Description
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring tender ground beef simmered in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce, combined with al dente lo mein noodles. Enhanced with garlic, ginger, and a touch of spice, this quick and easy stir-fry style meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or anytime you crave comforting Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Flavorings
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnishes
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the lo mein or spaghetti noodles according to package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking the beef into small pieces, until it is fully browned. Drain any excess fat, then remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pan with the garlic and ginger. Add crushed red pepper flakes if using for a bit of heat.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, which should take a few minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the pan, mixing it well with the thickened sauce to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Add Noodles: Toss in the cooked noodles and stir everything thoroughly so the noodles are evenly coated with the savory sauce.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the noodles and mix well to incorporate the fresh and nutty flavors throughout the dish.
- Serve: Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute spaghetti if lo mein noodles are unavailable, but lo mein offers the most authentic texture.
- For extra vegetables, consider adding sliced bell peppers or shredded carrots during the sautéing step.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to control the sweetness of the sauce according to your taste.
- To make this dish spicier, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha.
- Be sure to rinse the noodles after cooking to prevent them from sticking together when mixed with the sauce.
