Savor the bold flavors of Mongolian Beef and Noodles, a dish that showcases juicy beef strips marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, combined with fresh vegetables and fluffy noodles. This delightful meal is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a taste of Mongolian cuisine that is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Its unique blend of flavors will impress your guests while remaining simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those busy nights when you crave something delicious.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil creates a rich, savory sauce that elevates the dish.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level.
- One-Pan Meal: Enjoy minimal cleanup thanks to the single skillet used for cooking everything together.
- Comforting Dish: This recipe embodies comfort food at its finest, making it ideal for cozy nights in.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this exciting recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Pot for boiling noodles
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet or Wok: Ideal for stir-frying; ensures even cooking and allows you to achieve that perfect sear on the beef.
- Pot for Boiling Noodles: A large pot helps cook egg noodles evenly and efficiently without overcrowding.
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For Stir-Frying
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup green onions, chopped
For the Noodles
- 8 ounces egg noodles
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce (for the sauce)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How to Make Mongolian Beef and Noodles
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced flank steak, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well until all pieces are coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them well and set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil; once hot, add the marinated beef. Stir-fry until browned, approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add julienned carrots and chopped green onions, stir-frying until softened (about 2-3 minutes).
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, ¼ cup soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well combined. Pour this mixture over the sautéed vegetables in your skillet.
Step 6: Combine the Ingredients
Return the cooked beef back to your skillet along with drained noodles. Toss everything together until well coated in sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve
Transfer your Mongolian Beef and Noodles onto a serving plate. If desired, garnish with sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Mongolian Beef and Noodles
Mongolian Beef and Noodles is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. From garnishes to side dishes, here are some suggestions to make your meal even more enjoyable.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Cilantro – Adds a fresh and vibrant flavor that complements the savory sauce.
- Sliced Green Onions – A classic garnish that contributes a mild onion taste and a pop of color.
Pair with a Refreshing Drink
- Iced Tea – A sweetened iced tea provides a refreshing contrast to the savory beef.
- Sparkling Water – Keep it light with sparkling water, which can balance the richness of the dish.
Enjoy with Rice
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – Fluffy jasmine rice is a perfect accompaniment, soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Fried Rice – For an extra twist, serve your Mongolian Beef over fried rice for added texture and taste.
How to Perfect Mongolian Beef and Noodles
To ensure your Mongolian Beef and Noodles turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Marinate Properly – Allow the beef to marinate for at least 15 minutes. This enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use High Heat – Stir-frying at high heat quickly cooks the beef while keeping it juicy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning.
- Prep Ingredients Ahead – Have all ingredients ready before cooking. This makes stir-frying quick and efficient.
- Taste as You Go – Adjust seasoning during cooking. This ensures the flavors are balanced.
- Serve Immediately – For best results, serve your dish hot right after cooking for optimal texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Mongolian Beef and Noodles
Pairing side dishes with your Mongolian Beef and Noodles can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement this dish well.
- Spring Rolls – Crispy rolls filled with vegetables or shrimp provide a crunchy texture.
- Asian Slaw – A refreshing slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds a crunchy contrast.
- Edamame – Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt offers a healthy protein-rich side.
- Stir-Fried Broccoli – Garlic sautéed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overpowering flavors.
- Miso Soup – A warm miso soup serves as a comforting start before diving into the main dish.
- Cucumber Salad – A light cucumber salad dressed in vinegar balances the richness of Mongolian Beef.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Mongolian Beef and Noodles, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the beef can result in less flavor. Always allow the beef to sit in the marinade for at least 15 minutes.
- Overcooking the Noodles: Cooking noodles too long can make them mushy. Follow package instructions closely for perfect texture.
- Using Too Much Sauce: Adding too much sauce can overwhelm the dish. Start with a smaller amount and adjust according to your taste.
- Not Stir-Frying Quickly Enough: Taking too long while stir-frying can lead to soggy vegetables. Keep the heat high and stir quickly for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- item Allow it to cool before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Mongolian Beef and Noodles
- item Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- item Separate into portions for easier thawing.
Reheating Mongolian Beef and Noodles
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to avoid sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mongolian Beef and Noodles?
Mongolian Beef and Noodles is a flavorful dish featuring marinated beef, fresh vegetables, and egg noodles tossed together in a savory sauce.
How do I customize my Mongolian Beef and Noodles?
You can add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli. Adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste preferences as well!
Can I use another type of meat instead of beef?
Yes! Chicken or tofu can be excellent substitutes if you prefer a different protein source.
How spicy is Mongolian Beef and Noodles?
This dish is not typically spicy; however, you can add chili flakes or sriracha if you enjoy some heat!
Final Thoughts
Mongolian Beef and Noodles is a delightful recipe that brings bold flavors right to your table. Its versatility allows you to customize it easily based on your preferences. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or a quick dinner idea, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings!
Mongolian Beef and Noodles
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the mouthwatering delight of Mongolian Beef and Noodles, a dish that perfectly balances tender beef strips marinated in a rich, sweet-savory sauce with fresh vegetables and fluffy egg noodles. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests at dinner parties. In just 30 minutes, you can create a flavorful meal that embodies the essence of comfort food while offering plenty of room for customization. Whether you prefer extra veggies or a hint of spice, this one-pan wonder is sure to satisfy your cravings for delicious Asian-inspired cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for marinade)
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 cup carrots (julienned)
- 1 cup green onions (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Marinate sliced flank steak in soy sauce and cornstarch for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; stir-fry the beef until browned (3-4 minutes).
- Sauté garlic, ginger, carrots, and green onions in the same skillet until softened (2-3 minutes).
- Combine brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil; pour over vegetables.
- Add cooked beef and noodles to the skillet; toss everything together until coated in sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Mongolian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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