Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles is a quick and flavorful dish that brings together the sweet and savory flavors of Mongolian cuisine with the comforting texture of noodles. This one-skillet meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be made in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a hearty and savory base for the dish.
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles: Classic noodles that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the dish.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Balances the soy sauce with a touch of sweetness.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to coat the noodles and beef.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced: Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy kick.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a savory and aromatic flavor.
- 3 green onions, sliced: Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor and color.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the dish.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds texture and a hint of nutty flavor.
Instructions
1. Cook the Egg Noodles:
- Boil Noodles:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the wide egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
- Heat Skillet:
- In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Beef:
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula until it is fully browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
- Mix Sauce Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, minced ginger, minced garlic, and cornstarch until well combined.
4. Combine Beef and Sauce:
- Add Sauce to Beef:
- Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Stir to coat the beef evenly and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Combine Noodles and Beef:
- Add Noodles:
- Add the cooked and drained egg noodles to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
6. Final Touches:
- Add Green Onions:
- Stir in the sliced green onions and cook for another minute to soften them slightly.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
7. Serve and Garnish:
- Plate the Dish:
- Divide the Mongolian ground beef and noodles among serving plates.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with sesame seeds and additional green onions, if desired.
Cooking Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger make a big difference in the flavor of this dish. Don’t substitute with powders if possible.
- Control the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet dish, start with 2 tablespoons and increase as needed.
- Spice It Up: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha if you like your food on the spicier side.
Mongolian Ground Beef and Noodles is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, all wrapped up in a quick and easy one-skillet meal. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight when you need something fast, but don’t want to sacrifice flavor. The combination of tender egg noodles and seasoned ground beef coated in a rich sauce will have everyone asking for seconds. Serve it as is, or pair it with a simple side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!
