Description
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a flavorful and quick Asian-inspired dish featuring tender ground beef cooked in a savory-sweet sauce with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and hoisin. Served over perfectly cooked noodles and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or your favorite noodles
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Garnishes
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to get it hot but not smoking.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook while breaking it apart with a spatula until fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove Excess Fat: Carefully drain or spoon off excess fat from the skillet to prevent greasiness in the dish.
- Make the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and hoisin sauce. Stir well to combine and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Add Spice: Mix in the red pepper flakes to add a mild heat. Adjust quantity to your personal taste preference.
- Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked noodles directly into the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly in the rich sauce. Heat together for another 1-2 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the noodles and beef mixture to serving plates or a large dish. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- You can substitute spaghetti with any noodles like udon, egg noodles, or rice noodles for variations.
- For a healthier option, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slurry slightly but add gradually to avoid over-thickening.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture of the noodles and fresh garnishes.
