– **Title**: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
– **Ingredients**:
– 8 oz egg noodles (or pasta of your choice)
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red and green)
– 2-3 green onions, chopped
– 1 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp ginger, grated
– 1 tbsp sesame oil
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they are translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
5. Stir in the bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
6. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce and brown sugar, mixing until the sugar is dissolved. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to combine.
7. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
8. Drizzle with sesame oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss in the chopped green onions.
9. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using lean ground beef for this dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken work well. You could also use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
Noodles: Chow mein noodles are perfect for their texture, but egg noodles or even rice noodles can be great substitutes. If you’re gluten-free, try using rice noodles.
Sauces: Soy sauce is key for flavor. If you need a soy sauce alternative, tamari is a good option for gluten-free diets. I love adding a touch of sweet soy sauce for extra depth. For oyster and hoisin sauces, you can find vegan versions at the store.
Vegetables: Bell peppers add a bit of sweetness and crunch. If you have other veggies like broccoli or snap peas, feel free to swap them in. More greens bring in extra nutrients!
How Do I Cook the Ground Beef Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef can be tricky since you want it properly browned and flavorful, not dry. Here’s how I do it:
- Heat your skillet or wok to medium-high before adding the vegetable oil. This helps to sear the meat nicely.
- Add the ground beef and let it sit without stirring for a minute to get a good browning on one side.
- Break it apart with a spatula while it cooks for about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper when it starts to brown.
This method keeps the meat juicy while enhancing flavor through browning. Trust me, this step makes a big difference in your dish!
How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz chow mein noodles (or egg noodles)
For the Beef and Veggies:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (green or yellow)
- 3 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauces:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need around 10 minutes to cook the noodles and about 20 minutes for the beef and vegetables. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the chow mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re done, drain them and set them aside. This will be the base of your dish, so make sure not to overcook them!
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Season the beef with a little salt and pepper for flavor.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Once the beef is browned, mix in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Stir everything together and cook for about 1 minute until it smells wonderful and fragrant!
4. Cook the Vegetables:
Add the sliced bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the peppers begin to soften. Veggies add color and crunch to your meal!
5. Stir in the Sauces:
Next, pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Mix everything well so that the beef and veggies are evenly coated in the tasty sauces. This will bring great flavor to your dish!
6. Combine with Noodles:
Now, it’s time to add your cooked noodles to the skillet. Gently toss everything together to combine, heating through for about 2 minutes. You want the noodles to soak up all those delicious flavors!
7. Final Touches:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sliced green onions. Taste your dish and adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce or pepper if you like.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot, garnished with extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great substitute for ground beef. Just be aware that they may cook faster, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. The flavor will be slightly different, but the sauces will still add delicious taste to the dish!
What If I Don’t Have Chow Mein Noodles?
No problem! You can substitute with egg noodles, spaghetti, or even rice noodles. Just cook them according to the package instructions before mixing them in with the beef and vegetables to ensure they’re tender and ready to absorb the flavors!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through or heat in a skillet with a splash of water to help steam and revive the noodles.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Recipe?
Yes, feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables! Broccoli, carrots, bok choy, or snap peas would all work well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked to your liking before adding the sauces.
