This dish happened when I planned to make Mongolian lamb, but discovered I had forgotten to buy lamb. Instead, I grabbed the packet of beef mince I add to my shopping trolley every week without fail and made Mongolian beef noodles instead.

It includes everything I love about Mongolian lamb – that slightly sweet, savoury sauce with its signature hint of Chinese five spice powder – plus noodles and a good amount of hidden veg, making this a complete meal in a pan. It’s not authentic Chinese food but it’s downright tasty, and a total crowd-pleaser.