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Introduction
Picture this: tender beef strips glazed in a sticky-sweet sauce, tangled with chewy noodles, and kissed with a hint of garlic and ginger. That’s Mongolian Beef Noodles—your new 30-minute ticket to takeout glory at home!
Here’s a fun twist: While the dish sounds ancient, it’s actually a modern American creation inspired by Chinese-American flavors. (Sorry, Genghis Khan fans!) But don’t let its faux-historical name fool you—this recipe is weeknight magic. It’s faster than waiting for DoorDash, cheaper than your local noodle shop, and so simple even your teenager could whip it up.
If you loved our 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry, you’ll flip for this dish. Both recipes share a secret: bold flavors without the fuss. But here, we’re swapping poultry for juicy beef and trading rice for slurp-worthy noodles. Ready to ditch the delivery app and become a kitchen hero? Let’s stir-fry!
What Are Mongolian Beef Noodles?
Why “Mongolian” Beef Noodles? Did nomadic warriors snack on these between battles? Nope—it’s all about marketing mystique! The name hints at adventure, but the real magic is in the sauce: a glossy blend of soy, brown sugar, and ginger that’s as addictive as TikTok.
Think of it like this: If spaghetti Bolognese and beef stir-fry had a delicious baby, this would be it. And hey, if the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, this dish is a GPS-guided shortcut. (Pro tip: Serve it on date night. You’re welcome.)
Ready to solve the mystery of its name—and your dinner dilemma? Let’s cook!
Why You’ll Love This Mongolian Beef Noodles
- Restaurant Flavor, No Rituals: Skip the wok torch—this recipe uses a regular skillet and pantry staples. The sauce? Just 5 ingredients, 2 minutes to whisk, and 100% MSG-free.
- Budget Superhero: For the cost of one takeout order ($15+), you’ll feed four. Use ground beef instead of flank steak for our thrifty Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe!
- Toppings Galore: Crunchy sesame seeds, spicy chili flakes, or a lime squeeze—customize like a pro.
Love ground beef recipes? Try our Best Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles variation (hint: swap flank steak for 1 lb of beef mince!). Now, grab your apron—it’s time to wok and roll!
How to Make Mongolian Beef Noodles
Quick Overview
- Total Time: 30 minutes (15 prep, 15 cook)
- Key Perks: Crispy beef, saucy noodles, foolproof steps.
Key Ingredients
- Protein: 1 lb flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain) or 1 lb ground beef for Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
- Noodles: 8 oz dried rice noodles (or wheat noodles for chew)
- Sauce: 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp minced ginger, 2 garlic cloves (crushed)
- Veggies: 1 red bell pepper (julienned), 3 green onions (cut into 2” strips)
- Thickener: 1 tbsp cornstarch (or tapioca starch for gluten-free)
- Oil: 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Beef:
- Toss sliced steak with 1 tbsp cornstarch. Why? It locks in juices and adds crispy edges.
- Cook Noodles:
- Boil noodles per package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with 1 tsp oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the Sauce:
- Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and ¼ cup water in a bowl.
- Stir-Fry Time:
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet. Sear beef in batches for 1-2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil. Sauté bell peppers for 2 minutes.
- Return beef to skillet. Pour in sauce and simmer for 3 minutes until thickened.
- Add noodles and green onions. Toss until coated.
- Serve:
- Plate immediately! Garnish with sesame seeds or chili flakes.
What to Serve With Mongolian Beef Noodles
- Light & Fresh: Quick pickled cucumbers or a mandarin orange salad.
- Warm Sides: Steamed dumplings or miso-glazed broccoli.
- Drinks: Jasmine iced tea or a crisp lager.
Craving carbs? Pair with our 15-Minute Coconut Rice for a tropical twist!
Top Tips for Perfecting Mongolian Beef Noodles
- Freeze for Easy Slicing: Pop the beef in the freezer for 20 minutes before cutting.
