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Mongolian Beef Noodles

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This Mongolian beef noodles dish delivers sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors in just twenty minutes. Ground beef is browned and coated in a glossy sauce of soy, ginger, brown sugar, and hoisin, then tossed with linguine that soaks up every bit of flavor. A splash of pasta water creates the perfect consistency, clinging to each strand. This quick, comforting meal tastes like your favorite takeout but comes together easily at home, making it ideal for weeknights when you crave bold, restaurant-worthy flavors without the fuss.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Thu, 25 Sep 2025 18:30:51 GMT
A bowl of noodles with meat and vegetables. Bookmark
A bowl of noodles with meat and vegetables. | ioanacooks.com

This Mongolian ground beef and noodles is a quick and comforting meal that brings all the flavors of takeout into your kitchen in only twenty minutes. The noodles soak up a glossy sauce that is sweet, savory, and slightly spicy, making it an instant favorite for busy weeknights.

I first made this for my son after he fell in love with Mongolian beef at a local restaurant, and now he asks for my homemade version instead of eating out.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef 80 20 blend: gives rich flavor without being greasy
  • Linguine pasta: flat shape holds sauce beautifully choose good quality for best texture
  • Fresh garlic cloves: add depth and authentic taste better than powder
  • Ginger paste: provides that distinctive Asian flavor fresh is best but dried works in a pinch
  • Soy sauce: choose a quality brand since it builds the flavor base
  • Dark brown sugar: balances the saltiness and creates glossy sauce
  • Hoisin sauce: adds authentic depth and complexity
  • Red pepper flakes: bring gentle heat adjust to taste
  • Cornstarch: creates the perfect silky sauce consistency
  • Green onions: add freshness when sprinkled on top
  • Sesame seeds: optional but add nutty finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente with a slight bite. Reserve two cups of pasta water before draining.
Brown the Beef:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and garlic. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease but leave a little for flavor.
Build the Sauce:
Add ginger paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, red pepper flakes, and black pepper to the beef. Stir well and cook 2 to 3 minutes until glossy and fragrant.
Thicken the Sauce:
Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir slurry into skillet. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes while stirring until sauce thickens and clings to meat.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add drained pasta and one cup of reserved water to skillet. Toss vigorously until every noodle is coated. Add more water gradually if sauce feels too thick.
Finish and Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning with soy sauce for salt or sugar for sweetness. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
A bowl of noodles with meat and vegetables. Bookmark
A bowl of noodles with meat and vegetables. | ioanacooks.com

My favorite ingredient here is dark brown sugar. It transforms the sauce into something glossy and irresistible. I still remember the first time I made this dish for family dinner, and everyone asked for seconds before I even sat down.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter version. Rice noodles work if you want a gluten free option. BBQ sauce can replace hoisin in a pinch.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a crisp cucumber salad for freshness. For adults, a cold Asian beer or hot green tea rounds out the meal.

A plate of noodles with meat and vegetables. Bookmark
A plate of noodles with meat and vegetables. | ioanacooks.com

Cultural Context

Mongolian beef is a Chinese American classic often found in takeout restaurants. This noodle twist makes it approachable at home and perfect for families craving bold flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork all work well. Adjust cooking time slightly if using leaner meats like turkey or chicken.

→ What can I substitute for hoisin sauce?

BBQ sauce works, though the flavor will differ. You can also mix soy sauce, peanut butter, and honey as a quick substitute.

→ Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or even rice noodles work well. Cook as directed and reserve pasta water for the sauce.

→ How do I make this spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce. You can also sauté sliced jalapeños with the garlic.

→ Why is the pasta water important?

The starchy pasta water helps bind the sauce to the noodles and creates a silky, restaurant-quality consistency.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but leftovers keep for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Mongolian Beef Noodles

Mongolian beef noodles with ground beef, glossy sauce, and pasta ready in 20 minutes.

Time Needed to Prep
5 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Overall Time
20 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Easy to Make

Type of Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Number of Portions: 4 How Many It Serves (4 servings)

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free Suitable

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Main

Ingredient 01 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
Ingredient 02 12 ounces linguine pasta
Ingredient 03 4 garlic cloves, minced
Ingredient 04 1 tablespoon ginger paste
Ingredient 05 1/2 cup soy sauce
Ingredient 06 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
Ingredient 07 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
Ingredient 08 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Ingredient 09 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Ingredient 10 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Ingredient 11 2 tablespoons cold water
Ingredient 12 2 cups reserved pasta cooking water
Ingredient 13 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Ingredient 14 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 2 cups pasta water before draining.

Step 02

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and minced garlic. Cook 5-7 minutes, breaking up meat, until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 03

Stir in ginger paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes until sugar dissolves and sauce turns glossy.

Step 04

Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir into beef mixture. Simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats meat.

Step 05

Add drained pasta and 1 cup reserved pasta water to skillet. Toss well, adding more pasta water as needed, until noodles are evenly coated.

Step 06

Taste and adjust seasoning with soy sauce or sugar if desired. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.

Extra Tips

  1. Use good quality soy sauce since it forms the base flavor of the dish.
  2. Reserve pasta water to help create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
  3. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Whisk

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains gluten from pasta and soy sauce
  • Contains soy from soy sauce and hoisin sauce

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 520
  • Total Fat: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 62 grams
  • Protein Amount: 28 grams