Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Ingredients:

5 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 c. beef broth

1 pound ground beef

1/3 c. brown sugar

1/3 c. soy sauce

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

3 tbsp hoisin sauce

1/2 tsp ground ginger

10 ounces linguine

1 tbsp cornstarch

4 green onions, sliced

2 tbsp water

Pinch red pepper flake, optional

Instructions

Step 1:

Boil the pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to the package directions.

Drain when done, and keep the pasta aside.

Step 2:

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet on medium-high heat.

As needed, drain the excess grease.

Throw in the garlic and cook for a minute until aromatic.

Step 3:

Pour in the soy sauce and beef broth.

Add the brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ginger, red pepper flake, and black pepper.

Stir well.

Step 4:

Whisk the cornstarch in 2 tbsp cold water to make the slurry.

Stir this into the ground beef and bring the mixture to a boil.

Add the noodles once the sauce has thickened and toss to combine.

Step 5:

Cook the noodles in the sauce for another 2 to 3 minutes to absorb some flavor.

Before serving, top with some green onions.

Notes:

Pasta Preparation: Boil the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside before tossing with the cooked ground beef and sauce.

Ground Beef Cooking: Brown the ground beef in a skillet, along with garlic, to infuse flavor. Drain excess grease as needed to control fat content.

Flavorful Sauce: The sauce combines savory and sweet flavors from soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and ginger. Adjust the spiciness with red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Thickening the Sauce: Use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, ensuring a glossy and well-coated consistency over the noodles.

Cooking Noodles in Sauce: Incorporate the cooked linguine into the sauce, allowing it to absorb the flavors for a few minutes before serving.

Garnish with Green Onions: Finish the dish with sliced green onions for freshness and color contrast.

Substitutions: Experiment with different pasta types or ground meats for variety. Vegetarian options can include tofu or textured vegetable protein (TVP).

Sauce Customization: Adjust the sauce quantity to your preference for sauciness or tweak the spiciness by varying the amount of red pepper flakes.

Gluten-Free Option: Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and noodles.

Meal Prep and Storage: This recipe is suitable for meal prep. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheat before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Yields: 4 | Servings Size: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of linguine?

Yes, you can substitute linguine with other types of pasta like spaghetti, fettuccine, or even rice noodles based on your preference.

Is it necessary to use ground beef, or can I use other types of ground meat?

While ground beef is traditional in Mongolian beef recipes, you can experiment with other ground meats such as turkey, chicken, or pork for different flavor variations.

What can I use as a substitute for hoisin sauce if I don’t have it?

If you don’t have hoisin sauce on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of equal parts soy sauce and honey or molasses.

You can also add a pinch of five-spice powder for a similar flavor profile.

I prefer my noodles less saucy. Can I adjust the amount of sauce in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the sauce quantity according to your preference.

You can reduce the amount of soy sauce and beef broth or increase the quantity of noodles for a less saucy dish.

Are there any suitable vegetarian alternatives for the ground beef in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a vegetarian version of Mongolian noodles.

Ensure you adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly.

Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, pork, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives for different flavor profiles.

Is there a substitute for hoisin sauce if I don’t have it?

If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can try substituting it with oyster sauce or a combination of soy sauce, honey, and a pinch of five-spice powder for a similar flavor.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free noodles to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.

How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat to the dish.

If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the noodles separately ahead of time.

Store them separately in the refrigerator, then reheat the sauce and toss with freshly cooked noodles when ready to serve.

What can I serve as side dishes with Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?

This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy.

You can also serve it with a side salad or fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

To prevent the noodles from sticking together, toss them with a little oil after draining them.

This will help keep them separate until they’re ready to be mixed with the sauce.

Can I add additional vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize this dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or snow peas for extra flavor and nutrition.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can portion out the cooked noodles and sauce into individual containers for easy meal prep.

Store them in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to eat.

How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.