This Quick and Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles dish brings together tender beef, colorful veggies, and chewy noodles in a tasty sauce. It’s simple and ready in no time!
When I make this, I love how everything comes together so fast. Plus, it’s one of those meals that makes you feel like a kitchen superstar! 🍜✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: I prefer using udon noodles because they are thick and chewy, which pairs perfectly with the beef. If you can’t find udon, try spaghetti or rice noodles as a quick substitute.
Ground Beef: Ground beef gives this dish great flavor and texture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option can work well too.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce helps keep the dish from being too salty. You can swap it for tamari if you’re gluten-free, or use coconut aminos for a lighter flavor.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and depth. If you’re out, honey or maple syrup will do in a pinch, but start with a little less since they’re sweeter.
How Do I Make the Beef Perfectly Flavored?
The key to tasty beef is in the cooking process. Start by ensuring your skillet is hot enough before adding the meat. This helps brown the beef and enhances its flavor.
- Cook the beef until it’s browned and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger once the beef is browned. This way, they cook quickly, releasing their amazing aroma.
- Let the sauce simmer a bit. This melds the flavors, making the dish taste even better!
Quick and Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz (225g) noodles (udon or thick wheat noodles preferred)
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 3/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish:
- 3 green onions, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes around 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You will spend about 10 minutes cooking the noodles and preparing the beef and sauce. Then, just let everything simmer and mix together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and set them aside. This keeps them ready for mixing later!
2. Prepare the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook. Stir and break it up with a spoon until it’s browned and fully cooked—this should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s extra fat, drain it out to keep the dish light.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Once the beef is ready, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the beef. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until you can smell the delicious aroma. This is key to enhancing the flavors!
4. Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, and brown sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Pour this sauce over the beef mixture in the skillet. Give it a good stir to combine.
5. Simmer the Sauce:
Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes. If you’d like a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixed with water and cook for another minute until it thickens slightly.
6. Combine with Noodles:
Add the cooked noodles and chopped green onions into the skillet. Toss everything together so that the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and beef. It’s starting to look amazing!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the Mongolian Beef Noodles immediately, garnished with extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy every bite of this delicious meal!
Dig in and savor the fast and flavorful tastes of your Quick and Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles! 🎉
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Quick and Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles
Can I Use Different Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is a classic choice, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the meat you choose.
How Can I Adjust the Sauce for a Spicier Kick?
If you love heat, consider adding a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce while it simmers. This will give your dish an extra layer of flavor and spice!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the beef mixture and sauce ahead of time, and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just cook the noodles fresh when you’re ready to serve to keep them tender!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce to keep it from getting dry.
These tips should help you enjoy your Quick and Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles even more! 😊🍜
