Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 10 oz linguine
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the linguine in a large pot of boiling water according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat as needed.
3. Add Aromatics and Sauces
Add the minced garlic to the cooked beef and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Then, stir in the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to combine.
4. Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the skillet. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, allowing it to thicken.
5. Combine with Noodles
Toss the cooked linguine into the skillet with the beef and sauce, ensuring the noodles are well coated. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the dish and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 650 kcal per serving
Servings: 4
FAQs for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
1. Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Yes, you can use ground chicken, turkey, pork, or even plant-based ground meat for a healthier or vegetarian option. The sauce works well with various proteins.
2. Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely! You can replace linguine with spaghetti, rice noodles, or even udon. For a low-carb alternative, try zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
3. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and substitute the noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.
4. Is there a way to reduce the sugar content?
You can reduce the amount of brown sugar to taste or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option.
5. Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! To add more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha or chili paste to the sauce.
6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the ground beef mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, cook the noodles fresh and toss them together.
7. How long do leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if the noodles seem dry.
8. Can I freeze Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
It’s best to freeze the cooked ground beef and sauce separately. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then cook fresh noodles and combine before serving.
9. What vegetables can I add to this dish?
You can add a variety of vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Simply sauté them before or after browning the beef, or stir them in with the noodles for extra crunch and nutrition.
10. What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute it with a mix of soy sauce, a little peanut butter or tahini, and honey. This will provide a similar sweet and savory flavor.
Enjoy this quick and flavorful dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner!