Savor the deliciousness of Mongolian Beef Noodles, a delightful stir-fry that combines tender beef strips, vibrant vegetables, and cooked noodles in a savory, sweet, and tangy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish brings the rich flavors of Mongolian cuisine into your home kitchen. You’ll love how quick and simple it is to make while still being utterly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With a total cooking time of just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and fresh ginger creates a mouthwatering taste experience you’ll crave.
- Versatile Ingredients: Swap out vegetables or noodles based on what you have on hand—this recipe adapts beautifully!
- One-Pan Meal: Minimal clean-up is needed since everything cooks in one pan, making it great for easy entertaining.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the savory flavors and tender beef in this comforting meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. These will help you achieve the best results when making Mongolian Beef Noodles.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Pot: Ideal for boiling noodles quickly and efficiently.
- Large Skillet or Wok: Provides ample space for stir-frying ingredients evenly over high heat.
- Mixing Bowl: Essential for coating the beef with cornstarch before cooking.
- Whisk: Great for blending sauces smoothly without lumps.
Ingredients
For the Noodles
- 8 ounces egg noodles or rice noodles
For the Beef
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For Stir-Frying
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece ginger, minced
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 green onions, chopped
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
How to Make Mongolian Beef Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef
In a bowl, coat the sliced flank steak with cornstarch. Set aside for about 10 minutes to help keep the beef tender during cooking.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches. Cook until browned and just cooked through (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add minced garlic, ginger, julienned carrot, and sliced bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well combined.
Step 6: Combine the Ingredients
Return cooked beef to the skillet with sautéed vegetables. Pour sauce over mixture and toss to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
Step 7: Toss in the Noodles
Add cooked noodles to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until noodles are well coated with sauce.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Mongolian Beef Noodles!
How to Serve Mongolian Beef Noodles
Serving Mongolian Beef Noodles is all about enhancing the flavors and presentation of this delightful dish. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Use Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor.
- Thai Basil: Add a few leaves for a fragrant twist.
Pair with Appetizers
- Spring Rolls: Serve crispy spring rolls as a crunchy side.
- Dumplings: Offer steamed or fried dumplings for extra indulgence.
Add a Crunchy Element
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Crushed Peanuts: Garnish with crushed peanuts for an extra crunch.
Include Extra Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli: Serve alongside steamed broccoli for color and nutrition.
- Pickled Veggies: Offer pickled carrots or radishes for a tangy contrast.
How to Perfect Mongolian Beef Noodles
Perfecting your Mongolian Beef Noodles requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Use these suggestions to enhance your dish further.
- Marinate the Beef: Allow the flank steak to marinate in soy sauce for extra flavor and tenderness.
- Cook Noodles Al Dente: Ensure noodles are slightly firm before mixing them with the sauce, preventing sogginess.
- High Heat Cooking: Use high heat when stir-frying to achieve that perfect sear on the beef.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Cook the beef in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Adjust Sauce Sweetness: Modify brown sugar levels in the sauce according to your taste preference.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy right after preparation for the best texture and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Mongolian Beef Noodles
Pairing sides with Mongolian Beef Noodles can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some excellent side dishes to consider.
- Fried Rice: A classic Asian side that complements the noodles beautifully.
- Asian Salad: A light salad with sesame dressing balances the richness of the beef.
- Egg Drop Soup: Warm soup provides comfort and pairs well with any noodle dish.
- Steamed Dumplings: These add a delightful bite and can be filled with various ingredients.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Colorful vegetables stir-fried in garlic make a healthy addition.
- Sesame Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumbers tossed in sesame oil offer a crisp contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Mongolian Beef Noodles, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that could affect the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Not Marinating the Beef Properly: Skipping the cornstarch coating can result in tough beef. Always coat the slices and let them rest to ensure tenderness.
- Overcooking the Noodles: Cooking noodles for too long can lead to a mushy texture. Follow package instructions carefully and aim for al dente.
- Using Low-Quality Sauces: Poor-quality soy or hoisin sauce can ruin the dish’s flavor. Invest in good brands for a more authentic taste.
- Crowding the Pan: Adding too much beef at once can lower the skillet’s temperature, causing steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches for better results.
- Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Stale garlic or ginger can diminish flavor. Use fresh ingredients for a vibrant taste and aroma.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Mongolian Beef Noodles in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Mongolian Beef Noodles
- Place cooled noodles in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Mongolian Beef Noodles
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread noodles on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes, checking often.
- Microwave: Place noodles in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a lid or plastic wrap, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or oil with noodles. Stir until heated through, about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mongolian Beef Noodles?
Mongolian Beef Noodles are a flavorful stir-fry dish made with tender beef strips, vegetables, and noodles coated in a savory sauce.
Can I use different types of noodles?
Yes! You can substitute egg noodles with rice noodles or even whole wheat noodles based on your preference.
How spicy is Mongolian Beef Noodles?
The dish is not spicy by default. If you like heat, consider adding chili flakes or fresh chili peppers to enhance the flavor.
Can I customize the vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms to suit your taste.
Are Mongolian Beef Noodles suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This dish holds up well in the fridge and makes for excellent meal prep for busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
Mongolian Beef Noodles offer an exciting blend of flavors that makes it perfect for any dinner table. This versatile recipe allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences. So grab some fresh vegetables and enjoy this delicious stir-fry tonight!
Mongolian Beef Noodles
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Mongolian Beef Noodles are a delightful stir-fry that promises a burst of flavor in every bite. This quick and easy dish combines tender strips of flank steak, colorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, all enveloped in a savory sauce made from soy and hoisin. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, Mongolian Beef Noodles can be customized with your favorite veggies, making them versatile and family-friendly. With just one pan needed for preparation, cleanup is a breeze, allowing you to enjoy an authentic taste of Mongolian cuisine right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces egg noodles or rice noodles
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 green onions, chopped
- For the sauce: soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Coat flank steak slices with cornstarch and let rest for 10 minutes.
- In a large skillet or wok heated over medium-high heat with vegetable oil, stir-fry beef until browned (3-4 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- Sauté garlic, ginger, carrot, and bell pepper in the same skillet until tender-crisp (3-4 minutes).
- Combine sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Return beef to the skillet with vegetables; add sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Toss in cooked noodles until well coated.
- Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Mongolian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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