- Cornstarch Substitute: Use 2 tsp arrowroot powder or skip it for a thinner sauce.
- Best Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Hack: Brown 1 lb of ground beef until crispy for extra texture—it’s a game-changer!
- Avoid Mushy Veggies: Cook peppers just until crisp-tender.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Hate meal prep? These noodles are here to save your sanity! Whip up a big batch of Mongolian Beef Noodles in 30 minutes, and let your freezer do the heavy lifting on chaotic days. Here’s how to keep every bite tasting fresh and flavorful:
Fridge Storage (3 Days):
- Cool it fast: Let noodles, beef, and veggies chill separately before combining in airtight containers. No one likes soggy noodles!
- Sauce hack: Store sauce in a small jar to prevent sogginess.
Freezer Storage (1 Month):
- Freeze like a pro: Portion cooked beef, sauce, and blanched veggies into labeled bags. Noodles? Freeze them raw or par-cooked (trust us, they’ll thank you later).
- Thaw smart: Move portions to the fridge overnight, or zap sauce in the microwave (defrost mode!).
Reheating Golden Rules:
- Skillet revival: Sauté leftovers in 1 tbsp oil or water over medium heat. Crispy edges guaranteed!
- Microwave fix: Cover noodles with a damp paper towel to lock in moisture (1-2 minutes, stirring halfway).
Pro Tip: Freeze individual portions in microwave-safe containers for instant “I forgot to cook” emergencies. Future You will high-five Present You. 🔥
Answering Your Googled Questions
- “How to Make Mongolian Sauce?”
Whisk 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp minced ginger, 2 crushed garlic cloves, and ¼ cup water. Simmer until glossy! - “Is Mongolian Beef Healthy to Eat?”
Yes! Use lean beef (or try our Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe with 90% lean mince) and load up on veggies. - “Is Mongolian Cuisine Spicy?”
Traditional dishes are mild, but add chili flakes or Sriracha to this recipe for heat! - “What Kind of Rice Goes with Mongolian Beef?”
Sticky jasmine rice or coconut rice for soaking up sauce. - “What Does Mongolian Beef Taste Like?”
Sweet, salty, umami—like caramelized soy sauce hugging tender beef. - “Why Is It Called Mongolian Beef?”
Pure marketing! It’s a Chinese-American dish with an adventurous name.
Final Serve: Whether you’re craving easy Mongolian beef noodles or the best Mongolian ground beef noodles, this recipe’s your 30-minute passport to flavor town. Share your masterpiece on Facebook (tag #MongolianGroundBeefNoodlesFB) and become a kitchen legend. Ready to chop, sizzle, and slurp? Your skillet’s calling! 🥢
More Easy Dinners:
- 10 Delicious and Easy Beef Recipes for Quick, Tasty Meals !
- How to Make Perfect Loaded Fries at Home
- Delicious Swedish Meatballs Recipe in One-Pan
- Top 5 Must-Try Easy Crockpot Meals for Effortless Weeknight Dinners
- the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest!
The Best Mongolian Beef Noodles Recipe Ready in 30 Min
Description
A quick and flavorful dish featuring ground beef cooked in a savory-sweet sauce, tossed with noodles and vibrant vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced ginger, crushed garlic, and 1/4 cup water until well combined.
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Cook the Noodles: Boil the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with a teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
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Cook the Ground Beef:
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Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the ground beef and cook until browned and slightly crispy, breaking it apart as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
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Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
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In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
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Add the julienned red bell pepper and sauté for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch.
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Combine Ingredients:
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Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the bell peppers.
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Pour in the prepared sauce and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Add the cooked noodles and green onions to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce and heated through.
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Serve: Divide the Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles into serving bowls. Garnish with optional toppings such as sesame seeds, chili flakes, or a squeeze of lime for added flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 21g33%
- Sodium 1mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
- Sugars 9g
- Protein 36g72%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
