Gluten-Free Mongolian Beef Noodle Bowls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the bold, comforting flavors of Mongolian beef while keeping it gluten-free and noodle-based. The combination of tender beef, a rich tamari-brown sugar sauce, and fresh vegetables offers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

8 oz gluten-free rice noodles
1/2 cup gluten-free reduced-sodium Tamari (or soy sauce if not gluten-free)
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
2 Tablespoons grapeseed or vegetable oil, divided
1 lb flank steak, sliced very thin against the grain
salt and pepper
5 green onions (green parts chopped into 2″ pieces; white and light green parts chopped into 1/2″ pieces)
3 cups coleslaw mix
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (from about a 1″ piece of ginger)
3 garlic cloves, minced

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the gluten-free rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together tamari, brown sugar, water, and red chili flakes to make the sauce. Set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the flank steak slices with salt and pepper.
4. Add the steak to the skillet in a single layer and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove steak and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Sauté the white and light green parts of the green onions, garlic, and grated ginger for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Add the coleslaw mix and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
7. Return the steak to the skillet, pour in the sauce, and toss everything together. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the beef is cooked through.
8. Remove from heat and gently toss in the cooked rice noodles and the green parts of the green onions.
9. Serve immediately, dividing into bowls.

Servings and Timing

Serves 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: Approximately 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetables: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and color.
• Protein: Substitute flank steak with thinly sliced chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Spice: Increase chili flakes or add fresh sliced chilies for more heat.
• Noodles: Swap rice noodles with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a low-carb option.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or tamari can help loosen the sauce while reheating.

FAQs

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of tamari?

Yes, but the dish will not be gluten-free if using regular soy sauce.

How do I slice flank steak thinly?

Partially freeze the steak for 20-30 minutes to firm it up, then slice against the grain with a sharp knife.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and slice ingredients ahead, but cook steak and combine noodles just before serving for best texture.

What can I substitute for coleslaw mix?

Use shredded cabbage, carrots, or a combination of your favorite crunchy veggies.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild heat that can be adjusted by varying the chili flakes.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, use tofu instead of beef and a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

Rinse cooked noodles with cold water and toss with a little oil before adding to the dish.

Can I double this recipe for meal prep?

Yes, it stores well and is great for making multiple servings ahead.

What side dishes go well with this meal?

A light cucumber salad or steamed broccoli pairs nicely.

How do I keep the beef tender?

Sear quickly over high heat and slice thinly against the grain for the most tender results.

Conclusion

Gluten-Free Mongolian Beef Noodle Bowls deliver a delicious, balanced meal that’s both satisfying and packed with bold Asian-inspired flavors. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and silky noodles all coated in a flavorful sauce, it’s sure to become a regular favorite.

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