sauce.
- Serve and garnish: Add salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy your Mongolian Beef Noodles!
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