Get ready for an irresistible dinner that’s about to become a weeknight favorite: the Mongolian Beef and Noodle Recipe. Imagine tender slices of savory beef, golden and crisped at the edges, mingling with chewy noodles and bathed in a glossy, sweet-salty sauce, punctuated by a gentle kick of ginger and garlic. This dish is a scrumptious, satisfying take on classic takeout, made simple enough to whip up in your own kitchen in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re out to impress guests or craving serious comfort food, the Mongolian Beef and Noodle Recipe checks every box with flavor, speed, and all the best Asian-inspired vibes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mongolian Beef and Noodle Recipe lies in its straightforward list of pantry staples and fridge favorites. Each ingredient has an important role, lending flavor, texture, or color to make every bite unforgettable.
- Flank steak: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and maximum tenderness in every mouthful.
- Cornstarch: Creates a light coating for crisp beef edges and helps the sauce thicken perfectly.
- Vegetable oil: Neutral in taste; gets your beef beautifully browned and crisp.
- Garlic: Freshly minced to infuse a deep, aromatic layer of flavor.
- Fresh ginger: Adds zesty warmth and a fresh bite that lifts the whole dish.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The backbone of the savory sauce, keeping things flavor-packed without excess salt.
- Brown sugar: Balances the saltiness and brings that classic sticky-sweet quality.
- Water: Loosens the sauce and helps bring everything together.
- Red pepper flakes: Totally optional, but perfect for a hint of heat if you like things spicy.
- Lo mein or spaghetti noodles: Chewy, satisfying, and an easy way to soak up every bit of sauce.
- Green onions: Bright and fresh, stirred in at the end for a pop of color and flavor.
- Sesame oil: A finishing drizzle that brings rich, toasted aromas.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For garnish—nutty crunch and a pretty finish.
How to Make Mongolian Beef and Noodle Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Beef
Begin by slicing your flank steak thinly against the grain; this helps each piece stay tender and easy to chew. Toss the beef with cornstarch in a large bowl, making sure every piece gets a light, even coating. Letting it sit for about 10 minutes allows the cornstarch to adhere and gets your beef ready for that signature crispy sear.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high. Working in batches, sear the beef slices, allowing space between each piece so they crisp up instead of steaming. Cook for just 2-3 minutes per side until they’re gorgeously browned with crisp edges, then set aside. This step gives your Mongolian Beef and Noodle Recipe its classic restaurant-style texture.
Step 3: Make the Savory-Sweet Sauce
Lower the heat a bit and use the same skillet (don’t lose those flavorful bits stuck to the pan!). Add your minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and red pepper flakes if you’re after a subtle spice. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly thickened and glossy—it should smell irresistible by now.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add your cooked noodles straight into the skillet, followed by the seared beef. Use tongs to toss everything together, making sure every strand of noodle and slice of beef is slicked with that wonderful sauce. Toss in the green onions and sesame oil for just another minute or two—these fresh ingredients keep the Mongolian Beef and Noodle Recipe lively and vibrant right before serving.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Divvy up the noodles and beef among bowls (they’ll smell so good you’ll want a generous helping). Finish each bowl with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a final flourish. Enjoy immediately while it’s piping hot and full of flavor!
How to Serve Mongolian Beef and Noodle Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Mongolian Beef and Noodle Recipe with a scatter of sesame seeds and some extra sliced green onions. If you love a little heat, add a pinch more red pepper flakes or even a drizzle of chili oil. A handful of fresh cilantro or a wedge of lime adds freshness and an unexpected twist.
Side Dishes
This dish is a star on its own, but a plate of steamed or stir-fried vegetables—think broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy—makes a colorful and nutritious pairing. A simple cucumber salad or quick-pickled radish adds a crisp, refreshing contrast to the sweet-savory noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Mongolian Beef and Noodle Recipe in small bowls for an appetizer course or late-night snack. Layer some extra raw veggies at the bottom of the bowl for crunch, or roll the noodles and beef into lettuce wraps for an interactive dinner that everyone can build themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mongolian Beef and Noodle Recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container so the flavors stay fresh, and the noodles remain pleasantly chewy. It makes for a fantastic lunch or next-day dinner.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze, keep the beef and sauce separate from the noodles for best results. Transfer cooled beef and sauce to a freezer-friendly container, and freeze cooked noodles in a separate bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To revive your Mongolian Beef and Noodle Recipe, simply warm everything together in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra soy sauce to loosen the sauce. If microwaving, cover loosely, stir halfway through, and don’t overheat so the beef stays tender and the noodles aren’t mushy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak is the classic choice for Mongolian Beef and Noodle Recipe, sirloin or even thin-sliced ribeye work really well. Just be sure to slice against the grain to keep the meat extra tender.
What if I don’t have lo mein noodles?
No problem at all. Spaghetti noodles are a perfect stand-in and soak up the sauce just as well. Rice noodles or even udon can step in if you have them on hand, making the dish flexible for different tastes or dietary needs.
How spicy is the Mongolian Beef and Noodle Recipe?
The recipe is mild as written, with just a hint of heat from the optional red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less, or tossing in a splash of your favorite chili sauce.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, and choose rice noodles instead of lo mein. With these easy changes, your Mongolian Beef and Noodle Recipe becomes a fantastic option for gluten-free diners.
What vegetables can I add?
This recipe is a delicious canvas for veggies. Add quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, or shredded carrots when cooking the noodles or just before mixing everything together for a burst of color and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that delivers big on flavor and fun, it’s time to give this Mongolian Beef and Noodle Recipe a try. You’ll fall in love with the sweet-savory sauce, the tender beef, and those irresistible saucy noodles. Gather your ingredients and make tonight delicious!
