If you are craving a dish that combines tender, flavorful beef with silky noodles in a sweet-savory sauce, you have to try the Mongolian Beef Stir Fry with Ramen Recipe. This recipe takes the classic Mongolian beef you love and gives it a fun twist by adding ramen noodles, creating a harmony of textures and tastes that come together in under 30 minutes. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without being complicated, and the layers of garlic, ginger, and that slightly caramelized sauce keep every bite exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mongolian Beef Stir Fry with Ramen Recipe lies in its straightforward yet impactful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building depth, balancing flavors, and delivering that authentic stir fry texture and color you expect from Asian-inspired dishes.
- Flank steak: Thinly sliced against the grain for tenderness and quick cooking.
- Cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating on the beef when seared.
- Vegetable oil: Ideal for high-heat stir frying without smoking.
- Garlic, minced: Adds pungent warmth and aroma that wakes up the palate.
- Fresh ginger, grated: Provides a zesty bite that brightens the dish.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The salty backbone that deepens umami flavors.
- Brown sugar: Imparts a rich caramel note balancing the soy’s saltiness.
- Water: Dilutes the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Hoisin sauce (optional): Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity if you want an extra layer of flavor.
- Ramen noodles: The star twist—quick cooking noodles that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Green onions, sliced: Freshness and mild bite that brightens the finished dish.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma that’s signature to many Asian dishes.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Bring a little heat if you like a spicy kick.
- Sesame seeds: For garnish, lending a subtle crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Mongolian Beef Stir Fry with Ramen Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the beef
The journey to incredible Mongolian Beef Stir Fry with Ramen Recipe starts by tossing the thinly sliced flank steak in cornstarch. This light coating helps the beef crisp up beautifully in the pan while sealing in juices. Set it aside for 10 minutes, giving the cornstarch time to adhere properly as you get the sauce and noodles ready.
Step 2: Make the sauce and cook noodles
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and hoisin sauce if you’re using it. This simple homemade sauce is where you get that irresistible sweet and savory flavor combo. Meanwhile, cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions but toss the seasoning packets—you won’t need them here! Once cooked, drain and set aside so they’re ready when you start stir frying.
Step 3: Sear the beef
Heat the vegetable oil in your skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the beef in a single layer – don’t overcrowd the pan, or the meat will steam instead of sear. Cook each batch for 1 to 2 minutes per side until you see a gorgeous caramelized crust. Remove the browned beef and set it aside, saving all that flavorful browned bits in the pan.
Step 4: Build the sauce base
Turn the heat down to medium and add garlic and grated ginger to the empty pan. Sauté them quickly, just 30 seconds, until fragrant—you want the aroma filling your kitchen. Pour your prepared sauce into the pan and bring it to a gentle simmer. This melds the flavors and thickens the sauce slightly, creating the luscious coat your beef and noodles will be bathed in.
Step 5: Combine beef, noodles, and sauce
Return the beef to the pan along with your cooked ramen noodles. Toss everything carefully but thoroughly, making sure every strand and slice is coated in that rich sauce. Stir in sliced green onions, sesame oil for that essential nutty note, and if you like a touch of heat, add red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes just to warm it all through and marry the flavors perfectly.
How to Serve Mongolian Beef Stir Fry with Ramen Recipe
Garnishes
Once plated, sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds. Not only do they add a delicate crunch, but their subtle nutty flavor complements the dish beautifully. You can also add extra sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant pop of color and bite.
Side Dishes
This Mongolian Beef Stir Fry with Ramen Recipe shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed broccoli or sautéed snap peas. For a lighter touch, a crisp cucumber salad or a tangy Asian slaw balances the rich flavors in the beef and noodles, keeping your meal fresh and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, consider serving your beef and ramen in individual shallow bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro or Thai basil for an extra herbal punch. Drizzle a little extra sesame oil or a splash of lime juice right before serving to add a bright finishing note. You can even sprinkle crushed peanuts or chili oil for an unexpected texture or heat twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mongolian Beef Stir Fry with Ramen Recipe stores brilliantly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated, just keep the noodles moist to prevent them from drying out.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to batch cook. Place cooled stir fry into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag, separating portions beforehand for easy meals later. It’s best eaten within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot. Avoid overcooking to keep the beef tender.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking, you can use skirt steak or sirloin. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain to maintain tenderness in your Mongolian Beef Stir Fry with Ramen Recipe.
Is it okay to add vegetables?
Yes! Adding veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots during the garlic and ginger sauté step gives more texture, color, and nutrition, making your dish even more wholesome without altering the classic flavors.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Most soy sauce contains gluten, but you can swap it for tamari or a gluten-free soy alternative. Also, check the ramen noodles ingredients or substitute with rice noodles to keep this dish gluten-free and just as tasty.
What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
Hoisin sauce is optional and adds a layer of sweetness and complexity, but your dish will still be delicious without it. The brown sugar and soy sauce combo provides plenty of flavor for your Mongolian Beef Stir Fry with Ramen Recipe.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can slice the beef and prepare the sauce ahead to save time, but cook the noodles and stir fry ingredients fresh. This ensures the best texture and flavor for your final dish.
Final Thoughts
If you want a fuss-free, flavorful meal that feels like a restaurant treat at home, you cannot go wrong with the Mongolian Beef Stir Fry with Ramen Recipe. It’s quick, satisfying, and sure to become a go-to dinner when you crave bold flavors paired with comforting noodles. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Mongolian Beef Stir Fry with Ramen Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Mongolian Beef Stir Fry with Ramen is a flavorful and quick Asian-inspired dish featuring tender, crispy flank steak coated in a savory-sweet sauce, combined with chewy ramen noodles and vibrant green onions. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it delivers a satisfying balance of protein and carbs with a hint of spice and robust garlicky-ginger notes.
Ingredients
Beef and Coating
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
Stir Fry
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced flank steak with cornstarch until all the slices are evenly coated. Let the beef sit for 10 minutes to ensure the coating adheres well, which helps achieve a crispy texture when cooked.
- Make the Sauce and Cook Noodles: While the beef rests, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and optional hoisin sauce in a small bowl to create the savory sauce. Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, omitting the seasoning packets. Drain and set the noodles aside.
- Sear the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated steak slices in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear each side for 1 to 2 minutes until the beef is browned and crispy. Remove the cooked beef and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the same pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer Sauce and Combine: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and bring it to a simmer. Return the cooked beef to the pan along with the cooked ramen noodles. Toss everything together thoroughly so the noodles and beef are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Finish with Green Onions and Seasonings: Stir in the sliced green onions, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to heat everything through and allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the stir fry to serving bowls, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For added nutrition and color, toss in thinly sliced bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli along with the garlic and ginger.
- You can substitute rice noodles for ramen if preferred for a different texture or dietary need.
- This dish cooks quickly, so ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready before beginning to cook.
