Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen Recipe

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.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

 

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.

Conclusion:

This Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen is a fantastic fusion dish that’s easy to make yet loaded with flavor. With tender slices of beef, fresh vegetables, and ramen noodles in a mouthwatering sauce, it’s sure to satisfy any craving. Try it for your next dinner, and enjoy every bite of this flavorful, homemade dish!