Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles Recipe to Try Now
Discover a quick and flavorful Mongolian Beef Noodles recipe perfect for any night. This dish combines tender slices of beef with savory sauce and chewy noodles, creating a comfort meal that’s both satisfying and exciting. Whether you’re new to cooking Asian-inspired meals or a seasoned foodie looking for a new favorite, Mongolian Beef Noodles bring that perfect blend of rich taste and simple preparation you’ll love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
- Balanced flavors: The sweet-savory sauce pairs beautifully with tender beef and hearty noodles for instant satisfaction.
- Versatile ingredients: Uses common pantry staples so you can whip it up anytime without a special grocery trip.
- Family-friendly: Mild and approachable taste that pleases both kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with veggies or different proteins to suit your dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mongolian Beef Noodles recipe uses a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each plays a crucial role—beef provides tender protein, noodles deliver comforting texture, and the sauce infuses the perfect punch of savory and sweetness that brings everything together.
- Beef strips: Choose flank or sirloin for the best tenderness and flavor absorption.
- Egg noodles: Chewy and sturdy, they hold sauce beautifully and complement the beef.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and saltiness to the savory sauce.
- Brown sugar: Balances soy sauce with a subtle caramel sweetness.
- Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced for aromatic warmth and slight zing.
- Green onions: Give a fresh, crisp bite that brightens the dish.
- Vegetable oil: For stir-frying with a neutral flavor and high smoke point.
- Water or broth: Helps create the sauce and keeps the beef moist.
Variations for Mongolian Beef Noodles
Feel free to customize the Mongolian Beef Noodles recipe to match your taste, dietary needs, or available ingredients. It’s easy to swap or add components for a fresh twist or make it more wholesome with your favorite veggies.
- Vegetable-packed: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added crunch and nutrition.
- Protein swap: Substitute beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a different yet delicious take.
- Spicy kick: Add red chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to bring heat and excitement.
- Gluten-free noodles: Use rice noodles or zucchini noodles to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- Low sugar option: Reduce brown sugar or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
How to Make Mongolian Beef Noodles
Step 1: Prepare the beef
Slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness, then pat it dry with paper towels to help achieve a good sear during cooking.
Step 2: Cook the noodles
Boil the egg noodles following package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
Step 3: Make the sauce
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir until sugar dissolves, creating the signature savory-sweet sauce.
Step 4: Stir-fry the beef
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips in a single layer, searing quickly until browned but not fully cooked through, then remove and set aside.
Step 5: Combine and simmer
Pour the prepared sauce into the pan, add a splash of water or broth, and bring to a gentle simmer. Return the beef, tossing to coat well and finish cooking in the sauce for 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Toss with noodles and garnish
Add the cooked noodles to the pan, tossing everything together until all noodles are coated with sauce and heated through. Finish with sliced green onions for a fresh burst of flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Mongolian Beef Noodles
- Slice beef thinly: Ensures quick cooking and tender bites every time.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Work in batches when searing beef to get a nice caramelized crust.
- Use fresh aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger make a huge difference in flavor versus powders.
- Adjust sauce consistency: Add a cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker sauce that clings to noodles.
- Rest noodles: Toss drained noodles lightly in oil to keep them from sticking before combining with sauce.
How to Serve Mongolian Beef Noodles
Garnishes
Top your dish with fresh chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to add texture and enhance the aroma.
Side Dishes
Pair Mongolian Beef Noodles with steamed or stir-fried veggies such as bok choy, snap peas, or carrots to balance the meal with crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in stylish bowls with chopsticks for an authentic experience or pile high on a large platter for family-style dining that invites sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Mongolian Beef Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to enjoy later without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you separate the beef and noodles from any garnishes; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Warm leftovers over medium heat in a pan with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture, stirring until heated through and deliciously tender.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional here, you can use rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is Mongolian Beef Noodles spicy?
The base recipe is mild and sweet-savory, but adding chili flakes or hot sauce easily gives it a spicy kick if you like.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce and swap egg noodles for gluten-free rice noodles or spiralized vegetables to keep it allergy-friendly.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
You can prep the beef and sauce separately and cook the noodles fresh right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What’s the best cut of beef for Mongolian Beef Noodles?
Flank or sirloin steak works best because they’re lean but tender enough when sliced thin and cooked quickly.
Final Thoughts
This Mongolian Beef Noodles recipe has quickly become a staple for anyone seeking a fast, satisfying meal bursting with flavor. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s sure to brighten up your dinner table and leave you wanting more. Go ahead and try it tonight—you won’t regret welcoming this dish into your cooking routine!
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Mongolian Beef Noodles
Mongolian Beef Noodles is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender strips of beef and chewy egg noodles tossed in a savory-sweet sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting meal blends balanced flavors and easy preparation, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. The recipe is versatile, allowing for protein and veggie swaps, making it a customizable favorite for all skill levels.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free soy sauce and noodles)
Ingredients
Protein
- 8 oz flank or sirloin beef, thinly sliced against the grain
Noodles
- 6 oz egg noodles
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
Additional Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water or broth
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness, then pat dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear during cooking.
- Cook the noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir until the sugar dissolves, forming a savory-sweet sauce.
- Stir-fry the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips in a single layer and sear quickly until browned but not fully cooked through, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- Combine and simmer: Pour the sauce into the pan, add water or broth, and bring to a gentle simmer. Return the beef to the pan, tossing to coat and finish cooking in the sauce for 2-3 minutes.
- Toss with noodles and garnish: Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated and heated through. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Slice beef thinly: Ensures quick cooking and tender bites.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan: Sear beef in batches to get a caramelized crust.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics greatly enhance flavor.
- Thicken sauce if desired: Add a cornstarch slurry for a thicker consistency.
- Prevent noodle sticking: Toss drained noodles lightly in oil before combining with sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Mongolian beef, beef noodles, quick Asian recipe, stir-fry, easy dinner, savory-sweet sauce