If you’re craving a savory, slightly sweet dish with tender beef, this Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen is the perfect answer. It combines tender strips of beef, fresh vegetables, and ramen noodles in a deliciously sticky Mongolian sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it comes together in just under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 packs (3 oz each) instant ramen noodles, seasoning discarded
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Place the thinly sliced beef in a large bowl and toss it with the cornstarch until well coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the Ramen Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, omitting the seasoning packets. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch (if using). Set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the bell pepper and broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Add the garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the sauce and bring it to a simmer, stirring to coat everything evenly. Add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring the noodles are well coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot. Enjoy this deliciously savory Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Slice Against the Grain: For the most tender beef, make sure to slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
- Cornstarch for Tenderness: Coating the beef in cornstarch helps to tenderize it and create a nice crust when cooked.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh broccoli and bell peppers add great texture and color to this dish, but you can substitute them with any veggies you have on hand, like snap peas or carrots.
Variations
- Spicy Mongolian Beef: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the beef with sliced mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Different Noodles: You can use other types of noodles, such as udon or rice noodles, instead of ramen for a different texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Flank steak, sirloin, or even ribeye all work well for this recipe. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly for quick cooking.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and substitute the ramen noodles with gluten-free noodles.
4. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as snap peas, carrots, or baby corn, to make the dish even more nutritious.
Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The tender beef, colorful vegetables, and flavorful sauce come together with ramen noodles to create a satisfying dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you like it spicy or prefer extra vegetables, this versatile stir-fry is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
