Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef is full of vibrant flavors with the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and spicy. The ground beef soaks up the savory soy sauce and hoisin sauce, while the beef broth adds richness. The brown sugar provides a touch of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory and spicy notes of the dish. With just a few pantry staples and a short cook time, this dish is ideal for anyone looking for a fast yet flavorful meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 16 oz box of linguine
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
• 2/3 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Green onion, optional (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked ground beef and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Combine the Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the beef. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated and the sauce is heated through. Allow the noodles to absorb the sauce for 3-4 minutes.
6. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: If you prefer more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Vegetable Addition: Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the skillet with the garlic for extra veggies and crunch.
• Different Noodles: You can substitute linguine with other types of noodles like rice noodles, soba noodles, or even spaghetti for a different texture.
• Make it lighter: Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef to reduce the fat content.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the noodles in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. If the noodles seem dry, add a splash of beef broth or water.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the noodles and beef separately in advance, and then store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply combine them with the sauce and heat everything through.

2. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken would all work as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or drizzle in some sriracha or chili paste.

5. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftover Mongolian Noodles. Let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

6. Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, you can use different types of noodles such as rice noodles, udon noodles, or even spaghetti if you prefer.

7. Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can use honey, maple syrup, or even coconut sugar as a substitute for brown sugar, though it may change the flavor slightly.

8. What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?

If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can make a quick substitute by mixing soy sauce, peanut butter, and a bit of honey or brown sugar to mimic its flavor.

9. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli will not only enhance the flavor but also add some nutritional value.

10. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content, though you may need to adjust the seasoning to taste.

Conclusion

Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef is a fast, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its savory beef, sweet and tangy sauce, and tender linguine, this dish is a real crowd-pleaser. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that will bring the bold flavors of Mongolian cuisine straight to your kitchen!

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