Mongolian Beef & Broccoli Noodles is a savory, satisfying dish that combines tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and flavorful noodles. This dish offers the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory flavors. Whether you are craving something delicious for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe will become a go-to for many.
Ingredients for Mongolian Beef & Broccoli Noodles
To make this mouthwatering dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz lo mein or rice noodles
Choose your preferred noodle variety, lo mein or rice noodles, to serve as the base for this stir-fry. - 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
Tender cuts of beef are best for this recipe. Flank steak or sirloin works perfectly. - 2 tbsp cornstarch
This is used to coat the beef, ensuring it stays tender and crispy when cooked. - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
This oil is used for stir-frying the beef and vegetables. - 3 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic brings a depth of flavor and aroma to the dish. - 1 tbsp ginger, minced
Ginger adds a zesty kick to the sauce and enhances the flavor profile. - 2 cups broccoli florets
Fresh broccoli gives this dish a crispy texture and a burst of color. - 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the beef. - Sesame seeds for garnish
Optional, but sesame seeds offer a crunch and add a nice presentation touch. - 1/2 cup soy sauce
The backbone of the sauce, giving it a savory, salty flavor. - 1/4 cup brown sugar
Brown sugar balances the saltiness of the soy sauce with a touch of sweetness. - 1/4 cup beef broth or water
Used to create the base for the sauce and adds moisture to the dish. - 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
This ingredient adds depth and richness, complementing the soy sauce’s savory notes. - 1/2 tsp black pepper
Black pepper brings a subtle heat to the sauce.
Directions and Preparation Method
To prepare Mongolian Beef & Broccoli Noodles, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by slicing your beef into thin strips against the grain. This ensures the beef remains tender when cooked. Toss the sliced beef in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, making sure each piece is coated. Let the beef sit for about 5 minutes so the cornstarch can adhere properly.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Boil a pot of water, and cook your lo mein or rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them well and set them aside. It’s important to have your noodles ready before you start stir-frying the beef and vegetables.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
In a large frying pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned. You want the beef to be crispy on the outside but tender on the inside. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they become tender but still crisp. The heat from the pan should bring out the natural sweetness of the broccoli.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth (or water), hoisin sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional for added heat). Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the broccoli. Stir to coat the broccoli evenly and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked beef to the pan. Add the cooked noodles, tossing everything together to coat the noodles, beef, and broccoli in the savory sauce. Stir well to ensure that the noodles are evenly coated and the beef is properly incorporated into the dish.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, remove from heat. Garnish the dish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a pop of color and added crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
FAQs
- Can I use chicken or pork instead of beef?Yes, you can substitute the beef with chicken or pork. Simply slice the chicken breasts or pork loin thinly, and follow the same instructions for stir-frying.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian?Absolutely! You can replace the beef with tofu or extra vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version. Be sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the beef, noodles, and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate them separately. When you’re ready to eat, simply stir-fry the broccoli, reheat the beef and noodles, and combine them.
- What can I serve this with?This dish is already a complete meal, but you can pair it with a side of crispy egg rolls or a simple cucumber salad for an added crunch.
- How can I make the sauce spicier?If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the sauce. You can also use fresh sliced chilies for an extra kick.
Conclusion
Mongolian Beef & Broccoli Noodles is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The beef is tender and crispy, the broccoli is fresh and vibrant, and the noodles are perfectly coated in the delicious sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to please your family and guests alike.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe proves that a homemade stir-fry can be just as satisfying as takeout. So, grab your wok, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this delectable dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds!