Craving an explosion of Asian flavors without the takeout wait? Get ready to unleash a weeknight wonder with this unbelievably simple Beef and Noodles recipe.
That rich, savory sauce is the key – a delicious blend that transforms humble ingredients into an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
For the sauce, I like to whisk together 1 tbsp of Hoisin Sauce (or Oyster if you're feeling fancy), 2 tbsp of Oyster Sauce – or 1 1/2 tbsp of Hoisin if you're doubling down, plus 1 tbsp of Chinese cooking wine (Mirin, dry sherry, sake, or any rice wine works—I won't tell!). Then add 2 1/2 tbsp of dark soy sauce – it's key for that rich colour, but regular soy sauce will do, plus 2 tsp of white sugar for a touch of sweetness, 1/2 tsp of sesame oil for that nutty aroma, and 1/4 tsp of white pepper. You can also add a touch of fresh ginger for a more vibrant flavor. And now the stir fry. Grab 1 tbsp of oil—any kind you like—2 minced garlic cloves, 1 finely chopped small onion, and 500g/1 lb of lean beef mince. Don't forget 1/2 cup of sliced shallots – plus extra for garnish! And always sesame seeds for garnish!
Instructions
I always start by mixing that sauce; it is super important. Combine 1 tbsp Hoisin Sauce (or Oyster), 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce (or 1 1/2 tbsp Hoisin), 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (or Mirin), 2 1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 2 tsp white sugar, 1/2 tsp sesame oil, and 1/4 tsp white pepper in a bowl. You've got to get this right!
Next, heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over high heat – get it hot! Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 finely chopped small onion. Cook for about 1 minute, until the onion starts browning – don't burn it, though!
Add 500g/1lb of beef mince, breaking it up as you cook. This is where the magic starts!
Once the beef's all brown, add that amazing sauce you mixed earlier, then cook for 2 more minutes, until the sauce evaporates and the beef is cooked. This stir-fry method makes it surprisingly easy to put together. Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of sliced shallots. Serve over rice, garnished with shallots and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Now let's chat about these recipe notes—they're pretty important, so listen up!
First, that Chinese cooking wine—it adds a special something. But, if you don't have it, dry sherry, or cooking sake works. Can't use alcohol? No worries! Just use 1/4 cup of chicken broth. It might take about 3 minutes for the sauce to thicken, but it'll still be yummy!
Next up: soy sauce. We're talking DARK soy sauce here. It's got more flavor and makes your beef a deep brown color, but light soy sauce will work in a pinch – but, your beef won't be as pretty.
Leftovers? Score! They'll keep in the fridge for 4 days. Or, you can freeze them for up to 3 months! So easy for meal prepping, don't you think?
Nutrition Information
Okay, let's explore into the nutrition facts – because knowing what you're eating is pretty cool! I've crunched the numbers, and per serving (174g, sans rice), you're looking at roughly 302 calories, which is about 15% of your daily intake.
Now, get this: there are 9 grams of carbs(3%), 26 grams of protein(a whopping 52%!), 16 grams of fat(25%), and 5 grams of saturated fat (31%). I know — numbers galore!
Sodium clocks in at 1024 mg(45%), so it is something to keep in mind! Potassium brings 499 mg(14%), while sugar adds 4 g(4%).
Vitamins and Minerals? Vitamin A provides 125 IU(3%), Vitamin C has 4.4 mg(5%). Calcium brings 33 mg(3%), and Iron adds 3.3 mg (18%)—not too shabby right? So, go forth and enjoy your delicious Asian beef knowing exactly what you're putting into your body!
Short Recipe Version
Asian Beef and Noodles
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 8 oz Asian noodles (e.g., Yakisoba, Udon)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add beef and stir-fry until browned. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add noodles and beef back to skillet.
- Pour sauce over noodles and beef, toss to coat. Cook until sauce thickens.
- Garnish with green onions. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g