Sweet & Savory Beef Noodles (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb ground beef (lean ground beef is best for a lighter dish)
02 - 10 oz linguine (or other long pasta like spaghetti or rice noodles for gluten-free option)

→ Sauce Ingredients

03 - 5 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1/3 cup brown sugar
05 - 1/4 cup beef broth
06 - 1/3 cup soy sauce
07 - 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

→ For Thickening and Garnish

11 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
12 - 2 tablespoons water
13 - 4 green onions, sliced

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine (or your preferred pasta) and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
02 - While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it's no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Break it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the dish lighter.
03 - Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the cooked beef. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Then add the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together well, allowing the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until completely smooth, creating a slurry. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir it into the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens to a glossy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
05 - Add the cooked and drained linguine to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Using tongs, toss the noodles thoroughly in the sauce until they're fully coated. Allow everything to simmer together for another 2-3 minutes so the noodles can absorb some of the sauce's flavor.
06 - Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top of the dish. Serve the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles hot, straight from the skillet for a family-style meal or divide among individual bowls.

# Notes:

01 - This dish can be made gluten-free by substituting rice noodles for linguine and using gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce.
02 - For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha sauce.
03 - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
04 - Serve alongside steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or even over rice instead of noodles for a different twist.