Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mongolian Beef and Noodles is a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy dish that combines tender slices of beef with stir-fried noodles and a rich soy-based sauce. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. The combination of garlic, ginger, and brown sugar creates a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

flank steakor skirt beefsoy saucehoisin saucebrown sugargarlicgingercornstarchgreen onionssesame oilvegetable oilred pepper flakeseither lo mein noodles, udon, or spaghetti (cooked and drained)

directions

Slice the beef thinly against the grain and toss it with cornstarch until evenly coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add the beef in batches, searing until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant.

Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and let the sauce thicken slightly.

Add the cooked beef back into the pan and toss to coat.

Add the cooked noodles and drizzle with sesame oil. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

Top with chopped green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use rice noodles or gluten-free noodles for a different texture or dietary needs.

Add broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas for extra veggies and crunch.

Swap beef with chicken or tofu for a protein variation.

Top with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added texture.

Make it spicier by adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the noodles.Microwave reheating works as well, covered, for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

What kind of beef is best for Mongolian beef?

Flank steak or skirt steak is ideal for this dish due to its tenderness when sliced thinly.

Can I use store-bought stir-fry sauce?

Yes, but making your own sauce ensures better flavor and customization.

Are the noodles essential?

No, you can serve the Mongolian beef over rice or steamed vegetables instead.

How do I keep the beef tender?

Slice against the grain and don’t overcook it. The cornstarch coating also helps with tenderness.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the heat to your liking.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes, cook the beef and sauce ahead of time, then stir in fresh noodles when reheating.

Can I freeze it?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the beef and sauce separately and add fresh noodles when reheating.

Can I add eggs to this recipe?

Yes, scrambled eggs can be stirred in for extra protein and texture.

Do I have to use sesame oil?

It’s recommended for flavor, but you can omit or replace it with a neutral oil.

What kind of noodles work best?

Lo mein, udon, or even spaghetti noodles work great in this dish.

Conclusion

Mongolian Beef and Noodles is a flavor-packed, satisfying dish that brings together tender beef, bold sauce, and hearty noodles in one delicious skillet. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a cozy dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers big on taste and comfort. Give it a try and watch it become a regular favorite in your kitchen.