“15 Minute Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles” is the perfect combination of speed and flavor, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights. This dish is a delicious fusion of savory Mongolian-style sauce with tender ground beef and noodles, ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re cooking for your family or need a quick, satisfying meal, these noodles are a great go-to recipe. The blend of sweet and savory elements, highlighted by garlic, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar, delivers a bold flavor that feels restaurant-quality but requires minimal effort.
Mongolian cuisine is known for its use of simple ingredients, often influenced by Chinese cooking methods and flavors. This recipe takes inspiration from that rich culinary history by using a stir-fried approach and incorporating bold, umami-rich sauces common in Chinese cooking.
What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. With just a few pantry staples and some fresh ingredients, you can whip up a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal. The balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy elements, combined with the tender beef and noodles, makes this dish universally appealing and endlessly customizable for different tastes.
Ingredients Breakdown
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe shines because of its simple yet flavorful ingredients, each of which plays a key role in building a rich and balanced dish.
- Ground Beef: The base protein in this recipe, ground beef provides a hearty, savory element. It’s widely available and quick to cook, making it perfect for fast meals. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth and an aromatic quality that enhances the flavor of the beef and sauce. Garlic is a cornerstone in many Asian-inspired dishes, contributing a warm, savory note.
- Soy Sauce & Hoisin Sauce: These sauces are the backbone of the Mongolian sauce, offering a balance of salty and sweet flavors. Soy sauce brings a salty, umami taste, while hoisin adds a richer sweetness and thickness, essential for that classic Mongolian-style sauce.
- Brown Sugar: The brown sugar balances out the saltiness of the soy and hoisin sauces, lending a caramelized sweetness that makes the sauce indulgent yet well-rounded.
- Ground Ginger & Red Pepper Flakes: Ground ginger adds a subtle warmth and slight spice, mimicking fresh ginger’s distinctive taste. Red pepper flakes are optional but add a kick of heat for those who enjoy a spicier dish.
- Linguine: While traditionally not used in Asian cuisine, linguine is an excellent choice for this dish because it soaks up the sauce well, providing a satisfying, chewy texture.
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions are sprinkled on top for a burst of freshness and color, balancing out the rich, saucy noodles with a light, crisp finish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Cooking the Linguine
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Adding salt to the water helps enhance the flavor of the pasta. Once boiling, add the linguine and cook it according to the package directions—typically 8 to 10 minutes for al dente. For perfect al dente pasta, make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and taste test it a minute or two before the suggested cook time to ensure the texture is firm yet tender. Drain the cooked linguine and set it aside, ready to be added to the beef and sauce later.
Browning the Ground Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Browning the beef properly is crucial for texture and flavor. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until no pink remains, ensuring that the beef is fully cooked but not overdone. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy. This step keeps the flavors clean and ensures the sauce will adhere well to the meat and noodles.
Making the Mongolian Sauce
After draining the beef, add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about one minute, or until fragrant. Next, stir in the brown sugar, beef broth, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. The combination of these ingredients creates a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely and the sauce to begin reducing slightly. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from burning, and taste it to adjust the flavors as needed, adding more sugar or soy sauce depending on your preference.
Thickening the Sauce with Cornstarch
In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in cold water to create a slurry. This helps prevent lumps from forming. Slowly pour the slurry into the sauce, stirring continuously. Allow the sauce to cook for another minute or until it thickens to your desired consistency, becoming glossy and perfect for coating the noodles.
Combining Noodles and Beef
Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring that the noodles are well-coated with the sauce and beef mixture. Let the noodles sit for a couple of minutes to absorb more flavor, stirring occasionally. The longer the noodles sit in the sauce, the better they soak up all the savory-sweet goodness. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, then sprinkle with sliced green onions before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Mongolian Noodles
Pasta Tips
Choosing the right noodles is essential for texture. While this recipe uses linguine, other pasta types such as spaghetti or fettuccine can work well. For a more authentic Asian twist, you could substitute linguine with rice noodles or egg noodles, both of which will soak up the sauce beautifully. For gluten-free options, rice noodles are ideal as they maintain a chewy texture similar to regular pasta.
Customizing the Heat Level
Adjusting the spice in this dish is easy. If you like your noodles on the spicier side, you can add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of chili garlic sauce. For a mild version, simply omit the red pepper flakes altogether. Those who enjoy a more intense heat could experiment with fresh chili peppers or a splash of Sriracha.
Making It Gluten-Free
To make this recipe gluten-free, swap out the soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Similarly, replace the linguine with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles, which will also absorb the sauce well while keeping the dish free from gluten.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or beef broth to prevent the noodles from drying out. Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, tossing frequently to evenly warm the noodles while retaining their texture and flavor.
Variations & Substitutions
Protein Options
While ground beef is the traditional protein in this recipe, you can easily swap it out for other options. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used to create a leaner version. For a vegetarian alternative, firm tofu or plant-based crumbles work well as substitutes, absorbing the Mongolian sauce while providing a meat-free option.
