Name: Mongolian Beef Noodles: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred); 1/2 cup water; 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 teaspoon sriracha (or more, to taste); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 lb lo mein noodles (or spaghetti, linguine as a substitute); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; Sesame seeds (optional); Red pepper flakes (optional)

Mongolian Beef Noodles: Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant price tag? Look no further! Imagine tender, succulent slices of beef, coated in a rich, savory-sweet sauce, all nestled amongst perfectly cooked noodles. This isn't just dinner; it's an experience.

While the exact origins of Mongolian Beef Noodles are debated, it's widely believed to be an American-Chinese creation, drawing inspiration from Mongolian barbecue techniques. It cleverly captures the essence of stir-fried flavors, adapting them to suit the Western palate. Think of it as a delicious fusion, a culinary bridge between cultures!

What makes this dish so irresistible? It's the symphony of flavors, of course! The beef boasts a delightful tenderness, achieved through a quick and easy stir-fry. The sauce, a harmonious blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, delivers that signature sweet and savory punch that keeps you coming back for more. And let's not forget the noodles! They provide the perfect textural counterpoint to the beef, soaking up all that glorious sauce. Plus, it's incredibly convenient to make at home, perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend treat. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade Mongolian Beef Noodles!

Ingredients:

For the Beef:

1.5 lbs flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sriracha (or more, to taste)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger

For the Noodles:

1 lb lo mein noodles (or spaghetti, linguine as a substitute)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Garnish:

1/4 cup chopped green onions
Sesame seeds (optional)
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Preparing the Beef:

First, let's get the beef ready. In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with cornstarch, 1/4 cup soy sauce, vegetable oil, sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Make sure the beef is evenly coated with the mixture. This will help create a nice, crispy crust when we cook it. I like to use my hands to really massage the marinade into the beef, ensuring every piece is covered.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the beef will be. If you have time, you can even marinate it for a few hours or overnight.

Making the Mongolian Sauce:

While the beef is marinating, let's prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, hoisin sauce, sriracha, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ground ginger.
Whisk everything together until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. This is important to prevent clumps in the sauce when it's cooked.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you want it spicier, add more sriracha. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more brown sugar.
Set the sauce aside for now. We'll use it later when we cook the beef.

Cooking the Noodles:

Now, let's cook the noodles. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the lo mein noodles (or spaghetti/linguine) to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Usually, it takes about 5-7 minutes until they are al dente.
Once the noodles are cooked, drain them well and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also prevent them from sticking together.
Toss the cooked noodles with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to keep them from clumping. Set them aside.

Cooking the Beef and Assembling the Dish:

Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. It's important to get the pan really hot before adding the beef, so it sears properly.
Add the marinated beef to the hot skillet in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan, or the beef will steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the beef in batches.
Cook the beef for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until it's browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
Pour the Mongolian sauce into the same skillet and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
Cook the sauce for about 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Stir constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Add the cooked beef back to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat.
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and beef.
Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serving and Garnishing:

Remove the Mongolian Beef Noodles from the heat and transfer them to a serving platter or individual bowls.
Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
Serve immediately and enjoy! This dish is best served hot.

Tips and Variations:

Beef Selection: Flank steak is ideal for this recipe because it's flavorful and relatively tender when sliced thinly against the grain. However, you can also use sirloin steak or even skirt steak as alternatives.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the spice level. If you're sensitive to spice, start with a small amount and add more to taste. You can also omit the red pepper flakes for a milder dish.
Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add vegetables to this dish. Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots would all be great additions. Add them to the skillet along with the sauce and cook until tender-crisp.
Noodle Options: While lo mein noodles are traditionally used in this dish, you can substitute them with other types of noodles, such as spaghetti, linguine, or even rice noodles. Just make sure to cook them according to the package directions.
Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook, simply heat the skillet, cook the beef, and then add the sauce and noodles. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.
Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.
Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar. You can also use honey or maple syrup as a substitute for brown sugar.
Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger will provide the best flavor, but you can use ground garlic and ginger as a convenient alternative.
Sesame Oil: Don't skip the sesame oil! It adds a wonderful nutty flavor to the dish.
Cornstarch Slurry: Make sure to whisk the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the sauce. This will prevent lumps from forming.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Mongolian Beef Noodles as a main course for dinner.
Pair it with a side of steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
It's also great for meal prepping and packing for lunch.
For a more complete meal, serve it with a side of egg rolls or spring rolls.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover Mongolian Beef Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion:

This isn't just another noodle dish; it's an experience! The rich, savory sauce clinging to perfectly cooked noodles, the tender beef bursting with flavor – it's a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. I truly believe this Mongolian Beef Noodles recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves Asian-inspired cuisine or simply appreciates a delicious and satisfying meal. It's quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. But why is it so special? It's the balance. The sweetness of the brown sugar is perfectly offset by the tang of the soy sauce and the subtle heat of the ginger and garlic. The beef is incredibly tender thanks to the cornstarch coating, which also helps the sauce thicken beautifully. And the noodles? They're the perfect vehicle for delivering all that deliciousness straight to your taste buds. Looking for serving suggestions? I love to garnish mine with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a drizzle of chili oil or a dollop of sriracha. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even toss in some stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. They'll add a healthy crunch and complement the other flavors perfectly. And speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! If you're not a fan of beef, you could easily substitute chicken, pork, or even tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a vegetarian option, try using shiitake mushrooms or tempeh. You can also experiment with different types of noodles. Udon noodles, ramen noodles, or even spaghetti would work well in this recipe. Don't be afraid to get creative and make it your own! I've poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen. This Mongolian Beef Noodles recipe is truly a winner! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up your wok, and get cooking! I promise you won't be disappointed. And once you've tried it, I'd love to hear what you think. Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] or leave a review on the blog. I'm always eager to see your creations and hear about your experiences. Did you make any substitutions? Did you add any special ingredients? What did your family and friends think? Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to improve my recipes. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and discover the deliciousness of homemade Mongolian Beef Noodles. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy every single bite of this flavorful and satisfying dish. Don't forget to share your culinary adventures with me – I can't wait to see what you create!