Tangy Mongolian Beef and Noodle Stir Fry Recipe: A Flavor Explosion

Culinary adventures often lead me to unexpected delights like this savory mongolian beef and noodle stir fry that promises an explosion of flavors.

Vibrant ingredients dance together in a sizzling wok, creating magic on your plate.

Rich umami notes blend seamlessly with tender meat and slick noodles.

Spices weave their enchantment through each carefully crafted bite.

Home cooks can master this restaurant-quality dish with surprising ease and confidence.

Minimal preparation meets maximum satisfaction in this quick and delectable meal.

One taste will transport you straight to the bustling streets of ulaanbaatar.

Keep That Stir Fry Fresh for Lunch the Next Day

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the dish stays fresh and tasty.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled stir fry to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor.
• Microwave Reheat: Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Stovetop Reheat: Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture.

FAQs for That Tasty Mongolian Stir Fry Bowl

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for heat if desired.

• Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with egg noodles, rice noodles, or udon noodles based on your preference.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-sodium soy sauce, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to increase nutrition.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sweet and savory flavors are generally appealing to children, and the dish is easy to eat.

Why Mongolian Beef Noodle Stir Fry Is Weeknight Gold

• Quickly Conquer Hunger: Dive into a speedy, satisfying meal that transforms ground beef and noodles into a mouthwatering feast in just a few simple steps.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Create a delicious dinner that brings everyone together, with bold Asian-inspired flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
• Pantry-Friendly Adventure: Craft a restaurant-quality dish using common ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, making it a stress-free cooking experience.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping noodle types, or adding extra vegetables to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You’ll Need for This Bold Beef Stir Fry

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the stir fry.

• Spaghetti, Noodles: The base of the dish that provides a satisfying carbohydrate foundation.

• Garlic, Ginger: Fragrant ingredients that create a deep, complex flavor profile for the dish.

• Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Hoisin Sauce, Beef Broth: A combination that creates a sweet, savory, and umami-rich sauce for coating the beef and noodles.

• Cornstarch: Helps to create a smooth and glossy sauce consistency.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh and crunchy toppings that add color, texture, and a final flavor boost.

• Sesame Oil: Provides a nutty flavor and helps prevent sticking during cooking.

Sear, Sauce, Stir—Let’s Make Mongolian Magic

Step 1: Boil Noodles

Cook spaghetti or noodles according to package directions. Once done, drain thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2: Brown Beef

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking into small crumbles until fully browned.

Drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 3: Infuse with Aromatics

Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef.

Sauté for about 1 minute until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma.

Step 4: Create Flavor Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Hoisin sauce
• Beef broth

Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir thoroughly to combine with the beef.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

If you prefer a richer sauce, mix cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry. Add to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce reaches a desired consistency.

Step 6: Combine Noodles and Beef

Add the cooked noodles directly into the skillet. Toss gently to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the beef and sauce.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious Mongolian beef stir fry.

Tips for a Flavor-Packed Stir Fry That Snaps

• Swap spaghetti for rice noodles or zucchini noodles to create a gluten-free version of this delicious stir fry.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and choosing low-sodium beef broth for a healthier meal option.
• Control spice levels by adding red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for those who enjoy extra heat.
• Boost vegetable content by tossing in sliced bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the cooking process for added nutrition and color.
• Enhance meal prep by preparing the sauce mixture in advance and storing it in the refrigerator, allowing for quick weeknight cooking.

Mongolian Noodle Stir Fry—Ways to Make It Yours

• Spicy Korean Beef Noodles: Replace hoisin sauce with gochujang for a fiery Korean-style kick, adding red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Noodle Stir Fry: Swap ground beef with mixed mushrooms like shiitake and oyster, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Coconut Thai Beef Noodles: Incorporate coconut milk and replace brown sugar with palm sugar, adding lime juice and Thai basil for authentic Southeast Asian flavors.
• Mediterranean Lamb Noodle Skillet: Use ground lamb instead of beef, mix in oregano and mint, and finish with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.

What Complements Mongolian Beef Noodles Best

• Pair with Crisp Asian Lager: Crack open a light, refreshing Asian beer like Tsingtao or Sapporo to cut through the rich, savory flavors of the beef and balance the dish's umami notes.
• Complement with Cucumber Salad: Prepare a quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar to provide a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, spicy stir-fry.
• Match with Bold Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel that can stand up to the bold, meaty flavors while offering a subtle fruity undertone.
• Enhance with Pickled Vegetables: Add a side of quick-pickled carrots or daikon radish to introduce a tangy, acidic element that brightens the overall meal and cleanses the palate.

Savory Mongolian Beef and Noodle Stir Fry Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mongolian Beef and Noodle Stir Fry delivers bold Asian flavors in one quick, satisfying skillet meal. Tender beef strips and silky noodles dance with spicy-sweet sauce, promising a restaurant-quality dinner you can master at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef

Noodles:

• 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti or noodles of choice

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Garnish:

• 2 green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Prepare noodles according to package directions, then drain and set aside, reserving some cooking water.
2. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking into small crumbles and cooking until deeply browned and no pink remains, approximately 5-6 minutes.
4. Drain excess fat from the skillet, leaving a thin layer for flavor.
5. Incorporate minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 45-60 seconds until aromatic and releasing their essential oils.
6. Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and beef broth in a separate bowl until smooth and fully combined.
7. Pour sauce mixture into the skillet, stirring vigorously to coat the beef evenly and create a glossy coating.
8. If a more robust sauce consistency is preferred, mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry, then gently fold into the skillet.
9. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop deeper flavors.
10. Fold cooked noodles into the beef mixture, tossing gently to ensure complete integration and even sauce distribution.
11. Plate the stir fry and garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains the rich, savory flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free adaptation, use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles in place of traditional spaghetti to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan before sprinkling to enhance their nutty aroma and add a delightful crunchy texture to the final dish.
• Control sauce thickness by gradually adding cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, glossy coating on the noodles.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mongolian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg