I’m so excited to share this Skinny Mongolian Beef Noodles Recipe with you because it’s the perfect balance of flavorful and guilt-free! When I first tried this dish, I was blown away by how tender the flank steak gets and how the sauce brings everything together without being overly heavy. It’s got all the satisfying umami you’d expect from Mongolian beef, but with a light twist that won’t leave you feeling weighed down.
You’ll find that this Skinny Mongolian Beef Noodles Recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners when time is tight but you still want a meal that feels special. The soba noodles soak up that delicious sauce beautifully, and adding colorful veggies like bell peppers and broccoli gives it a fresh crunch. Trust me, my family goes crazy for this dish, and I think you’ll love how simple yet impressive it is too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy but Delicious: It captures the rich flavors of traditional Mongolian beef without piling on the calories.
- Quick & Easy: With just about 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family Friendly: The tender steak and colorful veggies make it appealing to both kids and adults.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup thanks to cooking everything in one skillet or stir-fry pan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together perfectly to balance hearty beef, crisp veggies, and flavorful noodles. When you pick your flank steak, make sure it’s sliced thinly across the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Canola oil: Great for high-heat cooking without overpowering other flavors.
- Flank steak: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender results.
- Sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that’s essential in Asian-inspired dishes.
- Red onion: Brings a mild sweetness and crunch to the stir-fry.
- Orange bell pepper: Offers vibrant color and a subtle fruity taste.
- Broccoli florets: Provide texture and a healthy dose of greens.
- Minced garlic: For that savory kick that livens up the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes: Just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting.
- Brown sugar: Balances the salty and spicy notes with a touch of sweetness.
- Soy sauce: The salty backbone that ties the whole dish together.
- Water: Helps create a simmering sauce that coats everything well.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to brighten up the flavors.
- Stir-fry soba noodles: Makes this a complete meal with a lovely chewy texture.
Variations
I love customizing this Skinny Mongolian Beef Noodles Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to add or swap veggies and adjust the spice level to make it your own!
- Make it spicier: I sometimes add a dash of sriracha or increase the red pepper flakes; my family enjoys the extra heat, but you can tone it down for little ones.
- Vegetarian twist: Swap the flank steak with sliced mushrooms or tofu—both soak up the sauce beautifully in my experience.
- Different noodles: If soba isn’t your favorite, try rice noodles or even whole wheat spaghetti for a fun texture change.
- Extra veggies: Adding snap peas or shredded carrots can give it more crunch and color. I do this when I want a veggie boost.
How to Make Skinny Mongolian Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Steak Just Right
Start by heating canola oil in a large skillet or stir-fry pan over medium-high heat. Season your thinly sliced flank steak with salt and pepper, then cook it for about 5-6 minutes until you see a nice brown crust forming. Don’t overcrowd the pan—this helps the steak brown rather than steam. Once browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside; you’ll finish cooking it later.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Veggies for That Perfect Bite
Next, add sesame oil to your pan, then toss in the diced red onion, orange bell pepper, and broccoli florets. Stir-fry these for around 5 minutes until the veggies are bright and just tender, but still have a bit of crunch. This texture contrast is what makes this dish so enjoyable to eat. Keep stirring to prevent burning—using a large pan helps.
Step 3: Bring the Sauce to Life
Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, soy sauce, water, and rice vinegar to the pan with your veggies. Stir everything well and let it cook for 3-4 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly. You’ll notice the kitchen instantly smells amazing—this is the magic moment where the dish really comes alive.
Step 4: Combine Steak & Noodles for the Finish
Return the browned flank steak to the pan and add the stir-fry soba noodles right on top. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to make sure the noodles are coated evenly and the steak heats through. Let it cook together for about 5 minutes. You want the sauce to cling to each strand of noodle and every bite of beef.
Finally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving—I promise this little garnish adds an irresistible nutty crunch!
