Mongolian Beef Noodles: High-Protein Comfort Food You Can Enjoy on a Weight Loss Journey
4-5 Day Meal Prep
Who says you can’t enjoy indulgent dishes like Mongolian Beef Noodles while staying on track with your health goals? This recipe is proof that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or satisfaction to eat healthy. Packed with protein, bold flavors, and hearty noodles, this meal feels like a restaurant treat—but it’s easy on both calories and your wallet.
Nutritional Information:
• 4 servings: 521 calories, 49g protein
• 5 servings: 416 calories, 39g protein
Ingredients (Makes 4-5 servings)
For the meat:
• 1.75 lbs lean steak (choose your preferred cut)
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
For the sauce:
• 4 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tbsp oyster sauce
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 5 tbsp green onion, chopped
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water (to make a slurry)
Other ingredients:
• 8 oz Barilla Protein Spaghetti
• Olive oil cooking spray
Optional toppings:
• Green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Chili flakes
1. Prepare the Steak
• Thinly slice the steak and season with black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and low-sodium soy sauce. Mix well to coat the steak evenly.
2. Cook the Steak
• Spray a large skillet with olive oil cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add the seasoned steak and cook thoroughly until browned. Set aside.
3. Cook the Pasta
• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the protein spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce
• In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, red onion, and green onion. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, and 1/2 cup of water. Let the sauce simmer gently.
• While whisking, slowly add the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water) to thicken the sauce. Allow the sauce to bubble and thicken.
5. Combine Everything
• Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked steak and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles and beef are evenly coated in the sauce.
6. Portion Out
• Divide the Mongolian Beef Noodles into 4-5 portions, depending on your preferred serving size, and store in meal prep containers.
Meal Prep Safety Tips
• Cool Before Storing: Allow the food to cool slightly before sealing the containers to avoid condensation, which can lead to bacterial growth.
• Refrigerate Promptly: Store the meal prep containers in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking.
• Consume Within 4-5 Days: For maximum freshness and safety, enjoy your meals within this time frame.
• Reheat Thoroughly: Heat each portion until it’s steaming hot before eating.
Additional Notes
• Steak Substitutes: If you prefer, you can swap the steak for chicken or even tofu for a different protein option.
• Add Veggies: For an extra nutritional boost, toss in some steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers when combining the noodles and beef.
• Toppings: Don’t skip the optional toppings like sesame seeds, green onions, or chili flakes—they add extra flavor and texture!
• Customize the Spice: Adjust the level of heat by adding chili flakes to the sauce if you like your meals spicy.
This Mongolian Beef Noodles recipe is a flavorful, satisfying option that makes eating healthy feel like anything but a sacrifice. Try it for yourself, and let me know how it turns out!