Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a quick, flavorful dish that brings together the savory and slightly sweet flavors of traditional Mongolian beef in a convenient, noodle-based format. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table in no time. I remember stumbling upon this recipe during my college days, when time and budget were limited, but the craving for a hearty, home-cooked meal was ever-present. The combination of tender beef, aromatic garlic, and a rich, savory sauce clinging to noodles was an instant hit. It has since become a staple in my kitchen, loved by family and friends alike.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup beef broth
1/3 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flake (optional)
10 oz linguine
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
4 green onions, sliced
Instructions
Preparing the Noodles
Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the pasta.
Add 10 oz of linguine to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
Preparing the Beef and Sauce
Brown the Ground Beef:
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy dish.
Add Garlic:
Add 5 cloves of minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter.
Combine Sauce Ingredients:
Add 1/3 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of beef broth, 1/3 cup of soy sauce, 3 tablespoons of hoisin sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper to the skillet.
If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well combined.
Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of cold water. This will act as a thickening agent for the sauce.
Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet with the beef and sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce comes to a gentle boil and starts to thicken.
Combining Noodles and Sauce
Add Noodles to Sauce:
Once the sauce has thickened, add the drained linguine to the skillet. Toss the noodles in the sauce until they are well coated and fully combined with the beef mixture.
Let the noodles sit in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb more flavor.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle 4 sliced green onions over the top of the noodles for a fresh, vibrant garnish.
Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Variations and Substitutions
Protein Alternatives: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, use crumbled tofu or a meat substitute.
Noodle Options: Feel free to use other types of noodles such as spaghetti, udon, or rice noodles. Adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
Vegetable Additions: Enhance the dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Sauté the vegetables with the garlic before adding the sauce ingredients.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce, and substitute the linguine with gluten-free noodles.
Lower Sugar: Reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute to make the dish lower in sugar.
Conclusion
15-Minute Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is an incredibly appealing dish due to its simplicity, speed, and rich flavors. The combination of tender ground beef, aromatic garlic, and a savory-sweet sauce creates a mouthwatering meal that is sure to satisfy. The noodles, coated in the delicious sauce, offer a comforting and hearty texture that makes this dish a favorite for both kids and adults.
This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also highly versatile, allowing for various substitutions and additions to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent looking for a quick dinner option, or a student with limited time and resources, this dish is a perfect choice. The minimal cleanup required is an added bonus, making it even more convenient for those hectic days.
The next time you’re craving a flavorful, home-cooked meal without the fuss, try this 15-Minute Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe. It’s bound to become a staple in your meal rotation, bringing joy and satisfaction with every bite.
