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30-Minute Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

This dish combines tender noodles with savory ground beef, coated in a rich soy-based sauce that’s perfectly balanced with hints of garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mongolian
Calories: 425

Ingredients
  

  • Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb 450 g ground beef
  • 8 oz 225 g noodles — egg noodles, udon, or ramen all work well
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking
  • Optional Vegetables
  • 1 cup bell peppers thinly sliced
  • ½ cup carrots julienned
  • ½ cup snap peas or broccoli florets

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tongs for tossing noodles

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Noodles. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to package directions until tender but still firm (al dente). Drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process. Toss with a drizzle of sesame oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula. Continue cooking for about 5–7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Prepare the Sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This sauce forms the savory, umami-packed base that ties the whole dish together.
  4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables (Optional). If using vegetables, add them to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, just until they start to soften but still retain a slight crunch. Avoid overcooking, as you want them to add texture to the dish.
  5. Combine Everything. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the beef and veggies. Pour the sauce over the mixture and use tongs or a wooden spoon to toss everything together until evenly coated. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  6. Taste and Serve. Give the noodles a final toss, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. For a touch of spice, drizzle in some sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro before serving.

Notes

Tips for Perfect Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
🌶 Adjust the Spice: Add chili paste, red pepper flakes, or sriracha for a bolder flavor.
🥜 Add a Crunch: Top with roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, or fried onions for added texture.
🥦 Make It Healthier: Swap in zucchini noodles, use lean ground turkey, or add extra veggies.
💡 Balanced Sauce: Taste as you go — add a little more soy sauce for saltiness or hoisin for sweetness.
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms for a plant-based twist.
Extra Veggie Version: Add mushrooms, bok choy, or snow peas for extra nutrition and color.
Gluten-Free: Use rice noodles and gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Low-Carb Alternative: Try spiralized zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.