If you’re looking for a delicious, high-protein meal that satisfies your cravings while keeping calories in check, this High Protein Mongolian Beef Noodles recipe is the perfect choice. With tender beef, flavorful noodles, and a savory sauce, this dish rivals takeout but with fewer than 500 calories per serving. Plus, it’s packed with protein and easy to make at home.
Why Choose High Protein Mongolian Beef Noodles?
Mongolian beef noodles are a fusion of tender beef strips coated in a rich, umami-packed sauce, served with perfectly cooked noodles. This high-protein version not only satisfies your taste buds but also supports your fitness goals. The beef provides an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair, while the noodles supply energy-boosting carbs. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish incredibly satisfying.
High Protein Mongolian Beef Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you’ll need simple pantry staples along with fresh ingredients that are easy to find:
For the Beef Marinade:
- 300g lean beef, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
For the Stir-fry:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)
- 200g cooked noodles (any variety, like rice noodles or soba)
- Chili flakes and sesame seeds for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef
Start by thinly slicing the beef. In a large bowl, combine light soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, baking soda, olive oil, and cornstarch. Mix the beef into the marinade, ensuring each strip is coated evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. The baking soda helps tenderize the beef, giving it that restaurant-quality softness.
2. Cook the Beef
Heat a non-stick skillet over high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the marinated beef strips, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the beef for about 3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. The high heat will create a nice sear on the outside while keeping the beef tender inside. Once cooked, set the beef aside on a plate.
3. Prepare the Stir-fry Base
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, and toss in the minced garlic, chopped green onions, and sliced red onion. Stir-fry on medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the onions are slightly caramelized.
4. Make the Sauce
Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and water to the skillet, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Allow the sauce to thicken for about 2 minutes. The result should be a rich, glossy sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
5. Combine the Ingredients
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked beef back into the skillet, along with the cooked noodles. Toss everything together, ensuring that the noodles and beef are evenly coated with the sauce. This is the step where all the flavors meld together, creating a perfect harmony of savory goodness.
6. Garnish and Serve
To finish, garnish with chili flakes for a bit of heat and sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. Divide the dish into four equal servings, making it an ideal meal for prepping or serving family-style.
Nutritional Benefits of High Protein Mongolian Beef Noodles
This dish is more than just delicious; it’s packed with nutrients that support a balanced diet. Here’s why it’s a great choice:
- High Protein Content: The lean beef provides a high amount of protein, which is crucial for muscle recovery and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
- Low in Calories: Each serving contains less than 500 calories, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy a satisfying meal while managing their calorie intake.
- Rich in Flavor, Low in Fat: By using lean cuts of beef and olive oil, this dish retains its rich flavors without being too heavy or greasy.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is ideal for preparing in bulk. You can cook a large batch, portion it out, and enjoy throughout the week.
Tips for Customizing Your High Protein Mongolian Beef Noodles
- Add More Vegetables: For extra fiber and nutrients, consider adding veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots. Simply stir-fry them along with the onions for added texture and flavor.
- Swap the Noodles: If you’re looking to lower the carb content, you can swap out regular noodles for zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or even cauliflower rice.
- Make it Spicy: If you love spice, feel free to increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of sriracha sauce to the marinade for an extra kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles to make this dish suitable for those with gluten intolerances.
How to Store and Reheat
If you’re meal-prepping, store the cooked High Protein Mongolian Beef Noodles in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for up to four days. To reheat, simply microwave for 2-3 minutes or stir-fry in a skillet with a splash of water to keep the noodles from drying out.
This High Protein Mongolian Beef Noodles recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a healthy, delicious, and protein-packed meal. Not only is it flavorful and easy to make, but it also fits perfectly into a balanced diet, offering a satisfying meal with less than 500 calories per serving. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish will become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and enjoy the irresistible combination of tender beef and savory noodles!
