What is a good substitute for hoisin sauce?

If you don’t have hoisin sauce on hand, you can mix soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, and a dash of vinegar for a similar sweet-savory flavor. BBQ sauce with a splash of soy sauce also works in a pinch!

What is sambal sauce?

Sambal is a spicy, chili-based sauce from Indonesia. It’s made with crushed red chilies, garlic, vinegar, and sometimes lime or sugar. If you like a little heat, adding sambal to Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles gives it a fiery kick!

Is hoisin sauce just teriyaki sauce?

Not exactly! Hoisin sauce is thicker, richer, and more savory , with strong flavors from fermented soybeans. Teriyaki sauce, on the other hand, is sweeter and thinner , often made with soy sauce, sugar, and mirin.

What is in General Tso’s sauce?

General Tso’s sauce is sweet, tangy, and spicy , made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and red chili flakes . It has a bolder kick compared to the milder Mongolian-style sauce.

Is hoisin the same as ponzu?

Nope! Ponzu sauce is citrusy and tangy , made with soy sauce, yuzu or lemon juice, and mirin. Hoisin is thicker, sweeter, and more umami-packed , making it better for stir-fries and marinades.

What is in yum yum sauce?

Yum yum sauce is a creamy, slightly sweet dipping sauce made from mayo, ketchup, garlic powder, sugar, and a splash of vinegar . It’s famous in hibachi restaurants and pairs well with noodles, fried rice, and grilled meats.

Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

Name: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 8 oz noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or ramen); 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water); 1/2 cup water or beef broth; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 3 green onions, sliced; 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Description

This Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles recipe is a fast and flavorful dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes! Featuring juicy ground beef, a rich soy-based sauce, and tender noodles, this meal is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or ramen)
1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
1/2 cup water or beef broth
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
3 green onions, sliced
1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
Add garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make the sauce by stirring in soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and cornstarch slurry. Let it thicken for 2–3 minutes.
Toss in the noodles, mixing everything until well coated in the sauce.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or tofu for a leaner version.
Use rice noodles or zucchini noodles for a gluten-free option.
Adjust sweetness and spice levels to your preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 480 kcal
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Mongolian beef, beef noodles, easy dinner, ground beef recipe, stir-fry, Asian noodles, quick meals, 30-minute recipes