These Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles are a tasty and quick meal! Juicy beef is tossed with soft noodles, all in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s perfect for busy nights!
Honestly, who doesn’t love slurping up yummy noodles? 🍜 I whip this up in no time and always enjoy the cozy flavors. Serve it with some veggies for a colorful plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: Flank steak is tender and flavorful, ideal for this dish. If it’s not available, sirloin or even chicken can work too. Just remember to slice against the grain for tenderness.
Noodles: Egg noodles add a nice chew. However, you could swap them for rice noodles or even whole wheat noodles for a healthier option. Rice noodles are gluten-free, too!
Soy Sauce: This is the base of our sauce. If you’re looking for a lower sodium version, you can use low-sodium soy sauce. For a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos.
Hoisin Sauce: This optional ingredient adds depth. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or replace it with a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar. If you’re looking for a sweeter option, try adding some honey.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Stir-Fried Beef?
Stir-frying beef is key to getting that juicy texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the oil. This helps the beef sear instead of steam.
- Slice the beef thinly and against the grain to keep it tender.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed. This keeps the temperature high, ensuring that nice browning.
Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Noodles:
- 8 ounces flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 8 ounces egg noodles or your preferred noodles
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for extra depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Garnishing:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This meal takes about 30 minutes to make. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and 20 minutes cooking everything to perfection. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain them in a colander and set aside. Make sure they don’t stick together!
2. Mix the Sauce:
While the noodles are cooking, grab a small bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, hoisin sauce (if you’re using it), and red pepper flakes. This will create a flavorful sauce to toss with your beef and noodles later. Set this aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Beef:
Next, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced beef to the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
4. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds, or until they’re fragrant. Make sure not to burn them!
5. Add the Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Let it bubble for a minute or so—it will start thickening up a bit. This is where all those delicious flavors come together!
6. Combine Beef and Noodles:
Add the cooked beef back into the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat it evenly. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes. Then, add the cooked noodles and sliced green onions. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve your Mongolian beef noodles immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and extra green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
FAQs for Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin works best, you can also use ribeye or even ground beef. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the cut you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Hoisin Sauce?
No problem! If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can simply omit it or substitute it with a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar for sweetness. It might not be exactly the same, but your dish will still be delicious!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just microwave or warm on the stove over low heat. You may want to add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen up the noodles as they may clump together when chilled.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh for a great vegetarian option. Use the same cooking method and adjust the cooking time, as these alternatives may cook quicker than beef. Enjoy with the same savory sauce for a flavorful dish!
