This Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen is a perfect fusion of tender, marinated beef, crisp bell peppers, and savory ramen noodles, all coated in a deliciously sweet and savory sauce. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s a satisfying meal for weeknights or a fun dinner for entertaining. Finish with green onions and sesame seeds for an added touch of freshness and crunch!
Why You’ll Love Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen:
Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The sweet and savory Mongolian sauce is rich and coats each bite perfectly, giving you that takeout taste at home.
Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a busy evening.
Texture and Color: With tender beef, crunchy veggies, and slurp-worthy noodles, this stir-fry has it all.
Versatile Ingredients: You can add more vegetables or switch up the protein to make it your own.
One-Pan Cooking: Minimal cleanup is required since the entire dish cooks in a single skillet or wok.
Key Ingredients:
1. Flank Steak
Thinly Slice Against the Grain: Slicing against the grain makes the beef tender and easy to chew.
Marinate for Flavor and Tenderness: Marinating the beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic, and ginger helps to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor.
Alternative Options: If you prefer a different cut, skirt steak or sirloin works well too.
2. Soy Sauce
Adds Umami: Both the marinade and sauce use soy sauce, which gives the dish its signature umami flavor.
Low-Sodium Option: For a less salty dish, use low-sodium soy sauce.
3. Hoisin Sauce
Sweet and Savory: Hoisin sauce adds depth with its unique blend of sweetness, saltiness, and a hint of spice.
Substitute: If you don’t have hoisin sauce, use oyster sauce or teriyaki sauce as an alternative.
4. Brown Sugar
Balances Flavors: Brown sugar in the sauce provides a touch of sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce and tangy rice vinegar.
Alternative Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup can be used in place of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
5. Ramen Noodles
Quick-Cooking and Flavorful: Ramen noodles are ideal for stir-fry dishes because they cook quickly and have a chewy texture that holds up well with the sauce.
Substitute Noodles: Udon, lo mein, or rice noodles can be used if you prefer.
6. Vegetables (Bell Peppers and Onion)
Add Color and Crunch: Red and yellow bell peppers and onions add color, flavor, and a slight crunch to the dish.
Other Veggies: Feel free to add broccoli, snow peas, or baby corn for extra texture and flavor.
7. Sesame Oil
For a Nutty Finish: A small amount of sesame oil in the sauce adds a warm, nutty aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
Alternative Oils: If you don’t have sesame oil, it’s optional, but it does add an authentic flavor to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Prepare the Beef: Thinly slice the flank steak against the grain. This ensures tenderness and easier chewing.
Marinate: In a bowl, mix the beef with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Coat the beef well and let it marinate for 15-20 minutes. This helps tenderize the beef and infuse it with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce
Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and set aside. This sweet and savory sauce will coat the beef and vegetables in the stir-fry.
Step 3: Cook the Ramen Noodles
Cook the Noodles: Follow the package instructions to cook the ramen noodles. Drain and set aside so they’re ready to add to the stir-fry.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the Beef: Add the marinated 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 it aside. If needed, cook the beef in batches to ensure even browning.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add More Oil: In the same skillet, heat an additional 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and onion to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. The veggies should have a slight crunch to provide texture.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the Beef: Place the cooked beef back into the skillet with the vegetables.
Add the Sauce: Pour the stir-fry sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir to coat evenly and cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through. The sauce should thicken and coat the ingredients nicely.
Step 7: Serve
Prepare the Bowls: Divide the cooked ramen noodles into serving bowls.
Add the Stir-Fry: Spoon the Mongolian beef and vegetables over the noodles.
Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Serving Suggestions:
This Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen is delicious on its own, but you can enhance your meal with these sides:
Steamed Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy for a nutritious addition.
Spring Rolls or Dumplings: Add veggie spring rolls or dumplings for an appetizer that pairs well with this fusion dish.
Jasmine Rice: If you prefer rice over noodles, serve the stir-fry on a bed of jasmine rice.
Chili Garlic Sauce: Add a bit of heat with a side of chili garlic sauce or sriracha for a spicy kick.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
This dish is great for leftovers and stores well:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the stir-fry without noodles for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and prepare fresh noodles.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.
Variations to Try:
Get creative and make this dish your own with these tasty variations:
Spicy Mongolian Beef: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for a spicier version.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with tofu or mushrooms and skip the marinade for a delicious vegetarian stir-fry.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, hoisin sauce, and rice noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
Cashew Mongolian Beef: Toss in a handful of cashews or peanuts with the vegetables for extra crunch and flavor.
