Spicy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Fiery Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe for Busy Nights

Weeknight dinners demand bold flavors and quick solutions for busy households.

Crafting these spicy Mongolian ground beef noodles delivers an explosion of taste that will tantalize your senses.

The recipe blends savory Asian-inspired seasonings with tender ground beef and slick noodles that dance with heat.

Green onions and sesame seeds add beautiful texture and authentic character to this delectable dish.

Chili flakes provide an optional kick for those who love extra heat.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and spicy notes that transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Prepare to savor every delicious forkful of this restaurant-quality dinner you can make right in your own kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

For Base Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: Lean cuts ensure rich, meaty texture without excess grease, perfectly absorbing sauce flavors.
  • Noodles: Quick-cooking varieties like egg noodles or wheat noodles work best for speedy meal preparation.
For Sauce Components:
  • Soy Sauce: Delivers deep umami richness and authentic Asian-inspired seasoning.
  • Hoisin Sauce: Adds sweet and tangy complexity with traditional Chinese flavor profile.
  • Brown Sugar: Creates caramelized sweetness that balances savory meat elements.
  • Rice Vinegar: Introduces bright, subtle acidity to enhance overall taste complexity.
  • Sesame Oil: Provides nutty, aromatic undertone characteristic of Asian cuisine.
For Aromatic and Garnish Ingredients:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Fresh varieties intensify authentic flavor and provide robust, warming notes.
  • Green Onions: Add crisp, fresh finish with mild onion sharpness.
  • Sesame Seeds: Contribute delicate crunch and toasty undertone.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element for heat lovers seeking extra kick.
  • Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking fat for smooth meat browning and preventing sticking.

Tools That Make Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Simple

  • Large skillet: Essential for browning beef and cooking the entire dish.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping green onions and preparing ingredients.
  • Knife: Sharp tool for slicing green onions and mincing garlic and ginger.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring the sauce.
  • Colander: Used for draining cooked noodles.
  • Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring sauce ingredients.
  • Measuring cups: Ensures precise sauce ingredient quantities.

How to Cook Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Like a Weeknight Pro

  • Boil Noodles

Cook noodles according to package directions until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside for later mixing.

  • Brown Beef

Heat skillet over medium-high and cook ground beef, breaking it into crumbly pieces until fully browned. Remove any extra grease from pan.

  • Create Flavor Base

Toss minced garlic and ginger into hot skillet. Sauté briefly until aromatic. Pour in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Let mixture bubble and reduce slightly for 3-4 minutes.

  • Merge Ingredients

Slide cooked noodles into skillet with beef and sauce. Gently toss everything together, ensuring noodles get completely coated with delicious sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.

  • Finish and Plate

Sprinkle sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes on top. Serve immediately while hot and steaming.

Tasty Tips for Bold Mongolian Beef Flavor

  • Chop garlic and ginger ahead of time to speed up cooking process and make weeknight dinners faster.
  • Replace wheat noodles with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a lighter, gluten-free version that keeps the delicious flavor profile intact.
  • Substitute ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based meat alternatives to create a meatless meal that still delivers robust taste and protein.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference – use sparingly for mild flavor or add extra for a fiery kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
  • Double the recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick meals later; sauce and beef freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

Serve Mongolian Beef Noodles with a Garnish of Green

  • Green Onion Crunch: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for a sharp, crisp flavor that adds brightness and a pop of color to the dish.
  • Spice Lovers' Dream: Drizzle extra red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha sauce for those who crave a fiery kick and want to turn up the heat.
  • Asian-Inspired Side Kick: Pair the noodles with quick pickled cucumber slices or a simple Asian-style coleslaw to create a balanced meal with complementary textures and tangy flavors.
  • Family-Style Feast: Serve in a large communal bowl with extra chopsticks, allowing everyone to dig in and enjoy the hearty, saucy noodles together in a casual, relaxed setting.

Store Mongolian Noodles for Flavor-Packed Leftovers

  • Split the recipe into individual containers for quick lunch or dinner options during the busy work week. Pack noodles and beef separately to maintain optimal texture.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the sauce and meat separate from noodles to prevent soggy textures when reheating.
  • Prepare double batches and freeze individual portions in sealed freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor quality for up to 2 months.
  • Warm refrigerated portions in a skillet over medium heat for best results. Add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to refresh flavors and prevent dryness. Microwave as a quick alternative, stirring halfway through heating.

FAQs

  • Is Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles an authentic Mongolian dish?

While the name suggests Mongolian origins, this dish is actually an American-Chinese fusion recipe that was created in restaurants in the United States, not a traditional Mongolian meal.

  • Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the noodles with egg noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti if you prefer. Choose a noodle that will hold the sauce well and has a similar thickness.

  • How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat level?

The recipe is mild, but you can easily increase the spiciness by adding more red pepper flakes or using a spicy chili sauce. For less heat, simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.

  • What are some protein alternatives if I don't want to use ground beef?

Ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work great in this recipe. You can also use thinly sliced beef strips for a different texture.

Print
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Spicy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Spicy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles deliver a savory explosion of Asian-inspired flavors with tender beef and silky noodles. Satisfying spices and umami-rich ingredients create a quick, delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef
  • 8 oz (226 grams) rice noodles or spaghetti
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce (low sodium)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsps brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsps vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Noodle Preparation: Cook noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside, ensuring they remain loose and separated.
  2. Meat Searing: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a light coating of vegetable oil. Add ground beef, breaking it into uniform crumbles and cooking until golden-brown and fully rendered.
  3. Fat Management: Drain excess fat from the skillet to maintain a clean flavor profile.
  4. Aromatic Infusion: Reduce heat and add minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly to release their fragrant essence without scorching.
  5. Sauce Creation: Directly in the skillet, blend soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer gently until the sauce develops a glossy, slightly thickened consistency.
  6. Flavor Fusion: Incorporate cooked noodles into the seasoned beef, tossing thoroughly to ensure complete coating with the savory sauce. Continue cooking momentarily to allow flavors to intensify.
  7. Final Presentation: Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for those desiring an extra kick.

Notes

  • Crumble Beef Carefully: Break ground beef into small, even pieces to ensure uniform cooking and maximize sauce absorption.
  • Control Oil Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown beef without burning or creating excess grease.
  • Balance Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce slowly to develop rich flavors and create a glossy, clingy texture that coats noodles perfectly.
  • Customize Heat Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to match personal spice preferences, allowing each diner to control their flavor intensity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mongolian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 486
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 690 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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