Name: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1.2 oz garlic cloves (5 large, finely minced); 0.5 oz ginger (finely minced); 3 bulb scallions (diced, whites and greens separated); 2 whole Red Fresno chili peppers (or serrano peppers, seeds removed, diced); 1 lb ground beef; ½ tsp coarse sea salt (plus a pinch); ¼ tsp garlic powder; 6 oz ramen noodles; 3 tbsp oyster sauce; 1.5 tbsp light soy sauce; 1.5 tbsp dark soy sauce; 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil; ¼ tsp ground black pepper (plus extra for serving); ½ tbsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp peach jam (or apricot jam); 1 tbsp avocado oil; 6 tbsp reserved noodle water

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 22 reviews

If you are craving something packed with bold flavors and comforting textures, then this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe will become your new favorite go-to meal. Juicy ground beef sizzled to perfection with garlic, ginger, and vibrant chili peppers dances harmoniously with chewy ramen noodles, all coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that brings everything together. It’s a dish that feels both indulgent and refreshing, perfect for busy weeknights or sharing with friends. Simple ingredients come alive in this recipe, delivering a bowl of rich, saucy goodness that’s fast enough for any dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a silver pan on a white marbled surface, there is a dish of dark brown cooked noodles mixed with small pieces of browned meat. The noodles are shiny and coated with a thick sauce, with some green sliced scallion rings sprinkled on top along with small white sesame seeds. Next to the pan on the right, there is a small bowl filled with extra white sesame seeds. The edges of the pan show some sauce marks, and it rests on a white cloth with black stripes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient here plays an essential role in crafting the flavors and textures that make this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe so special. From the aromatic ginger and garlic giving it that signature warmth to the chili peppers adding a gentle kick, these staples come together like a dream in this simple, yet irresistible meal.

Garlic cloves (1.2 oz, 5 large, finely minced): Provides a fragrant depth and savory base to the dish.
Ginger (0.5 oz, finely minced): Adds a bright, zesty note that balances the richness of the beef.
Scallions (3 bulbs, diced – separate white and green parts): White parts soften into the sauce while green parts give fresh crunch and color as garnish.
Red Fresno chili peppers (2 whole, seeds removed and diced): Brings a subtle heat and fruity chili flavor.
Avocado oil (1 tbsp): Perfect for a high-heat sauté, adding a neutral and healthy fat.
Ground beef (1 lb): The hearty protein component that makes this dish filling and satisfying.
Coarse sea salt (½ tsp plus pinch): Enhances all other flavors while helping to season the beef properly.
Garlic powder (¼ tsp): Amplifies garlic’s presence in a convenient powdered form.
Ramen noodles (6 oz): The chewy noodle foundation soaking up all the vibrant sauce.
Oyster sauce (3 tbsp): Adds umami richness and a slight sweetness.
Light soy sauce (1.5 tbsp): Provides saltiness and bright fermented flavor.
Dark soy sauce (1.5 tbsp): Gives color and a deeper umami taste.
Toasted sesame oil (1 tbsp): Infuses a nutty aroma and luscious finish.
Ground black pepper (¼ tsp plus extra for serving): Adds warmth and sharpness to the palate.
Fish sauce (½ tbsp): Brings an intense umami boost that enhances the Mongolian character.
Peach jam (1 tbsp): Contributes a subtle fruity sweetness to balance the savory notes.
Reserved noodle water (6 tbsp): Helps to loosen the sauce and tie all elements together perfectly.

How to Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Aromatics

Finely mincing the garlic and ginger ensures they’ll melt beautifully into the dish, releasing their vibrant aromas without overpowering the beef. Separating the scallions into white and green parts allows you to layer flavors as you cook—the white parts soften and infuse into the sauce, while the green parts add fresh brightness at the end. Removing seeds from the chili peppers keeps the heat balanced yet flavorful.

Step 2: Combine the Sauce

Mix oyster sauce, light and dark soy sauces, toasted sesame oil, fish sauce, peach jam, and ground black pepper in a measuring cup. Stirring these together until the jam dissolves creates a luscious sauce that’s the magic behind the dish’s savory and subtly sweet character. This sauce is where all the ingredients will eventually mingle and shine.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat avocado oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat until hot. Adding the ground beef now and breaking it finely with a wooden spoon helps it brown evenly and develop rich, meaty flavor. Seasoning early with salt and garlic powder layers the taste right into the meat. Cooking until lightly browned, about 6 minutes, captures that perfect caramelized texture, setting an irresistible base.