Pro Tips for Making Skinny Mongolian Beef Noodles Recipe
- Slice Steak Across the Grain: I learned this trick after initial attempts with tough beef—slicing across the grain keeps it tender and easier to chew.
- Use High Heat: Cooking the steak and veggies on medium-high heat ensures they sear properly without becoming soggy.
- Don’t Overcrowd Your Pan: Give ingredients room to cook evenly; if your pan is small, do the beef in batches.
- Mix Ingredients Gently: Stir noodles with the beef carefully to avoid breaking the strands and keep that delightful texture.
How to Serve Skinny Mongolian Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Aside from sesame seeds, I often like to add chopped green onions or fresh cilantro to brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise. A squeeze of fresh lime on top can also add a refreshing zing, which balances the sweet and savory sauce nicely.
Side Dishes
I usually serve this Skinny Mongolian Beef Noodles Recipe alongside simple steamed dumplings or a crisp Asian slaw. A bowl of miso soup on the side makes the meal feel more complete and comforting during cooler evenings.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to plate the noodles in a shallow bowl topped with a perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Using bamboo steamers as serving bowls or adding edible flowers elevates the presentation and surprises guests with a restaurant-style finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers of Skinny Mongolian Beef Noodles Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the noodles from sticking together, I drizzle a tiny bit of sesame oil before sealing the container.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t my favorite for this dish because the noodles can get mushy, but if you need to freeze it, keep beef and sauce separate from the noodles in freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve the texture the best you can.
Reheating
I recommend reheating leftovers on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally so the sauce doesn’t stick or burn. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce and refresh the noodles. Microwave works in a pinch, but the stovetop method keeps the best texture.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cut of beef in this Skinny Mongolian Beef Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak works great because it’s lean and cooks quickly, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin. Just remember to slice thinly across the grain to keep the meat tender. Adjust cooking time accordingly if your slices are thicker.
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Are soba noodles the only noodle option for this recipe?
Nope! If soba noodles aren’t available or you prefer a different texture, feel free to swap in rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti. Keep cooking times in mind since different noodles have their own cooking requirements.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as-is, since soy sauce and soba noodles typically contain gluten. But you can make it gluten-free by switching to tamari sauce and gluten-free noodles. Double check all labels to be sure!
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How spicy is this Skinny Mongolian Beef Noodles Recipe?
It’s mildly spicy, thanks to the red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat level. Omit them for a kid-friendly version or add more for a fiery kick.
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t say enough good things about this Skinny Mongolian Beef Noodles Recipe—it’s quick, healthy, and insanely satisfying. Whenever I need a comforting meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this recipe has my back. Give it a try, play around with the ingredients, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your rotation just like it has in mine!
PrintSkinny Mongolian Beef Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Skinny Mongolian Beef Noodles recipe offers a deliciously healthy take on the classic Mongolian beef dish, combining tender flank steak, fresh vegetables, and flavorful stir-fry soba noodles tossed in a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that’s both low in calories and packed with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Beef and Oils
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced across the grain
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Vegetables
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
Noodles and Garnish
- 1 pouch stir-fry soba noodles
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Cook Steak: Add canola oil to a large skillet or stir-fry pan over medium-high heat. Season the sliced flank steak with salt and pepper, then cook in the hot oil for about 5-6 minutes until browned. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add sesame oil followed by diced red onion, sliced orange bell pepper, and broccoli florets. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften but remain crisp.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, soy sauce, water, and rice vinegar. Cook the mixture for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to start thickening and flavors to meld.
- Combine Steak and Noodles: Return the cooked flank steak to the pan. Add the pouch of stir-fry soba noodles, stirring well to fully combine all ingredients. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, ensuring the noodles absorb the sauce and everything is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor before serving hot.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure soba noodles are 100% buckwheat or use rice noodles.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Slice flank steak thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
- Feel free to substitute vegetables with any stir-fry friendly options such as snap peas or carrots.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg