Savory Asian Beef Noodle Stir-Fry

Craving a comforting and flavorful meal that’s quick and easy to whip up on busy weeknights? Look no further than this delightful recipe for Asian Ground Beef Noodles. The savory beef sauce coats each strand of noodle perfectly, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. With just a few simple ingredients like ground beef, soy sauce, and aromatic ginger, you can have a hearty meal ready in minutes.

My secret ingredient for these Asian Ground Beef Noodles? White pepper! Its earthy and complex flavor adds an authentic touch to this dish, elevating it to a whole new level. Surprising your taste buds with each bite, this recipe has become a family favorite in my household. Versatile and adaptable, you can customize this dish with your favorite noodle type – from vermicelli to spaghetti or even udon. The key is to cook the noodles just right, ensuring they hold their texture when tossed in the hot and flavorful sauce.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and Easy: A satisfying meal that comes together in just minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: Works well with various noodle types and allows for endless adaptations with additional ingredients and sauces.
• Authentic Flavors: The use of white pepper adds a complex, earthy quality that enhances the authenticity of the dish.
• Healthy Options: Easily customizable to be low in fat by using lean ground beef and reducing oil, plus the option to add nutritious vegetables for extra texture and nutrition.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Asian Beef Noodle Stir-Fry Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in just minutes, making it a convenient option for a satisfying meal.
• Bold Asian Flavors: The savory beef sauce, enhanced by the secret ingredient of white pepper, coats every strand of noodle, creating a dish bursting with authentic Asian flavors.
• Versatile and Customizable: From noodle type to spice level, this recipe is highly adaptable to suit your preferences. Add veggies, adjust spice levels, or swap out proteins to make it your own.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Ideal for meal prep, the dish improves in flavor overnight and can be stored for up to 3 days. Freezing the sauce separately allows for quick and fresh preparation when ready to serve.
• Healthy Option: By using lean ground beef and controlling the amount of oil, this dish can be a naturally low-fat meal. Plus, the option to add various veggies increases its nutritional value.

Ingredients for Savory Asian Beef Noodle Stir-Fry

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons corn flour (corn starch)
• 2 tablespoons Chinese chili oil (optional)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 teaspoons white pepper powder, adjusted to preference
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 120 g vermicelli noodles, more or less for two servings
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons spring onion, chopped
• 250 g ground beef
• 2 tablespoons Chinese dark vinegar (optional)

How to Make Savory Asian Beef Noodle Stir-Fry

Step 1: Brown the ground beef

In a saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until slightly browned.

Step 2: Add aromatics and seasonings

Mix grated ginger and soy sauce with the beef, stir-fry briefly. Add water, white pepper powder, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, adding water as needed.

Step 3: Boil the noodles

Boil vermicelli in salted water as per package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Thicken the sauce

Combine corn flour with 1/2 cup of water, then add it to the beef mixture. Stir until the sauce thickens uniformly.

Step 5: Combine and serve

Combine the cooked noodles with the sauce, then top with spring onions. Optional: drizzle with Chinese dark vinegar and chili oil.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Asian ground beef noodles, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, it is recommended to add a splash of water to the dish as the noodles may have absorbed some of the sauce. Reheating in a skillet over medium-low heat is preferred over using the microwave to help maintain the texture of the noodles. The sauce itself can be frozen separately for up to 2 months, but it’s best to freeze only the meat sauce and prepare fresh noodles when ready to serve for optimal flavor.

For those looking to customize the dish further, different types of noodles such as spaghetti, rice noodles, or udon can be used instead of vermicelli based on personal preference. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add more Chinese chili oil or incorporate fresh chili flakes to adjust the spice level to your liking. In case you don’t have Chinese dark vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with balsamic vinegar or omit it for a lighter flavor profile. Additionally, adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or bok choy during cooking will not only enhance the texture but also provide added nutrition to the meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the Asian Ground Beef Noodles, feel free to experiment with different types of noodles to suit your preferences. Spaghetti, rice noodles, or udon can be excellent substitutes for vermicelli. Just ensure you cook them al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.

If you prefer a spicier kick to your dish, consider adding more Chinese chili oil or fresh chili flakes. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance level to enhance the heat of the dish.

In case you don’t have Chinese dark vinegar on hand, balsamic vinegar can be a suitable replacement or omit it entirely for a lighter flavor profile. Don’t hesitate to make these ingredient swaps to tailor the dish to your taste preferences or what you have available in your pantry.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of your Asian Ground Beef Noodles, consider serving them in individual bowls garnished with a sprinkle of additional chopped spring onions and a drizzle of Chinese dark vinegar for a pop of acidity. For a striking contrast of colors and flavors, top each bowl with a dollop of Chinese chili oil to add a fiery kick that will awaken your taste buds.

For a fun twist, try serving your Asian Ground Beef Noodles in lettuce cups for a refreshing and light option. Simply spoon the beef and noodle mixture into crisp lettuce leaves, garnish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for added crunch. This interactive way of enjoying the dish will not only impress your guests but also provide a delightful contrast of textures and flavors in every bite.

FAQs for Savory Asian Beef Noodle Stir-Fry

Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe?

Yes, while vermicelli provides a similar texture to Chinese hand-pulled noodles, you can use any type of noodle, such as spaghetti, rice noodles, or udon, depending on your preference.

How can I make this dish spicier?

For extra heat, add more Chinese chili oil or mix in fresh chili flakes. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Can I substitute Chinese dark vinegar with another type of vinegar?

If you don’t have Chinese dark vinegar, you can substitute it with balsamic vinegar or skip it altogether for a lighter flavor.

Can I prepare the beef sauce in advance?

Yes, you can cook the beef sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. Simply reheat and mix in freshly cooked noodles before serving.

Conclusion

Enjoy the comforting flavors and simplicity of this Asian Ground Beef Noodles recipe. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend meal, these savory noodles will surely satisfy your cravings for a delicious and quick dinner option. The versatility of this dish allows you to get creative with ingredients and adapt it to your taste preferences, making it a family favorite in no time.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different noodle varieties and spice levels to make this dish your own. From adding vibrant vegetables to trying out alternative proteins, the possibilities are endless. Embrace the flavors of Asia in your kitchen with these Asian Ground Beef Noodles, and treat yourself to a bowl of comforting goodness that’s sure to become a regular on your meal rotation.

Savory Asian Beef Noodle Stir-Fry

Satisfying Asian ground beef noodles with a savory sauce that’s quick to make, featuring a secret ingredient of white pepper for authentic flavors.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time5 Minutes

Cook Time15 Minutes

Total Time20 Minutes

CuisineChinese

Skill LevelEasy

Servings2 Servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons corn flour (corn starch)
• 2 tablespoons Chinese chili oil (optional)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 teaspoons white pepper powder, adjusted to preference
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 120 g vermicelli noodles, more or less for two servings
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons spring onion, chopped
• 250 g ground beef
• 2 tablespoons Chinese dark vinegar (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef: In a saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until slightly browned.
2. Add aromatics and seasonings: Mix grated ginger and soy sauce with the beef, stir-fry briefly. Add water, white pepper powder, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, adding water as needed.
3. Boil the noodles: Boil vermicelli in salted water as per package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Thicken the sauce: Combine corn flour with 1/2 cup of water, then add it to the beef mixture. Stir until the sauce thickens uniformly.
5. Combine and serve: Combine the cooked noodles with the sauce, then top with spring onions. Optional: drizzle with Chinese dark vinegar and chili oil.