Table of Contents
Introduction
Mongolian beef noodles are delicious and could easily be described as the perfect comfort food because it has tasty noodles, tender beef, scrumptious sauce, and it could all easily be made within half an hour. Beyond its flexibility, this recipe is a creation that can be prepared extremely quickly, it can be served on any ordinary weekdays as well as for gatherings with those, whom you care about. Emerging from the demand of Asian-cuisine-related dishes, this recipe synthesizes itself to modern complex palatal preferences while keeping the quintessence of the flavors within the five tastes – savory, sweet, bitter, sour, and umami.
Here, you will learn about its history, what is in it, and a simple method for preparing this wonderful meal.
What make Mongolian Beef Noodles so Special
Crudely, Mongolian Beef has no connection to actual Mongolian cuisine and is in fact an American Chinese invention. Originally, it is the Chinese – American dish that took precedence in restaurants due to its strong taste and such a simple recipe.
Mongolian Beef is normally made with strips of beef that are stir fried and smothered in a rich savory and sweet sauce. This recipe has in the process been incorporated with noodles and today; recipes addressing only noodles are prevalent. Currently, Mongolian Beef Noodles can be considered a simple dish with a rather saturated flavor for many people to enjoy.
Ingredients
When preparing the Mongolian Beef Noodles you should ensure that you use quality and fresh ingredients.
Here’s what makes this dish shine:
- 1 lb beef (sirloin or flank steak), sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 inch ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (if desired, for heath)
- 4 cups cooked noodles preferably using egg noodles or rice noodles.
- 2-3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
How to Make Mongolian Beef Noodles: Step-by-Step
Explore this simple method of preparing this delicious meal by finding clear instructions here. Follow these steps to master the art of Mongolian Beef Noodles:
Step 1. Prepare The Beef
First of all, to prepare this dish, you need to take your beef, and cut it into very thin pieces. When slicing can be better done with slightly frozen beef so you can transfer it to the freezer for approximately half an hour before slicing.
Slice the beef across the grain for desired tender meat. After cutting it, coat the beef with cornstarch at a bowl where you can mix marinade easily.
The cornstarch is used again to enhance crisps when frying foods, and to thicken the sauce once mixed.
Step 2. Cook The Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a big wok or skillet over medium-high heat. That way the oil will be very hot and will quickly brown the beef once it is immersed on it. Place in the beef in the pan in one layer at a time making sure that each piece is not touching as it browns.
Do not overcrowd the pan since it would make the food to steam, not fry. Sauté the beef for 2-3 minutes turning it sides down until they are golden brown.
After this, take the beef out of the skillet and put in on a plate to cool out of the way. However, this helps the beef to remain tender since it doesn’t have to be overcooked in order to get it well-done.
Step 3. Make The Sauce
In the same skillet, you will need more oil but only add a little bit of it. Put the minced garlic and ginger and fry it for about 1 minute or until golden brown stirring frequently. The garlic and ginger should make the room smell great but should not start burning.
Then, pour the soy sauce, brown sugar and water into the pan. Mix all the ingredients altogether and stir until the block of sugar has dilutes and the sauce turns to sizzle slightly.
The rice vinegar can be added at this point to do away with the over sweet taste of the sauce. If you desire this sauce to contain a spicy kick, add the red pepper flakes and mix well into the sauce. Give the sauce about 2-3 minutes where the sauce is allowed to soften a little and thicken as well.
Step 4. Combine Beef and Noodles
Now put back the cooked beef into the pan and try to coat it with the sauce at that time. After that, bring the cooked noodles into the pan. Pick up the noodles and beef up by using the tongs or chopsticks and mix them with teaspoons so that they are coated with the sauce.
In case things appear slightly dry with the noodles then a tablespoon of water should sort things out. As the noodles and beef will be absorbing flavor, allow it to simmer for another minute or two.
Step 5. Garnish and Serve
Finally, as everything prepares, take out the skillet away from the heat source. Place the noodles in separate bowls and garnish with chopped green onions on top and sesame seeds if preferred.
The green onions give some color and a bit of crunch to the dish and sesame seeds give it a nutty taste. As is the best with barbecue always serve immediately while the food is hot and enjoy .
Mongolian Beef Noodles recipe is simple, and the dish is a little sweet with a strong court flavor perfect for any weeknight meal. With crispy beef, there is always a bit of a rich sauce and noodles that can leave many of your guests happy.
Variations and Tips for Mongolian Beef Noodles
Protein Alternatives
- Replace beef with chicken, shrimp or tofu depending on the desired liking and the nutritional value needed.
- Ground beef is even better if you want to do it faster or if money is a little tight.
Noodle Substitutions
- If Asian noodles are not available, substitute with spaghetti or linguine.
- Where possible, try using zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for those who have special demands for carb intake.
Flavor Adjustments
- For the true fans of sweet taste, reconsider the number of tablespoons of brown sugar in the sauce.
- For hotter, add more spice by incorporating more red pepper flakes or pour some more Sriracha sauce.
- For a little citrus, try adding rice vinegar or lime juice to your recipe.
Additional Tips
- To ensure that the beef is well seasoned prepare your beef in advance by marinating it with the soy sauce and ginger for about 15- 20 minutes before cooking.
- You can toast sesame seeds briefly before garnishing since this will enhance the nutty flavor of the seeds.
- It is believed that the sauce is better prepared a day or two before consumption because it takes time to marinate. It’s best to prepare this sauce ahead of time and place in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to make subsequent meals easier.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional content of Mongolian Beef Noodles can vary based on the ingredients used, but here’s an estimate for a typical serving:
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving.
- Protein: A high source, primarily from the beef.
- Carbohydrates: From the noodles and sauce.
- Fats: Moderate with most of it attributed to sesame oil and beef.
To make the dish healthier:
- Replace normal pasta with whole-grain pasta or zucchini to gain fiber.
- Trim off the fat and choose tenderloin or replace beef with another type of protein sources.
- Replace sugar and sodium by using honey or low sodium soy sauce in the sauce preparation to name but a few.
Conclusion
Mongolian Beef Noodles is an ideal meal that combines the sublime taste of the rich sauce with tender beef and nourishing noodles. Regardless of flavor variations you may add or omit the recipe is perfect for any event or just a basic kitchen nutrition. Why not try it today and enjoy restaurant like dinner right in your inside dining section.
Finally, do not forget to share your food and your culinary tricks with everybody in order to make everybody happy!