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–+ servings
Mongolian ground beef noodles in a skillet with chopticks.

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

These 15-minute Mongolian beef noodles are the ultimate answer to busy weeknights when you need something super quick, easy and simply downright delicious.
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5 from 3 votes
Course: Main Course
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 626
Author: Maretha Corbett
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Equipment

  • 1 large pot for the pasta
  • 1 large frying pan

Ingredients

For the sauce

  • 8 tablespoons dark soy sauce - or low-sodium soy sauce
  • 5 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • ½ cup (120ml) beef broth made from one bouillon cube - or beef stock
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon chilli flakes
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the pasta

  • 9 oz (250g) linguini
  • salt to taste

For the ground beef

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef - preferably 90% lean (10% fat)
  • 4 teaspoons minced garlic - or garlic paste
  • 3 teaspoons minced ginger - or ginger paste
  • 4 green onions, chopped - or spring onions
  • sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and whisk until smooth. Set aside.
    8 tablespoons dark soy sauce, 5 tablespoons hoisin sauce, ½ cup (120ml) beef broth made from one bouillon cube, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, ½ teaspoon chilli flakes, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • Cook the linguini according to the package instructions, making sure to salt the water well. Avoid overcooking, retaining a slight bite to the pasta. Drain well in a colander.
    While the pasta is cooking, begin preparing the ground beef.
    9 oz (250g) linguini, salt to taste
  • Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned and crumbly.
    1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • Add the crushed garlic and ginger to the pan, stirring them through the beef. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
    4 teaspoons minced garlic, 3 teaspoons minced ginger
  • Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and stir well to combine, ensuring the meat is evenly coated.
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and reduces slightly. You want enough sauce to coat the pasta, but not too much that it becomes overly liquidy.
  • Add the chopped green onions and stir through the sauce for 1 minute.
    4 green onions, chopped
  • Add the cooked and drained pasta to the pan.
  • Gently toss the pasta to combine with the sauce, using two forks or kitchen tongs to mix everything evenly.
  • Finish with extra sliced green onions and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. You can also sprinkle on more red chilli flakes if you’d like an extra kick of heat.
    sesame seeds for garnish

Notes

Top Tips

Use lean meat for a crumblier texture

Lean ground beef (around 90% lean) gives a better, crumblier texture.
If you use fattier beef, make sure to spoon off any excess fat after browning before adding the sauce.

Don’t overcook the pasta

Cook the pasta al dente, with a slight bite.
Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and bland and may break apart when mixed with the meat sauce.

Time the pasta and meat together

To prevent the pasta from sticking, try to have it ready at the same time as the meat sauce.
The strands will stick together if the pasta cools or sits too long.
If you're worried, cook the sauce first and then the pasta.

Check the sauce consistency

Before adding the sweet and savoury sauce, ensure the meat sauce is thick enough to coat the pasta, but not too watery.
You want a nice balance, so the sauce clings to the noodles without being overly saucy.
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**Nutritional data disclaimer**

Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is calculated by a third party and we cannot guarantee the accuracy. We try our best to give you the most accurate information, but we do not take responsibility for errors that may be present. Also, the nutritional value of the recipe may change depending on the exact brands and products used. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalised advice on your dietary needs.

Nutrition

Calories: 626kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 2576mg | Potassium: 701mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 198IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 5mg
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