If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with flavor, satisfying texture, and a nutritious boost, you’re going to love this High Protein Mongolian Noodles Recipe. Combining hearty noodles made from chickpeas or lentils with lean ground meat and a savory, slightly sweet sauce, this meal delivers all the comfort and excitement of classic Mongolian flavors with an added punch of protein. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick, wholesome, and totally crave-worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but every ingredient plays an important role in building those bold flavors and satisfying textures you’re after. From the nutty sesame oil to the fresh zing of ginger, each component works together to create a perfectly balanced dish.
- 8 oz whole wheat or high-protein noodles (like chickpea or lentil-based): These noodles bring extra protein and fiber, making the dish filling and nutritious.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: Adds a deep, toasty aroma that’s signature in Asian cooking.
- 1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey: A lean protein source that absorbs flavors beautifully while keeping the meal hearty.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides an aromatic base and sharp, savory punch.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated: Delivers warmth and a bit of a spicy edge that brightens the dish.
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Brings savory, umami depths without overpowering the other flavors.
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce: Adds sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey: Balances the savory with a hint of caramelized sweetness.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Lifts the flavor with a subtle tang and acidity.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Adds gentle heat, adjustable to your spice preference.
- 1 cup shelled edamame: Bursts of bright green color and extra protein throughout.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Freshness and a mild onion crunch to finish.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening): Helps achieve a luscious, glossy sauce that clings to every noodle.
- Sesame seeds, for garnish: Adds nuttiness and a delightful finishing touch.
How to Make High Protein Mongolian Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Noodles
Begin by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Using high-protein noodles makes this dish especially hearty. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and set aside to keep their perfect texture for later tossing with the sauce and meat mixture.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add your choice of lean ground beef or turkey, breaking it up as it cooks. Browning the meat thoroughly builds a rich, savory base for the sauce and infuses irresistible umami flavor to the noodles.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. These aromatics cook quickly and release fragrant oils that elevate the entire dish. Let them sauté for one to two minutes until you can smell their lovely blend — this is where your kitchen starts smelling like a favorite Asian street food stall.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar or honey, rice vinegar, and optional red pepper flakes. This sauce balances sweet, tangy, savory, and spicy elements that bring your High Protein Mongolian Noodles Recipe alive with complexity.
Step 5: Combine Meat and Sauce
Pour the sauce into the skillet with the cooked meat and stir thoroughly so every bit of ground beef or turkey is coated evenly. The meat soaks up the flavors, creating a juicy, silky mixture you’ll want to savor.
Step 6: Add Edamame and Thicken the Sauce
Toss in the shelled edamame, allowing them to warm through for two to three minutes. Next, stir together the cornstarch and water until smooth, then pour it into the skillet. This simple trick helps thicken the sauce just enough to cling beautifully to the noodles and meat without becoming gummy.
Step 7: Combine Noodles and Sauce
Add the drained noodles back into the skillet. Using tongs or a large spoon, toss everything gently but thoroughly so the noodles soak up the delicious sauce and mingle evenly with the meat and edamame. This is where the magic happens — the noodles should glisten and be fully coated with flavor.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish your High Protein Mongolian Noodles Recipe by sprinkling sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. These simple garnishes bring freshness, crunch, and a final nutty punch that make every bite exciting.
How to Serve High Protein Mongolian Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds add visual appeal and a pleasing crunch. For an extra pop, consider adding thinly sliced red chili or a drizzle of chili oil if you like heat. These final touches elevate the dish from everyday to a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair your noodles with a light, crisp side like steamed bok choy, a refreshing cucumber salad, or quick-pickled vegetables. The contrast in textures and cooler flavors will complement the rich, savory sauce perfectly. Plus, adding greens or pickles balances the meal with more nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the noodles in individual bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg for extra protein and creaminess. Or offer a build-your-own bowl experience with extra toppings like shredded carrots, snap peas, or crushed peanuts to engage guests and personalize each plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover High Protein Mongolian Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors tend to develop even more after resting, making your next meal just as tasty as the first.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze only the meat and sauce mixture separately from the noodles to keep texture intact. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before tossing with fresh-cooked noodles for optimal texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to keep noodles from clumping and to revive the sauce’s glaze. A splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much during storage. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make noodles gummy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground beef and turkey are common choices, but you can also try ground chicken or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly spin. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Are the noodles gluten-free?
If you opt for chickpea or lentil-based noodles, they are typically gluten-free, making this dish suitable for many dietary needs. Always check the package to be sure.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is mild by default due to the optional red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more flakes or including some chili oil or fresh chilies when serving.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace the ground meat with firm tofu or tempeh, and swap hoisin sauce for a vegan-friendly version if needed. Edamame adds extra protein, so the dish remains satisfying and nourishing.
What’s the best way to store leftover noodles?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Toss them with a splash of water before reheating to maintain noodle softness and prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t yet experienced the delight of this High Protein Mongolian Noodles Recipe, now is the perfect time to dive in. It’s a wonderful marriage of nutrition and flavor that’s easy enough for a weekday meal but delicious enough to impress anyone. Give it a try — your taste buds and your body will thank you!
Print
High Protein Mongolian Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A flavorful and high-protein take on classic Mongolian noodles using whole wheat or legume-based noodles, lean ground beef or turkey, and a savory soy-hoisin sauce. This quick and satisfying stir-fry comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 oz whole wheat or high-protein noodles (like chickpea or lentil-based)
Protein and Sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 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)
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 cup shelled edamame
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Thickener
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown the Meat: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 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 over the browned meat. Stir well to evenly coat the meat.
- Add Edamame: Stir in the shelled edamame and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and tender.
- Thicken Sauce: In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour this into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the ingredients nicely.
- Toss with Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together thoroughly to combine and warm the noodles in the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top before serving to add freshness and a nutty crunch.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or legume-based noodles for an extra protein and fiber boost.
- Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to beef if preferred.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Ensure low-sodium soy sauce to keep sodium levels moderate.
- For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free soy sauce and noodles.
- Prep all ingredients before starting to make cooking seamless.
