This Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles recipe is a tasty mix of tender beef and chewy noodles tossed in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s quick to make, perfect for busy nights!
When the craving strikes, I love how this dish comes together in just one pan. It’s a great way to enjoy big flavors with minimal cleanup. Spoiler: leftover noodles don’t stand a chance! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank steak: This cut is perfect for this recipe because it’s lean and cooks quickly. If you don’t have flank steak, sirloin or even chicken or tofu work well as substitutes.
Noodles: While this recipe calls for lo mein or egg noodles, you can swap them for spaghetti or even rice noodles if that’s what you have. Just adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type.
Soy sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. Tamari is a great gluten-free option if you need it. Consider coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor!
Brown sugar: You can replace it with honey, maple syrup, or even coconut sugar depending on what you have. Just keep an eye on sweetness!
How Do I Get the Beef Tender and Juicy?
Cooking the beef quickly over high heat helps keep it tender. Make sure to slice it against the grain; this means cutting across the fibers of the meat, which makes it easier to chew.
- Slice your flank steak thinly for best results.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain moisture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
Following these tips will help you achieve perfectly tender beef in your Mongolian Noodles!
Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 8 oz flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 8 oz noodles (such as lo mein, egg noodles, or spaghetti)
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for extra depth)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the noodles and preparing the ingredients, and then about 20 minutes to cook the beef and combine everything. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Make sure they’re al dente (firm to the bite), then drain and set aside. It’s important not to overcook them since they will continue to cook a bit later.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and hoisin sauce (if using) until the brown sugar has fully dissolved. This mixture will create a lovely, flavorful sauce for your noodles.
3. Cook the Beef:
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced flank steak in a single layer. Cook until it’s browned and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook in batches. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
4. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour the soy sauce mixture into the pan with the garlic and ginger. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked beef to the pan and toss it well with the sauce until it’s nicely coated. Add the cooked noodles to the pan, stirring to combine everything together evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve the Mongolian beef noodles hot. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a nice touch. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Happy cooking! Your Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles are ready to be devoured!
FAQ for Easy Mongolian Beef Noodles
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat?
Absolutely! While flank steak is recommended for its tenderness, you can also use sirloin, ribeye, or even chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time based on the meat chosen to ensure it’s tender and cooked through.
What If I Don’t Have Hoisin Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can skip it. For a similar flavor profile, you might add a little extra brown sugar and soy sauce. Alternatively, mixing a teaspoon of peanut butter with some soy sauce can mimic its taste!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to help loosen the noodles and sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Yes! If you enjoy extra heat, you can add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of sriracha or chili sauce to the sauce mixture. Adjust according to your desired spice level!