Easy Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen Recipe

Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen

If you’re craving a meal that’s quick, flavorful, and packed with satisfying textures, this Easy Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen recipe is your new best friend. Combining tender slices of beef glazed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce with chewy ramen noodles, this dish turns everyday ingredients into a restaurant-quality dinner that comes together faster than you’d expect. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or an impressive weekend feast, this Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Speedy Meal: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules and spontaneous cravings.
  • Bold Flavor Profile: A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami notes that awaken your taste buds.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that are easy to find and budget-friendly.
  • Versatile Dish: Easily customizable to fit dietary preferences or ingredient substitutions.
  • One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup thanks to the stir-fry method, ideal for quick dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting all the right ingredients together is crucial, but don’t worry! This recipe sticks to simple, fresh components that layer flavor and texture beautifully. Each element is chosen to contribute either a punch of savory goodness, a hint of sweetness, or delightful chewiness.

  • Beef flank steak: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tenderness.
  • Ramen noodles: The chewy base that soaks up all the tasty sauce perfectly.
  • Soy sauce: Provides the salty umami backbone of the dish.
  • Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that glossy sauce.
  • Garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics that brighten and deepen the flavors.
  • Green onions: For a fresh, mild onion kick and vibrant color.
  • Vegetable oil: High smoke point oil that’s perfect for stir-frying.
  • Cornstarch: Ensures a thick, velvety sauce that clings to every bite.
  • Optional vegetables: Such as bell peppers or snap peas for added crunch and color.

Variations for Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen

This recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to make it your own. Whether you’re adjusting for dietary needs or just want to experiment with texture and flavor, these variations will help you customize your perfect bowl.

  • Vegetarian version: Swap beef for tofu or mushrooms to keep the bold flavors without meat.
  • Spicy twist: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a fiery kick.
  • Low-carb option: Replace ramen with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
  • Extra veggies: Throw in broccoli, carrots, or baby corn for more nutrients and crunch.
  • Protein swaps: Use chicken or pork thinly sliced if you prefer different meats.
Easy Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen Recipe

How to Make Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen

Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Marinade

Thinly slice the flank steak against the grain to ensure tenderness. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the marinade. Toss the beef in this mixture and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to soak up the flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Ramen Noodles

While the beef marinates, cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions but avoid overcooking; you want them slightly firm since they’ll cook more in the stir-fry. Drain and set them aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer, cooking it quickly until browned on all sides but still tender inside. Remove the beef and set aside to prevent overcooking.

Step 4: Make the Sauce and Combine

In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, sauté quickly until fragrant. Mix in soy sauce, brown sugar, and a pinch of cornstarch dissolved in water to create the thick sauce. Toss the cooked ramen noodles and beef back into the pan, stirring well to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Final Touches

Add sliced green onions and optional vegetables, stir-frying for 1 to 2 minutes to combine flavors and heat through. Taste and adjust sauce seasoning if needed, then serve piping hot.

Pro Tips for Making Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen

  • Slice beef thinly: Using a sharp knife and cutting across the grain yields the most tender bites.
  • Marinate briefly: Even 10 minutes brings out amazing flavor without waiting too long.
  • Don’t overcook noodles: Slightly undercooked noodles keep their structure after stir-frying.
  • Use high heat: Stir-frying at high heat seals in juices and keeps veggies crisp.
  • Thicken sauce with cornstarch: It gives the perfect silky texture that clings to noodles and beef.

How to Serve Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen

Garnishes

Top your dish with freshly sliced green onions and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for an added crunch and nutty aroma that brightens the whole meal.

Side Dishes

Pair this stir-fry with simple steamed vegetables, a light Asian-style cucumber salad, or crispy spring rolls to round out the flavors without overpowering the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen in colorful bowls for a vibrant look, or plate it on a large serving dish for family-style dinners to encourage sharing and conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to batch cook. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the beef tender and the noodles from sticking together, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles?

Absolutely! While ramen noodles work perfectly, you can substitute with udon, soba, or even rice noodles to suit your preference or dietary needs.

Is this recipe spicy?

The basic recipe isn’t spicy, but you can easily add chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh chilies if you want to spice things up.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and opt for gluten-free noodles like rice noodles or certain brands of ramen that specifically label gluten-free.

Can I prepare the beef ahead of time?

Yes, marinate the beef a few hours in advance or even overnight for deeper flavor; just keep it refrigerated until ready to cook.

What cut of beef is best for stir-fry?

Flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin are excellent choices—they’re tender, cook quickly, and absorb flavors well.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen recipe is a fantastic way to bring bold Asian-inspired flavors to your table without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quick, delicious, and endlessly adaptable—making it a perfect go-to meal for busy days or when you want to impress with minimal effort. Give it a try and watch how this humble dish becomes a family favorite in no time!

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Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen

This Easy Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen is a quick, flavorful dish combining tender slices of beef glazed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce with chewy ramen noodles. Ready in under 30 minutes, it balances sweet, savory, and umami flavors with satisfying textures, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressive weekend meals.

  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 8 oz beef flank steak, thinly sliced
  • Optional: tofu or mushrooms as vegetarian substitutes
  • Optional: chicken or pork thinly sliced for protein swaps

Noodles

  • 1 package ramen noodles (about 3 oz)
  • Optional low-carb substitutes: zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles

Sauce & Marinade

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tablespoons water)

Vegetables & Garnishes

  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Optional vegetables: bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, carrots, baby corn
  • Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Cooking Oil

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef and Marinade: Thinly slice the flank steak against the grain for tenderness. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the marinade. Toss the beef in this mixture and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to soak up the flavors.
  2. Cook the Ramen Noodles: While the beef marinates, cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions but avoid overcooking; they should be slightly firm as they will cook further in the stir-fry. Drain and set aside.
  3. Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and cook quickly until browned on all sides but still tender inside. Remove beef from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  4. Make the Sauce and Combine: In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, sautéing quickly until fragrant. Mix in soy sauce, brown sugar, and the cornstarch slurry to create a thick sauce. Return the cooked ramen noodles and beef to the pan, tossing well to coat evenly with the sauce.
  5. Final Touches: Add sliced green onions and any optional vegetables, stir-frying for 1 to 2 minutes until combined and heated through. Taste and adjust the sauce seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Slice beef thinly across the grain for the most tender texture.
  • Marinate the beef for at least 10 minutes to develop flavor; marinating longer enhances taste.
  • Avoid overcooking noodles as they will cook further during stir-frying.
  • Use high heat during stir-frying to seal in juices and maintain vegetable crunch.
  • Thicken the sauce with cornstarch slurry to achieve a silky texture that clings well to the noodles and beef.
  • Substitute beef with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
  • Adjust spiciness by adding chili flakes or sriracha if desired.
  • Use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: Mongolian Beef, Stir-Fry, Ramen, Quick Dinner, Asian, Beef Stir-Fry, Easy Recipe, Weeknight Meal

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