Asian Spiced Beef Noodles

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Description
Asian Spiced Beef Noodles is a rich, savory dish featuring stir-fried beef seasoned with a combination of aromatic spices like ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, and served over tender noodles. The flavors are bold and complex, with a perfect mix of sweetness, saltiness, and heat. It’s an easy and delicious weeknight dinner or a fun dish for family gatherings.

Origin
This dish is inspired by the many flavorful stir-fry noodle dishes from various Asian cuisines, particularly Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese cooking. The blend of spices, soy sauce, and the use of beef as the protein are common in many street food dishes across Asia.

Ingredients with Quantities

For the Beef and Noodles:

  • 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 8 oz rice noodles (or egg noodles, if preferred)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned or sliced into thin rounds
  • 2-3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for added umami)
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1-2 tsp chili paste or sriracha (adjust based on heat preference)
  • 1 tsp sugar (or honey for sweetness)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening sauce)

For Garnish:

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Chopped green onions
  • Crushed peanuts or cashews (optional)
  • Sesame seeds
  • Lime wedges

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 small zucchini, sliced
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tsp five-spice powder (for an added depth of flavor)
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce (for additional savory flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the noodles:
    Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the beef:
    In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well. Toss the thinly sliced beef in the marinade and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  3. Stir-fry the vegetables:
    In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the onion begins to soften.
    Add the red bell pepper, carrot, and any optional vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  4. Cook the beef:
    Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the marinated beef to the other side. Stir-fry the beef for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Once the beef is cooked, combine it with the vegetables in the pan.
  5. Combine the sauce and noodles:
    Stir in the cornstarch mixture (cornstarch mixed with water) to the beef and vegetable mixture. Add the cooked noodles and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated in the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the noodles are heated through.
  6. Garnish and serve:
    Remove from heat and transfer the noodles to serving plates. Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, crushed peanuts or cashews, and sesame seeds. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a burst of freshness.

Tips for Success

  • Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure it remains tender.
  • Feel free to add more vegetables like baby corn, bok choy, or snap peas to boost the nutrition and add extra crunch.
  • Adjust the heat level by using more or less chili paste, or substitute with red pepper flakes if preferred.
  • If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can increase the amount of hoisin sauce or add a little more sugar.
  • To add depth to the flavor, you can add a splash of fish sauce or soy sauce at the end.

Recommendations
Serve these noodles with a side of crispy spring rolls or dumplings for a full Asian-inspired meal. Pair it with a refreshing iced tea or a light cucumber salad for a well-rounded dinner. For extra protein, consider adding some scrambled eggs or tofu to the dish.

Nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings, approximate)
Calories: 420
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 900mg

Asian Spiced Beef Noodles is an exciting, flavorful dish that combines tender beef with a tangy, spicy sauce and crisp vegetables, all served over noodles. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its bold, balanced flavors. Enjoy!

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