Vegetable Add-ins
Incorporating vegetables adds color, texture, and nutritional value to this dish. Broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots are great options, as they complement the savory-sweet sauce and add a crunchy element. You can stir-fry the vegetables with the ground beef or steam them separately and toss them in at the end.
Different Noodle Choices
For those looking to switch up the noodles, udon, ramen, or soba noodles are excellent alternatives that will give the dish a slightly different texture while still soaking up the sauce. Each type of noodle brings its own unique bite and feel to the dish, allowing you to experiment with flavors and textures.
Making It Low-Carb
If you’re aiming for a low-carb version, you can substitute the noodles with spiralized vegetables such as zucchini (zoodles) or use shirataki noodles. Both options are low in carbs but still provide a satisfying base for the flavorful Mongolian beef sauce.
Different Flavor Profiles
To tweak the sauce, consider adding a splash of sesame oil for a nutty flavor or chili garlic sauce for extra heat. A pinch of Szechuan peppercorns will bring a unique numbing spice to the dish, perfect for those who enjoy more complex flavor profiles.
Nutritional Information
Calories and Macronutrients
Each serving of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles provides a well-rounded macronutrient profile. A typical serving contains approximately 450-500 calories, 25-30 grams of protein, 15-20 grams of fat, and 50-60 grams of carbohydrates. The dish is rich in protein due to the ground beef, making it a satisfying meal that helps with muscle repair and maintenance. The balance of carbohydrates from the noodles and fats from the beef gives you sustained energy.
Health Benefits
This dish is high in protein, especially if using lean ground beef or turkey, supporting a healthy diet. It’s also versatile for various dietary preferences. Incorporating vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers can boost the fiber content, making it more nutritious.
Reducing Calories
To reduce the calorie count, use leaner meats like ground turkey or chicken. Another option is to swap regular linguine for whole wheat or low-carb alternatives, such as zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles, which are lower in carbohydrates and calories but still absorb the flavorful sauce.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
What to Serve With Mongolian Noodles
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles pair perfectly with a range of side dishes. Stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy add texture and complement the sweet-savory flavors of the dish. For a refreshing contrast, a light cucumber salad or mixed greens with a sesame-ginger dressing would balance the richness of the noodles. Dumplings or spring rolls are excellent for a more indulgent, complementary side.
Beverage Pairings
For beverages, a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied beer such as a pilsner can cut through the rich flavors of the noodles. Non-alcoholic options like iced green tea or a refreshing sparkling water with lime will cleanse the palate and enhance the meal’s enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the Mongolian noodles ahead of time. Simply prepare the dish, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, the dish freezes well. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and store them for up to 3 months. Reheat by thawing in the fridge and warming in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
What is the best substitute for hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of soy sauce, a touch of brown sugar, and a little bit of peanut butter or molasses for a similar flavor.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or pork are great substitutes for ground beef. For a vegetarian version, tofu or plant-based meat crumbles work well.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spice, add more red pepper flakes, or mix in a spoonful of Sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or fresh chopped chili peppers.
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles?
Yes, whole wheat noodles work well and add more fiber. Gluten-free rice noodles or pasta are great alternatives if you have dietary restrictions.
Is there a vegetarian version of Mongolian noodles?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by replacing the ground beef with tofu or plant-based crumbles and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Conclusion
This 15 Minute Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe offers the perfect balance of flavor, simplicity, and speed, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can prepare a hearty, delicious meal in just minutes. The recipe’s versatility allows you to customize it with different proteins, noodles, and heat levels to suit your preferences. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own. If you enjoyed the dish, please leave a comment or share your experience on social media using the hashtag #MongolianNoodles.
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15 Minute Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Description
This 15 Minute Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a flavorful fusion of sweet and savory elements, combining tender ground beef with a rich Mongolian-inspired sauce. The dish features linguine or your favorite noodles, perfectly tossed in a sauce made from garlic, soy sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, and a touch of spice. Finished with fresh green onions, these noodles are a quick, easy meal that tastes restaurant-quality but requires minimal effort. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or looking for a new twist on ground beef, this recipe is sure to impress.
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 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
- 10 oz linguine
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 4 green onions sliced
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 10 oz of linguine and cook according to the package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add 1 lb of ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
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Add 5 minced garlic cloves to the browned beef and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Stir in 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup beef broth, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 3 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Stir well.
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In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tbsp cornstarch in 2 tbsp cold water. Add this mixture to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble.
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Add the drained linguine to the skillet. Toss well to coat the noodles with the sauce and beef mixture. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to absorb more flavor.
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Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top. Serve the noodles hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Customize the Heat: For a spicier version, feel free to add extra red pepper flakes, fresh chili peppers, or a splash of Sriracha.
- Alternative Noodles: While linguine works wonderfully in this dish, you can swap it for rice noodles, ramen, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Make it Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef with tofu or plant-based crumbles, and replace beef broth with vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply add a little water or broth to refresh the noodles.
- Soy Sauce Substitution: For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce, and opt for gluten-free noodles.
