This Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles dish is a quick and tasty meal! With tender beef, flavorful sauces, and soft noodles, it’s a plate full of goodness.
Making this is a breeze! Just cook the beef, toss in some veggies and noodles, and watch everyone come running to the table. Trust me, the aroma will have them hungry in no time!
I love to add extra green onions on top for crunch and color. It’s a fun way to make dinner special without much fuss—perfect for busy days or cozy nights! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak or Sirloin: These cuts are great for this recipe because they’re tender and cook quickly. If you don’t have these on hand, feel free to use chicken or tofu for a different protein or even ground beef for convenience!
Noodles: Traditional egg noodles or lo mein work well, but you can substitute with rice noodles or even soba noodles if you’re gluten-free. I find egg noodles are chewier and give a nice texture.
Soy Sauce: This gives the dish its salty, umami flavor. If you need to avoid gluten, try using tamari. Low-sodium soy sauce is another excellent option if you’re watching your salt intake.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the saltiness of the soy sauce. In a pinch, you could use honey or coconut sugar for a less refined alternative.
Vegetables: Adding broccoli or snap peas not only makes the dish colorful but also boosts nutrition! Feel free to use whatever veggies you have—bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas are also fantastic!
How Do I Get My Beef Just Right?
Getting the beef tender and juicy is super important. Here’s a technique that works wonders:
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain. This helps break down the muscle fibers, making your bites tender.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef. Give it space to brown nicely!
- If you want even more flavor, marinate the beef briefly in soy sauce, a bit of cornstarch, and a touch of oil before cooking.
These simple steps will ensure that your beef turns out delicious and perfect every time! Enjoy cooking! 🌟
Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 8 oz flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 8 oz noodles (egg noodles or lo mein noodles)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced (keep white and green parts separate)
- Optional: 1 cup broccoli florets or snap peas for added veggies
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need about 10 minutes to prep the ingredients and another 20 minutes to cook everything together. A quick and tasty meal for busy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by boiling water in a pot. Cook the noodles according to package instructions until they’re al dente. Once done, drain the noodles in a colander and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup water until well combined. Set this mixture aside; it will become the flavorful sauce for your noodles.
3. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the beef is browned and just cooked through. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and place it on a plate.
4. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the sliced green onions. Stir-fry everything for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step adds a lovely aroma to your dish!
5. Add the Veggies:
If you’re using veggies like broccoli or snap peas, toss them in now. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp. Yum!
6. Make the Sauce:
Now, pour the prepared soy sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
7. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry (the mixture of cornstarch and water) to the skillet. Stir well and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely.
8. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet, and toss everything together to coat the beef and veggies in that delicious sauce.
9. Add the Noodles:
Finally, add the cooked noodles to the skillet and gently toss everything together until the noodles are fully combined with the beef and sauce.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the green tops of the green onions and sesame seeds (if using) over the dish for a nice finishing touch. Serve your Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles hot and enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the beef in the fridge overnight before slicing it. If you’re in a rush, you can also run it under cold water in its sealed packaging for a quick thaw.
What If I Don’t Have Soy Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option, or use coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative—both will provide a similar flavor profile with a touch of sweetness!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water to help loosen the sauce if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
