Mongolian Beef Noodles is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender beef, savory sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles. This fusion dish, inspired by Mongolian beef, adds a delightful twist by incorporating noodles, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a home cook looking to impress your family or a food enthusiast wanting to explore Asian cuisine, this dish is a must-try.
The Origins of Mongolian Beef
Despite its name, Mongolian Beef does not actually originate from Mongolia. It is a Chinese-American dish that became popular in Western Chinese restaurants. Traditionally, Mongolian Beef consists of sliced beef stir-fried with onions and scallions in a rich, slightly sweet, and savory sauce. The dish is often served over rice, but the addition of noodles brings a whole new dimension to its taste and texture.
What Makes Mongolian Beef Noodles Special?
Mongolian Beef Noodles stand out because they combine the flavors of traditional Mongolian Beef with the satisfying chewiness of noodles. The key components of the dish include:
- Beef – Thinly sliced beef, often flank steak or sirloin, is marinated and stir-fried to perfection.
- Noodles – Thick, chewy noodles such as lo mein or udon work best for absorbing the sauce and providing a hearty texture.
- Sauce – A balanced blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil creates the signature rich and flavorful sauce.
- Vegetables – Green onions, bell peppers, and carrots add color, crunch, and a hint of sweetness.
- Garnishes – Sesame seeds and fresh cilantro elevate the dish with additional layers of flavor and texture.
Ingredients for Mongolian Beef Noodles
To prepare this delicious dish at home, gather the following ingredients:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ cup beef broth (optional, for extra sauce)
And For the Noodles and Vegetables:
- 8 oz lo mein or udon noodles
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Beef
- Thinly slice the beef against the grain for tenderness.
- In a bowl, mix the beef with cornstarch and soy sauce. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes. This step ensures the beef remains juicy and tender when cooked.
Cook the Noodles
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and beef broth (if using).
- Set aside for later use.
Stir-Fry the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Stir-fry the bell pepper, carrot, and green onions for about 2 minutes until slightly softened.
Combine Everything
- Return the beef to the pan with the vegetables.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and mix well.
- Add the cooked noodles and toss everything together until well-coated with the sauce.
- Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the Mongolian Beef Noodles to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and fresh cilantro on top.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Mongolian Beef Noodles
- Use high-quality beef – Flank steak or sirloin works best due to their tenderness and flavor.
- Slice beef thinly – Cutting the beef against the grain into thin strips ensures a tender bite.
- Marinate for extra flavor – The cornstarch and soy sauce marinade enhances texture and taste.
- Cook on high heat – Stir-frying quickly at high heat ensures the beef stays juicy and the vegetables remain crisp.
- Adjust sweetness and spice – Add a little more brown sugar for extra sweetness or a dash of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Variations of Mongolian Beef Noodles
This dish is versatile and can be customized in various ways:
- Spicy Mongolian Beef Noodles – Add chili paste or sriracha for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Mongolian Noodles – Replace beef with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles instead of wheat-based noodles.
- Extra Crunch – Add cashews or peanuts for a nutty texture.
Pairing Suggestions
Mongolian Beef Noodles pair well with various side dishes and beverages:
- Side Dishes: Egg rolls, steamed dumplings, or a fresh Asian slaw complement the dish beautifully.
- Beverages: Green tea, jasmine tea, or a light white wine like Riesling enhances the flavors.
FAQs
Q: What are Mongolian Beef Noodles?
A: Mongolian Beef Noodles is a savory and slightly sweet stir-fried dish made with tender beef, noodles, and a flavorful sauce typically containing soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. It is inspired by Mongolian Beef but includes noodles for a heartier meal.
Q: Is Mongolian Beef Noodles an authentic Mongolian dish?
A: No, despite the name, Mongolian Beef Noodles is not a traditional Mongolian dish. It originates from American-Chinese cuisine and is inspired by stir-fried flavors popular in Chinese cooking, rather than authentic Mongolian flavors, which are more focused on grilled meats and dairy-based ingredients.
Q: What type of noodles are best for Mongolian Beef Noodles?
A: Lo mein, udon, or rice noodles work best for Mongolian Beef Noodles, as they absorb the sauce well while maintaining a chewy texture. However, you can also use spaghetti or egg noodles as substitutes.
Q: Can I make Mongolian Beef Noodles healthier?
A: Yes! You can make a healthier version by using lean beef cuts, reducing sugar, using low-sodium soy sauce, and adding more vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots to balance the dish.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with Mongolian Beef Noodles?
A: Mongolian Beef Noodles pair well with steamed vegetables, Asian-style cucumber salad, egg rolls, or a simple miso soup to complement the bold flavors of the dish.
Conclusion
Mongolian Beef Noodles is a delightful dish that brings together the bold flavors of Mongolian Beef with the comforting texture of noodles. Whether you enjoy it as a weeknight dinner or serve it at a gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate restaurant-quality Mongolian Beef Noodles right in your own kitchen. Try it today and savor the rich flavors of this Asian-inspired dish!
