Name: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 10 ounces rice noodles; 1 pound ground beef (80/20); 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced; 4 garlic cloves, finely minced; ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce; ½ cup water; ¼ cup brown sugar; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; Green onions, sliced; White sesame seeds

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Introduction

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles combine tender rice noodles with savory, slightly sweet beef in a rich soy-based sauce. This dish is quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

This image shows a silver pan filled with a single-layer of noodles mixed with cooked ground meat that is dark brown and evenly distributed. The noodles are light brown and glossy from the sauce, slightly tangled. Scattered on top are small white sesame seeds and thin green rings of chopped scallions adding fresh color. To the upper right of the pan is a white bowl filled with white sesame seeds. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth with black stripes underneath its handle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

10 ounces rice noodles
1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (finely minced)
4 garlic cloves (finely minced)
Green onions (sliced, for garnish)
White sesame seeds (for garnish)
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
½ cup water
¼ cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

Step 1: Whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, dark soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl. Set this sauce mixture aside.
Step 2: Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.
Step 3: Heat a small amount of cooking oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until nearly all the pink is gone.
Step 4: Add the minced ginger and garlic to the beef. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef. Let it gently simmer and thicken for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Add the cooked rice noodles on top of the beef and sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce.
Step 7: Garnish with sliced green onions and white sesame seeds before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of toasted sesame oil right before serving.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
Use freshly cooked noodles instead of rice noodles for a different texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving to keep the noodles from becoming mushy.

How to Serve

A close-up of a bowl with about two layers: the bottom layer is light brown thin noodles covered with a sauce giving them a shiny, slightly oily texture, and the top layer has small dark brown meat pieces mixed with the noodles, sprinkled with thinly sliced green onions and white sesame seeds. The bowl is white with a speckled green inside, resting partially on a white cloth with black stripes. On the left side of the bowl, a pair of dark wooden chopsticks lean against it. Surrounding the bowl are small white bowls with chopped green onions and sesame seeds on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular wheat noodles instead of rice noodles?

Yes, you can substitute wheat noodles if preferred. Just cook them according to the package directions and toss with the sauce as instructed.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Regular soy sauce typically contains gluten, so be sure to check labels.