This Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles dish brings together tender beef, tasty noodles, and a sweet soy sauce that’s hard to resist. It’s quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights!
For me, this recipe is great because it’s ready in just about 30 minutes. That’s a win when you want something delicious without all the fuss. Enjoying this at home feels like a treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is lean and tender when cooked right. If you’re looking for a substitute, skirt steak or sirloin works too. You can also use chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
Noodles: I like using egg noodles for their chewiness, but rice noodles are also great. If you’re gluten-free, try rice noodles or even zucchini noodles for a lighter version!
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness, which is why I prefer it. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari instead, which has a similar taste.
Vegetable Oil: This is great for stir-frying due to its high smoke point. You can also use sesame oil for extra flavor, but keep in mind it has a stronger taste.
How to Achieve Tender and Flavorful Beef?
To get that tender beef that melts in your mouth, slicing against the grain is key. This breaks down the muscle fibers, making it easier to chew. Here’s how:
- Look at the direction of the fibers in the meat.
- Slice thinly against those lines, making each piece more tender.
Also, avoid overcooking. Just a few minutes in hot oil is enough!
How Do You Get the Sauce Just Right?
The sauce will make or break your noodles! Mixing soy sauce, water, and brown sugar creates a balance of salty and sweet flavors. Make sure to:
- Stir well until sugar completely dissolves before adding it to the skillet.
- Let it simmer briefly after adding the beef, so it thickens nicely.
This helps the sauce cling better to the noodles for a more delicious bite!
Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 8 oz (225g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 6 oz (170g) noodles (e.g., egg noodles or rice noodles)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded carrots or bell peppers (optional, for extra veggies)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and cooking the noodles, then about 20 minutes finishing the beef and assembling your dish. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Once done, drain them well and set them aside. This will be the base of your dish!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, water, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved, then set the sauce aside. This sweet and savory mix will bring great flavor to your beef!
3. Sauté the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced flank steak to the skillet. Stir-fry the beef until it’s nicely browned and just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. After that, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Then, sauté the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the sliced green onions. Cook them for about 1 minute or until they become fragrant—this step is key for building flavor!
5. Add Veggies (Optional):
If you’re using shredded carrots or bell peppers, toss them into the skillet now and cook for another 2 minutes until they’re slightly tender. This is a great way to add more nutrition and color to your dish!
6. Combine Sauce and Beef:
Next, pour the soy sauce mixture into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Then, return the cooked beef back into the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the sauce. Let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
7. Add Noodles:
Finally, add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together well so the noodles are coated with the tasty sauce and mixed with the beef and vegetables.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Once everything is combined, sprinkle on the green parts of the sliced green onions and the optional red pepper flakes for some heat if you like. For a finishing touch, add sesame seeds, if desired. Serve your delicious Mongolian Beef Noodles hot, and enjoy!
Your family and friends will love you for this quick, flavorful meal! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness, you can also use skirt steak, sirloin, or even chicken or tofu for a delicious variation. Just adjust cooking times accordingly for different proteins.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, substitute the beef with tofu, tempeh, or even mushrooms. Use a vegan soy sauce and skip the brown sugar or replace it with a plant-based sweetener.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Noodles?
No noodles? No problem! You can serve the beef stir-fry over rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Just cook the base according to package instructions and enjoy with the sauce!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to freshen it up!
