Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Description

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles dish is a perfect blend of comfort and flavor, inspired by the classic Mongolian beef but paired with tender noodles for a cozy twist. It’s a quick and flavorful weeknight meal that captures the essence of sweet, savory, and a touch of spice. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s bound to become a family favorite!

1 lb ground beef
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup beef broth
1/3 cup soy sauce
3 tbsp hoisin sauce
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
10 oz linguine
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
4 green onions, sliced

Directions:
1. Cook linguine as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, brown ground beef. Drain excess fat.
3. Add garlic, cook for 1 minute. Stir in sauces, sugar, and spices.
4. Mix cornstarch and water, add to thicken sauce.
5. Add noodles, toss to coat. Garnish with green onions.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Kcal: 520 per serving

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles every time.

1. Prepare Ingredients: Mince garlic, slice green onions, and measure all sauces and spices before starting to cook. This ensures a smooth process.
2. Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
4. Build the Sauce: Add the minced garlic to the beef and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and cold water into a smooth slurry. Slowly pour this into the simmering beef mixture while stirring constantly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
6. Combine and Serve: Add the drained linguine to the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce. Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it with simple sides. Serve it with a crisp cucumber salad or steamed broccoli to add freshness and balance the rich flavors. For a lighter option, pair it with a simple side of kimchi or pickled vegetables. To make it extra special, top with extra green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil.

How-to Summary

In short, this 30-minute meal involves cooking noodles, browning ground beef with garlic, creating a savory-sweet sauce with soy, hoisin, and brown sugar, thickening it with a cornstarch slurry, and tossing everything together before garnishing with green onions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different protein? Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well. For a vegetarian version, use crumbled firm tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute.

How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Is there a substitute for hoisin sauce? You can make a quick substitute by mixing 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp peanut butter or molasses, a pinch of five-spice powder, and a dash of rice vinegar.

Can I make this dish less sweet? Yes, simply reduce the brown sugar to 2-3 tablespoons, or to your taste preference.

What noodles can I use instead of linguine? Any long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine works. For an authentic twist, use fresh Asian wheat noodles or even rice noodles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Noodles: Cook pasta only until al dente, as it will continue to absorb sauce when combined.
• Not Draining Excess Fat: After browning the beef, drain the fat to prevent a greasy final dish.
• Lumping Cornstarch: Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to the hot sauce to prevent clumps.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Ensure your skillet is large enough to comfortably toss the noodles with the beef and sauce.

Conclusion

This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is the ultimate solution for a fast, flavorful, and satisfying dinner. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors and its simple, one-pan methodology, it’s designed to deliver maximum taste with minimal effort. It’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself returning to again and again for a reliably delicious weeknight meal.