If you are craving a meal that brings together bold Asian-inspired flavors with a nourishing, protein-packed punch, then this High Protein Mongolian Noodles Recipe is exactly what your taste buds need. Combining hearty noodles with lean ground meat, vibrant edamame, and a perfectly balanced sauce, this dish delivers satisfying comfort and nutrition in one bowl. It’s quick to make, easy to love, and once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever went without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays an essential role in creating that unforgettable harmony of taste, texture, and color. These simple staples come together to make a wholesome, mouthwatering dish you can whip up any day of the week.
- 8 oz whole wheat or high-protein noodles: Opt for chickpea or lentil-based noodles to up the protein content and add a slight nuttiness.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: Adds a toasty, aromatic base ideal for stir-frying.
- 1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey: Your main protein source, providing rich flavor and a satisfying bite.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings sharpness and depth that livens up the dish.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated: Adds freshness and a subtle zing.
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce: A salty, umami backbone that ties the flavors together.
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce: Adds sweetness and complexity for that signature Mongolian flair.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey: Balances the savory sauce with gentle sweetness.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Offers a mild acidity to brighten the sauce.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat if you like a little kick.
- 1 cup shelled edamame: A vibrant pop of green packed with extra protein and texture.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Fresh garnish that adds mild onion flavor and color contrast.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water: Helps thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- Sesame seeds: A finishing touch that adds crunch and nuttiness.
How to Make High Protein Mongolian Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the noodles
Begin by preparing the noodles according to the package instructions so they’re tender yet firm. Whole wheat or high-protein chickpea or lentil noodles are perfect here—they hold up well and provide that extra nutrient boost. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and set aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Brown the meat
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your lean ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Sauté the meat until fully browned and fragrant, creating the base for your savory sauce.
Step 3: Introduce the aromatics
Add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger to the skillet, stirring constantly for about 1 to 2 minutes. This step infuses the meat with wonderful fragrance and builds layers of flavor that are essential in the High Protein Mongolian Noodles Recipe.
Step 4: Mix the sauce
While the meat is cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar (or honey), rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This blend of salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes is what makes this recipe sing.
Step 5: Combine sauce and edamame
Pour the sauce mixture over the browned meat, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Toss in the shelled edamame, letting it cook in the sauce for about 2 to 3 minutes, which warms the edamame and adds a fresh textural contrast.
Step 6: Thicken the sauce
If your sauce feels a little thin, whisk together the cornstarch and water, then stir this slurry into the skillet. Cook for another minute until the sauce has thickened to a luscious, glossy coating for your noodles and protein.
Step 7: Add the noodles
Finally, add the cooked noodles directly into the skillet and toss everything together until every strand is generously coated with the rich, flavorful sauce. This step ensures each bite bursts with the perfect balance of texture and taste.
Step 8: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for a pop of color and extra crunch. This finishing touch not only looks inviting but elevates the flavors beautifully.
How to Serve High Protein Mongolian Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness is key, so don’t skip the green onions and sesame seeds. You can also add a light drizzle of toasted sesame oil or a squeeze of lime for a bright twist. These little extras add a visual and flavor boost, making every bowl feel special.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider steamed broccoli or a crunchy Asian slaw. Pickled vegetables or a cucumber salad also offer a refreshing counterpoint to the rich noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or family meal, serve it in individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or chopped peanuts for extra texture. You could even present it over a bed of greens for a noodle salad variation that’s equally delicious and protein-packed.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover High Protein Mongolian Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop even more after resting, making it just as tasty the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in bulk, freeze the noodles and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy and preserves the quality of the sauce.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the noodles and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. Stir frequently until heated through so you don’t dry out the meat or noodles.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef or turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or even plant-based crumbles work well. Tofu or tempeh can be great vegetarian swaps to keep this dish high in protein but suited to your preferences.
Is it necessary to use hoisin sauce?
Hoisin sauce provides a unique sweet-savory flavor central to Mongolian-style dishes, but if you don’t have it, a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of molasses or plum sauce can be a good substitute.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by choosing gluten-free noodles like lentil or chickpea-based varieties and ensuring your soy sauce is gluten-free, you can enjoy this meal without worry.
How spicy is this recipe?
The red pepper flakes add just a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount to your liking or omit them entirely for a kid-friendly version.
What if I don’t have cornstarch for thickening?
You can use arrowroot powder or omit the thickening step; just simmer the sauce a bit longer to concentrate the flavors instead.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this High Protein Mongolian Noodles Recipe is like opening a door to a quick, nourishing meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for health. It’s the kind of recipe I love sharing because it’s flexible, satisfying, and always delivers that perfect harmony of taste and texture. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved favorite in your dinner rotation as well.
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High Protein Mongolian Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This High Protein Mongolian Noodles recipe offers a quick and flavorful meal packed with lean protein and nutrient-rich ingredients. Combining whole wheat or legume-based noodles with ground beef or turkey, savory soy-hoisin sauce, and vibrant aromatics, this stir-fry delivers satisfying taste and texture in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat or high-protein noodles (such as chickpea or lentil-based)
- 1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup shelled edamame
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside for later use.
- Brown the Meat: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned and no longer pink.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and aromatic.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar (or honey), rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine Sauce and Meat: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the browned meat. Stir well to coat the meat evenly, then add the shelled edamame and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat through.
- Thicken Sauce: Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this into the skillet and cook briefly until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the ingredients well.
- Toss Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together to combine thoroughly and warm the noodles through.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the finished dish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce.
- Make sure to not overcook the noodles during the initial boiling since they will cook slightly when tossed in the skillet.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch slurry slightly.
- Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the salt content in the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
