Tsuivan is a beloved Mongolian noodle stir-fry featuring fresh hand-rolled wheat noodles tossed with tender lamb, cabbage, carrots, and onions in a savory soy-based seasoning. The dish is a staple of everyday Mongolian home cooking, especially during the cold steppe winters, where every drop of flavor matters. The noodles soak up the meat juices for a deeply satisfying, one-pan meal.
Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings4
Yield4 servings
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 585 kcalCalories
- 22 gFat
- 7 gSaturated Fat
- 68 gCarbs
- 6 gFiber
- 7 gSugar
- 28 gProtein
- 980 mgSodium
- 620 mgPotassium
- 85 mgCalcium
- 4.5 mgIron
- 52 mgVitamin C
- 5100 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the fresh noodles
- 2 cups (260 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil for kneading
For the stir-fry
- 12 oz (340 g) boneless lamb shoulder, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, julienned
- 3 cups (240 g) shredded green cabbage
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt, to taste
- 2 scallions, sliced, for garnish
Directions
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Make a well in the center, add eggs and water, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little oil to keep the dough from sticking, cover, and rest for 20 minutes.
- Roll and cut the noodles: Divide dough into 2 pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a thin sheet about 1/8 inch thick. Lightly dust with flour, fold into a loose roll, and slice into 1/4-inch wide strips. Unfold and toss with flour to prevent sticking.
- Boil the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still chewy. Drain, rinse briefly under cold water, toss with 1 tsp vegetable oil, and set aside.
- Brown the lamb: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large wok or deep skillet over high heat. Add the lamb slices in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the wok. Stir-fry onion for 1 minute, then add carrots, cabbage, and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes over high heat until vegetables are just tender but still crisp. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
- Combine and season: Return the lamb to the wok along with the drained noodles. Pour in soy sauce and dark soy sauce, sprinkle with pepper and salt, then toss everything together vigorously for 2-3 minutes until noodles are heated through and lightly coated.
- Rest and finish: Remove from heat, cover the pan, and let rest 2 minutes so the noodles absorb the flavors. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with scallions, and serve hot with chili sauce or a sprinkle of extra pepper.
Cook’s Notes
- Traditional tsuivan uses mutton; beef or even thinly sliced pork can substitute if lamb is unavailable.
- For extra authentic flavor, render a little lamb tail fat in the wok before stir-frying the vegetables.
- The noodles should be slightly undercooked during boiling since they finish cooking when tossed with the hot meat and vegetables.
- Add a splash of water when combining if the noodles stick; the steam helps them absorb seasoning evenly.
- Serve with Mongolian milk tea (suutei tsai) or a simple cucumber salad with vinegar for a balanced meal.