Step 4: Boil the Ramen Noodles

While the beef cooks, boil the ramen noodles in a large pot of water following package instructions until al dente. Reserving 6 tablespoons of noodle water before draining is a smart trick to loosen the sauce later and help it stick beautifully to every strand of noodle.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics with Beef

Once the beef is browned, stir in the minced garlic, ginger, white scallion parts, and diced chili peppers. A quick sauté over medium heat for about 1 minute allows these fresh aromatics to soften just enough to release flavor without burning, enveloping the beef with a fragrant, slightly spicy lift enhanced by a pinch of salt.

Step 6: Add Noodles and Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce mixed with reserved noodle water into the skillet. Add the cooked noodles directly to the pan, allowing the sauce to coat every noodle thread and bind everything into one luscious dish. This step is critical to achieving the signature sauce-to-noodle ratio that makes this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe so crave-worthy.

Step 7: Toss and Finish Cooking

Turn the heat up to high and toss everything vigorously for 2 minutes. This ensures the noodles absorb the sauce evenly, developing a slight caramelized edge in spots. Turning off the heat just after retains the perfect texture—tender but not mushy—ready to serve.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Transfer your noodles to a big serving plate, artfully scatter the green scallion parts over the top, and finish with a few more rounds of freshly cracked black pepper. Serve warm and prepare to savor every comforting, flavorful bite of this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe at its finest.

How to Serve Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

The first image shows a close-up of light-colored uncooked curly noodles being held with wooden chopsticks over a pot of boiling water, with steam rising and a silver stove burner visible below. The second image shows cooked noodles mixed with browned ground meat and small diced red and green vegetables, topped with bright green chopped spring onions, all stirred with a wooden spoon inside a white bowl, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh green scallions add a crisp contrast in texture and a pop of lively color. A sprinkle of black pepper over the top brings a fresh bit of warmth that wakes up the palate every time. You can also add a drizzle of toasted sesame oil to amplify the nutty aroma or a few crushed peanuts for crunch if you like extra texture.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed vegetables like bok choy or snap peas that add bright, clean flavors and balance the richness of the beef and noodles. Pickled cucumbers or a crisp Asian slaw can also offer a refreshing counterpoint, making the meal feel balanced and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the noodles in individual bowls garnished with edible flowers or freshly chopped herbs like cilantro or Thai basil. You can also use crunchy wonton strips or sesame seeds sprinkled on top for extra texture. If entertaining, plating this on a large platter invites sharing and makes for a stunning centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it just as delicious, if not better, when reheated carefully. Avoid letting the noodles sit too long at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze only the beef mixture without noodles to preserve texture quality. Store the beef in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and combining with freshly cooked noodles for the best experience.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Toss well to prevent sticking and warm evenly. Avoid microwaving in a sealed container to keep the texture intact and flavors vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?

Absolutely! While ramen noodles are traditional and perfect for their chewiness, you can substitute with spaghetti, udon, or even rice noodles depending on your preference and availability. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they stay al dente.

How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat level?

This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe has a mild to moderate heat from the Fresno or serrano peppers, but you can easily adjust by adding more chilies for extra kick or reducing them to suit your heat tolerance. Removing the seeds also helps control spiciness.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Traditional soy sauces and oyster sauce contain gluten, so to make this dish gluten-free, swap them for tamari or certified gluten-free versions. Double-check your ramen noodles or use gluten-free noodles to keep it safe for gluten sensitivities.

What can I substitute for ground beef?

If you prefer a different protein, ground pork or turkey work wonderfully and absorb the sauce nicely. For a vegetarian take, try using crumbled firm tofu or textured vegetable protein along with a splash of mushroom sauce for umami richness.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance for meal prep?

Yes! The components of this Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe hold up well for meal prep. Cook the beef mixture and noodles separately and combine only when ready to eat, reheating gently. This keeps the noodles from getting soggy and flavors are fresh every time.

Final Thoughts

This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe is a delightful and satisfying dish that bursts with layers of flavor from every bite. Its combination of juicy ground beef, aromatic spices, and perfectly sauced noodles is comfort food elevated to joyful dining. I encourage you to try making this at home — it’s quick, accessible, and sure to bring smiles around your table.