Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Spicy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe: A Flavor Explosion

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that pack serious flavor.

This easy mongolian ground beef noodles recipe delivers a punch of tangy, savory goodness in under 30 minutes.

Tender noodles dance with perfectly seasoned ground beef, creating a meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Fragrant garlic and green onions weave through the dish, adding layers of aromatic complexity.

Each bite combines sweet and salty notes that transport you straight to the heart of Asian comfort food.

Home cooks will love how simple yet impressive this one-pan wonder becomes at the dinner table.

Grab your chopsticks and prepare for a culinary adventure that promises to become a new family favorite.

What Goes Into Mongolian Beef Noodles

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful meat that forms the base of this delicious Mongolian-style dish.
Noodles:
  • Noodles: Serves as the hearty base that will absorb the savory sauce and complement the ground beef.
Aromatics:
  • Garlic, Ginger: These classic Asian ingredients provide a warm, spicy depth of flavor to the dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Hoisin Sauce, Water: Creates a balanced sweet and savory sauce that coats the beef and noodles.
Thickening Agent:
  • Cornstarch: Helps to create a glossy and slightly thickened sauce for better coating.
Garnish:
  • Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Adds fresh, crisp texture and a nutty finish to the dish.
Cooking Oils:
  • Sesame Oil: Provides a distinctive nutty flavor and helps prevent sticking during cooking.

Quick Guide to Mongolian Noodles

Step 1: Prepare Noodle Base

Boil noodles following package directions.

Drain completely and set them aside, ready for their flavor adventure.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet with sesame oil over medium heat.

Add ground beef and cook until it turns a beautiful golden brown.

If excess grease accumulates, drain it away.

Step 3: Boost Flavor with Aromatics

Toss in fresh garlic and ginger into the beef.

Sauté these ingredients for 1-2 minutes until their incredible fragrance fills your kitchen.

Step 4: Create Magical Sauce

Combine sauce ingredients:
  • Soy sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Water

Pour this delightful mixture into the skillet and let it simmer gently.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Mix cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry.

Stir this into the skillet to give your sauce a luxurious, glossy texture.

Step 6: Marry Noodles and Sauce

Add cooked noodles to the skillet.

Toss and coat every strand with the mouthwatering sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds over the top.

Serve piping hot and enjoy your restaurant-quality meal.

Tips for Beef Noodle Perfection

  • Opt for 80/20 ground beef to ensure rich, juicy taste and prevent dryness during cooking.
  • Adjust cornstarch slurry carefully to achieve desired thickness without making the sauce too gloopy or thin.
  • Toast garlic and ginger briefly to release deeper, more complex flavor profiles before adding other ingredients.
  • Replace traditional wheat noodles with rice noodles or zucchini noodles for gluten-free or low-carb alternatives.
  • Prepare extra sauce and store separately to quickly reheat beef and noodles for quick weeknight dinners.

Mongolian Beef Noodle Swaps and Spins

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat alternative for a meatless version that maintains the rich, savory flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Edition: Substitute traditional noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles to create a lighter, gluten-free option that reduces overall carbohydrate intake.
  • Spicy Korean-Inspired Remix: Add gochujang or sriracha sauce to intensify heat, creating a more fiery and complex flavor that transforms the original recipe's taste.
  • Coconut Aminos Alternative: For those avoiding soy, swap traditional soy sauce with coconut aminos to maintain similar umami notes while accommodating soy-sensitive diets.

Serving Suggestions for Beef Noodles

  • Flavor Fusion Plate: Pair the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with steamed broccoli or bok choy for a balanced, nutritious meal that adds vibrant green colors and extra crunch.
  • Spice Lover's Twist: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha sauce over the noodles to kick up the heat and create a personalized spicy experience for those who enjoy bold flavors.
  • Fresh Herb Boost: Chop fresh cilantro or Thai basil leaves as an additional garnish to introduce a bright, aromatic dimension that complements the savory beef and noodle base.
  • Family-Style Feast: Serve the dish in a large communal bowl with extra chopsticks and let everyone dig in together, creating a fun and interactive dining experience that brings people closer.

Storage for Mongolian Beef Noodle Bowls

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Lay flat to save space and prevent freezer burn.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
  • Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of sesame oil or water to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.

FAQs

  • Are Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles authentically Mongolian?

While inspired by Mongolian flavors, this dish is more of an American-Chinese restaurant creation, not a traditional Mongolian recipe.

  • Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute with rice noodles, egg noodles, or even spaghetti for a similar texture and taste.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The base recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce if you want heat.

  • How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free, and choose gluten-free noodles.

  • Whip Up a Quick Feast: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal in mere minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes.
  • Customize Your Flavor Adventure: The flexible recipe lets you adjust spiciness, sweetness, or add extra vegetables to match your taste preferences and what's in your kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages: Kids and adults alike will love the savory, slightly sweet sauce that coats tender noodles and juicy ground beef, making it a guaranteed family dinner win.
  • Master Restaurant-Quality Cooking at Home: With basic cooking skills and common pantry ingredients, you can create a delicious Asian-inspired dish that rivals takeout without the extra cost.
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Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe


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4.5 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles dance with bold Asian flavors, promising a quick and satisfying meal. Saucy, spicy strands of noodles loaded with seasoned beef will transport diners straight to street food bliss you can easily recreate at home.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Noodles and Sauce Base:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) noodles (spaghetti, linguine, or ramen)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare noodles according to package directions, then drain and reserve.
  2. Warm sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add ground beef and cook until completely browned and crumbly.
  3. Introduce minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to release aromatic flavors.
  4. Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and water in a separate container, then pour the combined liquid into the skillet.
  5. Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce, creating a rich, glossy coating for the meat.
  6. Create a quick slurry by mixing cornstarch with water, then gently stir into the skillet to thicken the sauce and enhance its texture.
  7. Incorporate the cooked noodles into the beef mixture, tossing thoroughly to ensure every strand is evenly coated with the savory sauce.
  8. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and visual appeal.
  9. Serve immediately while the noodles are hot and the sauce is glossy.

Notes

  • Select high-quality ground beef with moderate fat content for richer flavor and juicier texture.
  • Use fresh garlic and ginger for more vibrant and authentic taste compared to dried or powdered versions.
  • Customize heat levels by adding sriracha or red pepper flakes for spice lovers who want extra kick.
  • Consider gluten-free alternatives like tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles for individuals with dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 580 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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