Description
This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe features tender lo mein noodles tossed in a savory and slightly sweet sauce made from soy, brown sugar, and hoisin, combined with flavorful ground beef and aromatic garlic and ginger. Quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an authentic Asian-inspired touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces lo mein noodles or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the lo mein or spaghetti noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown the Beef: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger directly into the beef. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and water until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Thicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the skillet and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly.
- Toss with Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the savory sauce and beef mixture. If desired, stir in the crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Transfer to serving plates and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy.
Notes
- For a veggie boost, add sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or shredded carrots to the skillet with the beef.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner protein alternative.
- Lo mein or yakisoba noodles provide the best texture, but spaghetti is a convenient substitute if unavailable.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit them for a milder dish.
