This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles | Easy 20-Minute Dinner Recipe is creamy, comforting, and absolutely delicious. It's one of those recipes that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to pull together on a weeknight. Your family is going to love this one!
Did You Know?
Pro Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes this Mongolian-style beef?
The sweet-savory sauce of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a touch of hoisin creates the signature Mongolian beef flavor profile — sweet, salty, and deeply savory.
2. Why use ground beef instead of sliced flank steak?
Ground beef cooks in half the time and absorbs the Mongolian sauce more thoroughly. It is more budget-friendly and does not need marinating or slicing.
3. What noodles work best for this recipe?
Lo mein egg noodles, udon, or ramen noodles all work great. For a quick substitute, spaghetti or linguine tossed with sesame oil mimics the texture.
4. How do I make the Mongolian sauce thicker?
Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the sauce. It will thicken within 1-2 minutes of simmering.
5. Can I make this less sweet?
Reduce the brown sugar by half and increase the soy sauce slightly. The sweetness is traditional but adjustable to your preference.
6. What vegetables can I add to Mongolian beef noodles?
Green onions are traditional. Broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers, and shredded carrots all make excellent additions — add them with 3 minutes left.
7. Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe is not spicy. Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or sambal oelek to the sauce if you want heat. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust up.
8. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken both work. They have less fat than beef so the dish will be lighter. Add a tablespoon of sesame oil for extra richness.
9. How fast does this recipe come together?
About 20 minutes from start to finish — 5 minutes to brown the beef, 5 minutes for the sauce, and 10 minutes for the noodles. It is a true weeknight dinner.
10. How do I reheat Mongolian beef noodles?
Reheat in a hot skillet or wok with a splash of soy sauce and water. The noodles absorb sauce as they sit, so extra liquid prevents them from drying out.
Watch How to Make This
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles | Easy 20-Minute Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes. Pour into the skillet.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Toss in the cooked noodles and stir well to coat.
- Turn off the heat, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot.
Notes
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
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