Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
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 flake (optional for a spicy kick)
10 oz linguine
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
4 green onions, sliced for garnish
Directions:
Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the linguine according to the package instructions in a large pot of boiling water. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat as needed.
Add Aromatics and Sauces: Add the minced garlic to the browned beef and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, add the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flake. Stir to combine.
Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth and stir into the skillet. Bring to a gentle boil; the sauce will thicken.
Combine with Noodles: Toss the cooked noodles in the skillet, ensuring they are fully coated with the sauce. Allow to simmer together for 2-3 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions over the noodles and serve hot.
Here are some secrets to achieve the perfect Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles:
- Choose the Right Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to minimize excess fat in the dish. Ground beef with an 85/15 or 90/10 lean-to-fat ratio works well.
- Properly Brown the Ground Beef: Brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until it develops a rich, golden-brown color. This adds flavor and texture to the dish.
- Infuse Flavor with Garlic: Garlic adds depth and aroma to the dish. Make sure to mince the garlic finely and cook it until fragrant to release its flavor.
- Balance Sweet and Savory Flavors: Mongolian beef noodles typically have a balance of sweet and savory flavors. Adjust the amount of brown sugar and soy sauce to achieve the desired balance.
- Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Using low-sodium soy sauce allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. You can always add more salt later if needed.
- Enhance Flavor with Hoisin Sauce: Hoisin sauce adds richness and complexity to the sauce. It has a slightly sweet and salty flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes add warmth and depth of flavor to the dish. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preference for spiciness.
- Thicken the Sauce Properly: Use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce to the desired consistency. Mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth before adding it to the skillet.
- Cook the Noodles Al Dente: Cook the linguine until al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked noodles can become mushy when combined with the sauce.
- Coat the Noodles Evenly: Toss the cooked noodles in the skillet with the sauce until they are evenly coated. This ensures that every bite is flavorful.
- Allow the Flavors to Meld: Let the noodles simmer with the sauce for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This helps the noodles absorb the sauce and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Garnish with Fresh Green Onions: Sliced green onions add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Sprinkle them over the noodles just before serving for a vibrant finish.
- Consider Adding Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables such as sliced bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli florets to the dish for added nutrition and texture.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, brown sugar for sweetness, or red pepper flakes for spiciness.
- Serve Hot and Fresh: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are best served hot and fresh from the skillet. Enjoy them immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Here are 15 popular questions and their answers related to Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles:
- What is Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
- Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles is a delicious and flavorful dish featuring tender ground beef cooked with a savory Mongolian-inspired sauce, served over noodles.
- How do I make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
- To make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, you brown ground beef, add garlic, soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry, then toss with cooked noodles.
- What type of noodles should I use?
- Linguine noodles are commonly used for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, but you can use other types such as spaghetti or egg noodles if preferred.
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a lighter option. However, keep in mind that ground turkey may have a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Is Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles spicy?
- The level of spiciness in Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles can be adjusted based on personal preference. The addition of red pepper flakes adds a hint of spice, but you can omit them or adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- Can I make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles ahead of time?
- Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the noodles and combine with the sauce just before serving.
- What can I serve with Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
- Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles can be served with a variety of side dishes such as steamed vegetables, stir-fried greens, or a fresh salad.
- Can I freeze Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
- While you can freeze Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles, the texture of the noodles may change upon reheating. It’s best to enjoy them fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- How long does it take to cook Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
- Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles typically take about 30 minutes to prepare, including cooking the ground beef, making the sauce, and boiling the noodles.
- Is Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles gluten-free?
- Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are not inherently gluten-free due to the use of soy sauce and hoisin sauce, which contain gluten. However, you can use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce to make a gluten-free version.
- Can I add vegetables to Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
- Yes, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or snap peas to Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles for added flavor and nutrition.
- What does the hoisin sauce add to the dish?
- Hoisin sauce adds depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness to Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles. It complements the savory and umami notes of the dish.
- Can I make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles with ground chicken?
- Yes, you can substitute ground chicken for ground beef in this recipe if you prefer. Just ensure it’s cooked thoroughly before adding the sauce.
- Is Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles a kid-friendly dish?
- Yes, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are often enjoyed by kids due to their delicious flavor and familiar ingredients. You can adjust the level of spiciness to suit their taste preferences.
- How should I store leftovers of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles?
- Leftovers of Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.