How to Make Mongolian Beef Noodles Fast

If you’re craving a comforting, savory meal that comes together quickly, Mongolian Beef Noodles is just the answer you’ve been looking for. This dish combines tender slices of beef with a flavorful sauce and perfectly cooked noodles, making it a delightful, filling dinner for any night. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking process, you can enjoy restaurant-quality Mongolian Beef Noodles right at home without the wait or fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast to Prepare: This recipe is designed to get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavors: The savory-sweet sauce perfectly complements the tender beef and soft noodles for a satisfying taste experience.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh basics, making it easy to whip up without a special trip to the store.
• Versatile Dish: Easily customized to suit your dietary needs or ingredient preferences without sacrificing flavor.
• One-Pan Cooking: Minimal cleanup thanks to most of the dish being cooked in a single skillet or wok.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Mongolian Beef Noodles lies in the simplicity and balance of its ingredients. Each one is essential, combining to build the dish’s signature taste, texture, and vibrant appearance.

• Beef: Thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin provides tenderness and absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and a hint of saltiness that’s key to the authentic flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Brings just the right sweet contrast to the savory beef.
• Garlic & Ginger: Freshly minced, these aromatics infuse the dish with warmth and complexity.
• Green Onions: Offer a mild bite and bright green color to finish the dish.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for stir-frying to get the perfect sear on the beef without burning.
• Noodles: Egg noodles or any favorite Asian-style noodles that cook quickly and soak up the sauce well.
• Optional Vegetables: Bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy add crunch and freshness.

Variations for Mongolian Beef Noodles

Mongolian Beef Noodles is a wonderfully adaptable dish. Feel free to tailor the recipe to your tastes or dietary needs with these simple swaps and additions that keep things exciting yet easy.

• Protein Swap: Use chicken, tofu, or shrimp instead of beef for a different twist on the dish.
• Gluten-Free Noodles: Swap regular noodles for rice noodles or spiralized vegetables to keep this meal gluten-free.
• Extra Veggie Power: Toss in mushrooms, carrots, or broccoli for added nutrients and texture.
• Spice It Up: Add chili flakes or Sriracha to bring a fiery kick to your noodles.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce sugar to make a lighter, heart-healthy version.

How to Make Mongolian Beef Noodles

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Slice your beef thinly across the grain to ensure it stays tender during cooking. Mince garlic and ginger finely, chop green onions, and prepare any vegetables you want to add. Set out your noodles for quick cooking later.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger until the sugar dissolves completely. This sauce will coat the beef and noodles with that signature savory-sweet flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding and stir-fry quickly until browned but still juicy, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables and Noodles

Add your chosen vegetables to the pan and stir fry until tender-crisp. Meanwhile, cook your noodles according to package instructions until just al dente, then drain. Combine noodles with vegetables in the pan.

Step 5: Combine and Coat

Return the cooked beef to the pan with vegetables and noodles. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together over the heat for 1-2 minutes until well coated and heated through. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Mongolian Beef Noodles

• Thinly Slice Beef: Keep your beef thin and uniform in size for even cooking and tenderness.
• High Heat Stir-Fry: Always use high heat and a wide pan like a wok to get the best sear and avoid steaming.
• Don’t Overcook Noodles: Cook noodles just until al dente to prevent mushiness after stir-frying.
• Prepare Ingredients Ahead: Have everything chopped and ready before cooking as stir-frying moves quickly.
• Adjust Sauce to Taste: Taste your sauce before combining and tweak soy or sugar for your preferred balance.

How to Serve Mongolian Beef Noodles

Garnishes

Finish your Mongolian Beef Noodles with fresh green onions to add brightness and a pop of color. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely nutty crunch, and if you like heat, a drizzle of chili oil can boost the flavor wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside lightly steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli for a nutritious boost. A side of crispy spring rolls or simple cucumber salad can complement the richness of the beef and noodles beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish in individual bowls topped with fresh herbs like cilantro or a wedge of lime for an extra zing. For parties, keep the noodles warm in a serving dish and let guests add garnishes to their own bowls for a fun, interactive meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Mongolian Beef Noodles in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors deepen but noodles might absorb some sauce, so you may want to loosen it with a splash of water when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze Mongolian Beef Noodles, but for best texture, freeze the beef and sauce separately from the noodles. Thaw in the fridge overnight and combine when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often. Add a tablespoon of water or broth if it seems dry to keep the noodles moist and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of sliced beef?

Yes, ground beef works in a pinch and cooks faster, but sliced beef preserves the traditional texture and appearance of Mongolian Beef Noodles.

Which noodles work best for this recipe?

Egg noodles or thin wheat noodles are ideal as they absorb the sauce well and have a satisfying chew, but rice noodles or soba can also be substituted.

Is this dish spicy?

The classic Mongolian Beef Noodles recipe is not spicy, but you can easily add chili flakes or hot sauce to give it some heat.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the beef with firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth in your sauce to keep it flavorful while staying vegetarian.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! Slice beef, chop vegetables, and mix the sauce a day ahead to save time; just combine and cook fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

Mongolian Beef Noodles is a fantastic recipe that brings together bold flavors and quick cooking to deliver a satisfying meal any time of the week. Whether you’re new to Asian-inspired cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish offers a delicious way to enjoy tender beef and flavorful noodles without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try—you’re going to love how easy and tasty it is!

Related Posts

• Healthy Zucchini Lasagna with Turkey Recipe Ideas
• Quick and Tasty Turkey Zucchini Skillet Recipes
• Easy Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs Recipe

Print