Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, combining tender beef, crisp vegetables, and chewy ramen noodles in a savory sauce. This dish is inspired by the classic Mongolian beef, a popular dish known for its sweet and savory sauce, but with an added twist of ramen noodles for a satisfying meal. My first experience with Mongolian beef was at a small family-owned restaurant, and I was instantly captivated by the rich flavors. Recreating this dish at home with ramen noodles makes it even more comforting and enjoyable. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
1 pound (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Stir-Fry:
2 packages of ramen noodles, cooked according to package instructions
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Prepare the Beef: Start by slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain. This helps to tenderize the meat and makes it easier to chew.
Marinate: In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Mix well to coat the beef evenly. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes. This step infuses the beef with flavor and helps to tenderize it.
Step 2: Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce
Mix the Sauce: While the beef is marinating, prepare the stir-fry 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. Set the sauce aside. This sauce will give the stir-fry its characteristic sweet and savory flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Ramen Noodles
Cook the Noodles: Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. This step ensures that the noodles are ready to be mixed into the stir-fry later.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat the Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Cook the Beef: Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef slices in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cooking the beef in batches, if necessary, ensures that it browns properly and doesn’t steam.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Heat More Oil: In the same skillet, add another 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and onion to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. The vegetables should be cooked but still retain some crunch for texture.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the Beef: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through. The sauce should thicken slightly and coat the ingredients nicely.
Step 7: Serve
Prepare the Bowls: Divide the cooked ramen noodles among serving bowls.
Add the Stir-Fry: Ladle the Mongolian beef stir-fry over the noodles.
Garnish: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. These garnishes add a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish.
Variations and Substitutions
Meat Alternatives: You can substitute the flank steak with chicken, pork, or tofu for a different protein option.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots.
Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the stir-fry sauce for some heat.
Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and hoisin sauce to reduce the salt content of the dish.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure that the hoisin sauce and ramen noodles are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen is a delightful, flavorful dish that combines the rich tastes of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and savory noodles. This recipe is appealing because of its balance of textures and flavors, the simplicity of the preparation, and its versatility. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking to impress guests, this dish is sure to be a hit.
The sweet and savory sauce perfectly complements the beef and vegetables, while the ramen noodles provide a satisfying base that ties everything together. Plus, with various customization options, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
In summary, this Mongolian Beef Stir-Fry with Ramen is a must-try recipe that brings together the best of Asian cuisine in a simple, easy-to-make dish. Gather your ingredients, follow these detailed instructions, and enjoy a delicious, homemade meal that everyone will love.