These Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles are a tasty treat! Tender beef is cooked with sweet soy sauce and served over soft noodles that soak up all the flavors.
You’ll love how quick this meal is to make. Perfect for busy nights when you want something yummy without all the fuss. You might find yourself going back for seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is perfect for stir-frying because it’s tender and flavorful. If you can’t find flank steak, try sirloin or even chicken or tofu for a different take!
Noodles: I used egg noodles for a soft texture, but lo mein noodles work great too! If you need a gluten-free option, rice noodles are a fantastic substitute.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce keeps the dish from getting too salty. You can replace it with tamari for gluten-free dishes or coconut aminos for a lighter, sweeter flavor.
Brown Sugar: This gives a nice sweetness to the sauce. If you prefer, honey or maple syrup are good alternatives. Just adjust the quantity a bit since they’re sweeter.
How Do I Ensure the Beef is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking flank steak just right can be tricky! Here are some tips:
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain. This helps keep it tender.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking. If needed, cook in batches to achieve that nice brown on each piece.
- Cook it quickly over medium-high heat. The goal is to get a nice sear while keeping it juicy!
- After browning, remember to remove the beef from the pan. This prevents overcooking while you prepare your sauce.
Enjoy making your Mongolian Beef Noodles! Your kitchen will smell amazing, and they’ll taste even better than takeout!
Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 8 oz flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 8 oz egg noodles or lo mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Garnish:
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the noodles and preparing the sauce, and another 10 minutes cooking the beef and combining everything together. A quick and rewarding meal just waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the egg noodles or lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain them and set aside, ready for the delicious sauce to come!
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the low sodium soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Stir until the brown sugar is fully dissolved, creating a sweet and savory sauce.
3. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced flank steak to the pan and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. When the beef is done, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
4. Sauté Aromatics:
With the same pan on medium-high heat, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds. This will add a wonderful aroma to your dish!
5. Combine and Simmer:
Now, pour in the soy sauce mixture you prepared earlier and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the flavors come together!
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your preference.
7. Add the Beef Back:
Return the cooked flank steak to the skillet and toss it well with the sauce. If you want some heat, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes at this stage!
8. Mix in the Noodles:
Finally, add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce and heated through.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for some fresh flavor and crunch. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, homemade Mongolian Beef Noodles!
Dig in and savor every bite of this easy, delightful dish! 😊
FAQ for Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for this dish, you can substitute it with sirloin, ribeye, or even chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
If you like some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce. You can also use spicy soy sauce for an extra kick. Just be sure to adjust to your preferred spice level!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the sauce and slice the beef ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, simply heat everything in a skillet and follow the remaining steps!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Enjoy again as a quick meal!