Oh my goodness, let me tell you about Mongolian beef and noodles! This dish is an absolute favorite of mine—it’s like a warm hug on a plate. Picture this: tender slices of beef stir-fried to perfection, coated in a savory sauce that’s both sweet and salty, all tangled up with soft, chewy noodles. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I needed something quick yet satisfying. It’s become my go-to for weeknight dinners because it’s so easy to whip up, and trust me, your family will be begging for seconds! The best part? You can customize it to your liking, adding in veggies like broccoli for that extra crunch. So, are you ready to dive into this deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets (optional, for extra crunch)
How to Prepare Instructions
Making Mongolian beef and noodles is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how everything comes together! Let’s get started!
Cooking the Noodles
First things first, cook those egg noodles! Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the noodles. You’ll want to cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 4-5 minutes, until they’re just tender but not mushy. Trust me, nobody wants soggy noodles! Once they’re done, drain them well and give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside while you work on the beef and sauce.
Preparing the Sauce
Now, let’s whip up that delicious sauce! In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, packed brown sugar, and cornstarch. I like to use a whisk for this—it helps everything blend together smoothly. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved so you get that rich, thick sauce later. Set the sauce aside while you get the beef cooking.
Stir-frying the Beef
Heat up a large pan or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the sliced flank steak. You’ll want to sear the beef for about 3-4 minutes, stirring often until it’s browned and cooked through. Don’t crowd the pan; if needed, do this in batches to get that lovely caramelization. Once it’s beautifully browned, add in the minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant—oh, the smell is divine!
Combining Ingredients
Now for the magic! Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the pan. Stir it all together and let it cook for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely. Then, gently fold in the cooked noodles and chopped green onions. If you’re adding broccoli, toss it in now and cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is tender yet crisp. Serve hot and enjoy the wonderful flavors!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk about the numbers behind this delicious dish! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of Mongolian beef and noodles. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re working with:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
This dish is packed with protein from the beef, making it a filling option for dinner. Plus, with the addition of those lovely noodles and veggies, it’s a well-rounded meal that won’t leave you feeling guilty! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of beef or just want to switch things up, you can use chicken or even tofu for a delightful twist. For chicken, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced thinly just like the beef. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as chicken cooks a bit faster. If you’re going for tofu, press it to remove excess moisture, then slice it into cubes and sauté until golden. Both options will absorb that delicious sauce beautifully, but you might find chicken adds a lighter flavor, while tofu lends a nice creaminess!
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Going gluten-free with Mongolian beef and noodles is super easy! Just swap out regular soy sauce for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Many brands offer fantastic gluten-free options that taste just as good. For the noodles, look for gluten-free egg noodles or even rice noodles if you prefer. They will work beautifully in this dish and still give you that satisfying texture. Just make sure to check the labels, and you’ll be good to go!
What can I serve with Mongolian beef and noodles?
Oh, there are so many delicious sides that would pair perfectly with this dish! I love serving it alongside a fresh cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch. You could also whip up some steamed dumplings for a delightful appetizer. If you’re in the mood for something warm, a simple miso soup works wonders too. And don’t forget a nice cold beverage—maybe a crisp iced tea or a light beer to complement those savory flavors! Whatever you choose, it’s bound to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for weeknight dinners!
- Packed with flavor from the savory sauce and tender beef.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies for added nutrition.
- One-pan dish means less cleanup—yay!
- Comforting and satisfying, making it a family favorite.
- Great for meal prep—enjoy delicious leftovers the next day!
- Gluten-free options available, so everyone can enjoy it!
Tips for Success
Alright, let me share some of my top tips to ensure your Mongolian beef and noodles turn out absolutely perfect every single time!
- Quality ingredients matter: When it comes to the beef, I highly recommend using flank steak. It’s tender and has great flavor, but make sure to slice it against the grain for the best texture. Fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in your dish!
- Don’t skip the marinating: If you have a little extra time, marinating the sliced beef in the soy sauce and cornstarch mixture for about 30 minutes before cooking can really enhance the flavor and tenderness. Just be sure to drain off any excess before cooking.
- Heat is key: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the beef. This will help you achieve that gorgeous sear that locks in all those savory juices. A hot pan means you’ll get delicious caramelization instead of steaming!
- Stir-frying technique: Keep the beef moving in the pan! Stir-frying is all about quick cooking, so don’t let it sit too long. This ensures every piece gets that perfect browning and stays juicy.
- Don’t overcook the veggies: If you add broccoli or any other veggies, remember they should be tender but still have a nice crunch. Add them toward the end of cooking to keep them vibrant and colorful!
- Tweak to your taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust the sauce to fit your preference. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more brown sugar. For a kick, a splash of chili sauce or some red pepper flakes will do wonders!
- Leftover magic: If you have leftovers, they make a fantastic lunch the next day! Just reheat gently in a pan, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. It’s just as delicious the second time around!
With these tips, I promise you’ll be on your way to making the best Mongolian beef and noodles you’ve ever tasted. Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best parts about Mongolian beef and noodles is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up to keep it fresh and exciting. Here are some fun ideas to customize your dish:
- Different Proteins: Instead of beef, why not try chicken, shrimp, or even tofu? Each option brings its unique flavor. Just remember, chicken and shrimp will cook faster, so keep an eye on them!
- Veggie Boost: You can toss in a variety of vegetables. Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots add a beautiful pop of color and crunch. Just sauté them with the beef for a few minutes before adding the sauce.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add some sliced chili peppers or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. It’ll give your dish a delightful kick that’ll wake up your taste buds!
- Noodle Swap: Feel free to swap the egg noodles for rice noodles or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Each type of noodle brings a different texture, so experiment and see what you love best!
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavors! Try adding some basil or cilantro right before serving for an aromatic touch. It’s like a burst of freshness with every bite!
- Sweet and Sour Twist: For a different flavor profile, mix a splash of rice vinegar or pineapple juice into the sauce. This adds a tangy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory beef.
- Nutty Flavor: Toss in some chopped peanuts or cashews at the end for some crunch and a rich, nutty flavor. It’s a delightful contrast to the tender beef and soft noodles!
With these variations, you can make Mongolian beef and noodles feel brand new every time you cook it! Have fun experimenting and finding your favorite combo!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to store those delicious Mongolian beef and noodles leftovers! First off, make sure to let your dish cool down to room temperature before diving into storage. This helps prevent condensation in your containers, which can make things soggy. Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy that yummy flavor again soon!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using a skillet for the best results. Just add a splash of water or broth to the pan to keep things moist, and heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally until everything is warmed through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just place your portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Whatever method you choose, just remember that these noodles and beef are best enjoyed fresh, but you can absolutely savor those lovely leftovers too! Happy reheating!
For more delicious recipes, check out Beef Ramen Noodles or Creamy Garlic Pasta!
Print
Mongolian Beef and Noodles: 7 Comforting Secrets Unveiled
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A savory dish featuring tender beef and noodles in a rich sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced beef and cook until browned.
- Add minced garlic and stir for 1 minute.
- Add the sauce mixture and stir until thickened.
- Fold in cooked noodles and green onions.
- If using, add broccoli and cook until tender.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust soy sauce for desired saltiness.
- Use fresh vegetables for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Mongolian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: mongolian beef and noodles, beef stir fry, quick dinner
