Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for busy nights. With seasoned ground beef, tender noodles, and a hint of soy sauce, it’s full of flavor!
I love how easy it is to whip up this meal in just one pan. Plus, the kids really enjoy it—no complaints at the dinner table here! Who doesn’t love noodles? 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lo Mein Noodles: These thick, chewy noodles are great for this dish. If you can’t find them, use spaghetti or egg noodles as a substitute. They won’t have quite the same texture, but they’ll work in a pinch!
Ground Beef: Regular ground beef gives a hearty flavor. For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. They may be milder but will still pick up the sauce flavors nicely.
Green Onions: Both the white and green parts add freshness. You can also substitute with scallions if that’s what you have. Chives can be a great alternative as they offer a mild onion flavor.
Sauces: Soy sauce brings that umami taste. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead. If you need a vegetarian option, try mushroom sauce instead of oyster sauce.
Sesame Oil: This oil adds a distinct nutty flavor. If you’re out, a little olive oil plus a touch of tahini can mimic the taste. Just don’t use too much, or it might overpower the dish!
How Do I Properly Stir-Fry Ingredients?
Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick cooking to keep ingredients tender and flavorful. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet or wok until it’s very hot before adding oil. This helps prevent sticking.
- Cook the ground beef first until it’s browned. Break it apart so it cooks evenly. Use a wooden spoon or spatula for this!
- After browning the beef, quickly add the garlic, ginger, and white parts of the green onions. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes. This prevents burning and releases their flavors.
- Once you add the sauce, stir gently but quickly to help it coat everything evenly. This should only take 2-3 minutes.
Keeping everything moving in the pan is key to getting that delicious, wok-seared taste.
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Noodles:
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- For the Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and easy, so you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending all evening in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once they are tender, drain them in a colander and set them aside for later. This will be the base of your delicious meal!
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned. Don’t forget to break it up into small pieces as it cooks, so it’s easy to mix later!
3. Add Aromatics:
When the beef is browned, add the white parts of the chopped green onions, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry this mixture for about 2 minutes until everything smells amazing and fragrant!
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Mix it all together well so you have a flavorful sauce ready to go!
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked beef in the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This is where all the flavors come together!
6. Toss in the Noodles:
Now, add the cooked lo mein noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are well coated in the delicious sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Yum!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with the green parts of the chopped green onions. Serve your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles warm and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Noodles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While lo mein noodles work best for this dish, you can substitute them with spaghetti, udon, or even rice noodles. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times according to the package instructions for the noodles you choose!
Can I Make This Recipe with Ground Turkey or Chicken?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken as a healthier alternative! Just be aware that the cooking time might be slightly less, so keep an eye on it to ensure it’s fully cooked and browned.
How to Store Leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles from drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the ground beef with a mix of mushrooms and tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative. You can still follow the same cooking instructions for a delicious vegetarian option!
