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Create a delicious Asian comfort meal with these hearty Mongolian Noodles with Ground Beef. This simple yet flavorful dish features tender noodles and seasoned ground beef coated in a rich, glossy sauce that brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen.
The key technique is allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken to achieve that perfect silky coating on the noodles.
Key Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Select 80/20 ground beef for optimal flavor and texture.
- Noodles: Choose long noodles that capture sauce well.
- Hoisin Sauce: Provides rich, complex sweetness.
- Fresh Ginger: Adds essential aromatic heat.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium for better seasoning control.
Cooking Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Meat
- Cook beef until well-browned, breaking into small pieces. Retain some fat for flavor before adding aromatics.
- Step 2: Create the Sauce
- Mix sauce ingredients while pan is hot, simmer to reduce, adjust seasonings as needed.
- Step 3: Final Assembly
- Mix hot noodles with sauce gradually, stirring to coat evenly.
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For extra texture and freshness, garnish generously with chopped green onions just before serving.
Timing Tips
Monitor sauce thickness, time aromatics carefully, ensure proper heat levels throughout cooking process.
Prep-Ahead Instructions
Prepare noodles slightly firm, mix sauce components ahead, store elements separately, use broth when reheating.
Common Issues and Fixes
For thin sauce, continue reducing; prevent noodle sticking with oil; balance sweetness with soy sauce; adjust saltiness with brown sugar.
Recipe Adaptations
Substitute ground pork or chicken, experiment with different noodle varieties, incorporate fresh vegetables or mushrooms.
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Success with this dish comes from achieving the perfect balance between reduced sauce and properly cooked noodles. The result is a satisfying homemade version of a takeout favorite that's both convenient and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Which noodles should I use?
- You can go with any long noodles like rice vermicelli, linguine, lo mein, or even spaghetti!
- → How do I make this less spicy?
- Just skip or lower the amount of red pepper flakes. The dish will still taste great.
- → What’s a good swap for hoisin sauce?
- Blend equal amounts of soy sauce and brown sugar, or try oyster sauce with a bit more sweetness.
- → What’s the best way to store leftovers?
- Seal it in an airtight container, keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat with a bit of water to bring back the sauce.
- → Can I use a different type of meat?
- Absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, or chicken will all work beautifully as substitutes.