If you’re on the hunt for an easy yet satisfying meal for a busy evening, Mongolian Beef Noodles might just be the perfect choice. This dish is packed with flavor, requires minimal preparation, and combines tender, seasoned beef with savory noodles in a sweet, spicy sauce. The entire recipe can be completed in under 30 minutes—ideal for those busy days when you need something comforting yet fast.
Using low-sodium soy sauce helps keep this dish balanced, both in flavor and nutrition, especially if you’re mindful of your salt intake. Opting for grass-fed beef can also provide additional health benefits. To understand the benefits of grass-fed beef, you can read Healthline’s Guide to Grass-Fed Beef.
Ingredients for Mongolian Beef Noodles
To make this Mongolian Beef Noodles recipe, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or grass-fed)
- 8 ounces noodles (such as lo mein, spaghetti, or preferred variety)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (fresh minced is ideal)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Image source: Ingredients required for Mongolian beef noodles.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces until browned. Remove any excess grease from the skillet for a lighter dish.
2. Add Garlic and Ginger
Add minced garlic and ground ginger to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes to let the aromatics infuse the beef, creating a flavorful base for the noodles.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, beef broth, and brown sugar. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved. Thicken by mixing cornstarch with a little cold water before adding to the sauce.
4. Cook the Noodles
Prepare the noodles according to package instructions, cooking them until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with a touch of oil to avoid sticking.
5. Combine Sauce, Beef, and Noodles
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the browned beef. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken. Then, add the cooked noodles, ensuring each piece is well coated in the sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve
Garnish the Mongolian beef noodles with chopped green onions and sesame seeds to add extra freshness and visual appeal.
Image source: Mixing noodles with beef and Mongolian sauce in the skillet.
Tips for the Best Mongolian Beef Noodles
- Use Quality Beef: Opt for grass-fed beef to achieve richer flavor and better nutritional benefits.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Keep the noodles al dente for the best texture; overcooked noodles may become mushy.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you enjoy heat, add more red pepper flakes. To adjust sweetness, tweak the amount of brown sugar based on your preference.
Variations and Recipe Adjustments
1. Gluten-Free Version
Replace regular wheat noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti. Also, ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce.
2. Vegetarian Alternative
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or add vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for added texture and nutrients.
3. Lower-Calorie Option
For fewer calories, reduce the brown sugar and use olive oil spray instead of regular oil.
Nutritional Information
Calories and Nutritional Breakdown:
- Calories: Approximately 480 per serving
- Protein: 22 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fat: 20 grams
This dish offers a great mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making it a balanced weeknight meal. To reduce the calorie content, replace some of the noodles with extra vegetables.
Serving Suggestions for Beef Noodles
Mongolian beef noodles pairs wonderfully with:
- Fresh Side Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the savory noodles.
- Steamed Vegetables: Vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snow peas add texture and provide essential nutrients.
- Refreshing Drinks: A cold green tea or mild beer can be the perfect accompaniment to balance the flavors.
For more pairing suggestions, check out our Ultimate Guide to Easy Variations of Burger Sauce, which offers delicious condiment ideas for main courses.
Image source: A bowl of Mongolian beef noodles garnished with green onions.
Common Cooking Mistakes and How to Fix Them
1. Sauce Too Thin?
If your sauce ends up too thin, add a little more cornstarch mixed with cold water and continue simmering until thickened.
2. Noodles Clumping?
To prevent noodles from sticking, rinse them with cold water after cooking and toss them in a bit of oil.
3. Sauce Too Sweet?
If the dish is too sweet, balance it by adding a splash of lime juice or extra soy sauce.
FAQs About Mongolian Beef Noodles
1. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead?
Yes, you can prepare Mongolian beef noodles in advance. For best results, store the sauce separately from the noodles to avoid them getting too soft.
2. Is This Recipe Kid-Friendly?
Absolutely! Kids often love the sweet and savory flavor combination. If your kids are sensitive to spice, omit the red pepper flakes.
3. How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if necessary.
Conclusion: A Quick and Delicious Dinner Option
Mongolian Beef Noodles is a simple, quick, and flavorful dinner ideal for those busy weeknights. With its mix of sweet, savory, and just a bit of heat, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing dinner for one or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers every time.