Spicy Garlic Noodles with Beef

$- 8 oz. noodles (egg or rice noodles) - 1 lb. beef sirloin, thinly sliced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust for spice level) - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 cup snap peas - 3 green onions, chopped - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. The noodles form the base, while the beef adds protein. Garlic brings a rich aroma and flavor. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili garlic sauce create a savory and spicy blend. For the vegetables, the red bell pepper gives sweetness, and snap peas add crunch. Green onions and cilantro make great garnishes, adding freshness. Don’t forget the oils! Sesame oil adds a unique taste. Vegetable oil helps cook the beef properly. Each ingredient adds to the overall balance and taste of the dish. Enjoy the process of prepping these ingredients; it's part of the fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 2. Add 8 oz. of noodles and cook according to package instructions. 3. Drain the noodles and set them aside. 4. Toss the noodles with 2 tablespoons of sesame oil to keep them from sticking. 1. In a bowl, combine 1 lb. of thinly sliced beef with: - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - Salt and pepper to taste 2. Mix well and let the beef marinate for 10-15 minutes. 1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. 2. Add the marinated beef to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring often until browned. 3. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside. 4. In the same skillet, add more sesame oil and 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. 5. Toss in 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper and 1 cup of snap peas. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the veggies are tender but crisp. 6. Return the beef to the skillet, add the noodles, and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of chili garlic sauce. 7. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through. 8. Serve hot, garnished with 3 chopped green onions and fresh cilantro if desired. To adjust spice levels, use chili garlic sauce wisely. Start with one tablespoon. Taste the dish as you go. If you want more heat, add a bit more sauce. For those who like milder flavors, skip the chili garlic sauce altogether. Prevent noodles from sticking by tossing them with sesame oil right after cooking. This oil adds flavor and keeps the noodles loose. You can also rinse the noodles under cold water. This helps stop the cooking process and keeps them from clumping. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a dash of lime juice or a sprinkle of sugar. Lime gives a fresh taste, while sugar balances the spice. You can also try adding crushed red pepper flakes for more heat. Best oils for stir-frying include sesame oil and vegetable oil. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor, while vegetable oil has a high smoke point. This means it cooks well at high heat without burning. An ideal skillet for stir-frying is a large non-stick pan or wok. A non-stick surface helps prevent food from sticking and makes clean-up easy. For tender beef, slice it thinly against the grain. This makes each bite easier to chew. Cook the beef quickly over high heat to keep it juicy. Stir-fry for just a few minutes, then remove it from the pan. This keeps the beef tender and flavorful. Pro Tips Use High Heat: Cooking the beef over high heat helps to sear it quickly, locking in the juices and enhancing the flavor. Don’t Overcook the Veggies: Keep the bell peppers and snap peas crisp by stir-frying them just until tender. This preserves their nutrients and adds a nice crunch. Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce according to your spice preference. Start with less and add more if needed. Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Garnishing with fresh cilantro not only adds color but also enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. {{image_2}} If you want to switch things up, try different proteins. Chicken is a great option. Tofu works well too if you prefer plant-based meals. You can also add more vegetables. Broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers can bring fresh crunch. For those who need gluten-free meals, use rice noodles instead of egg noodles. Check the sauces as well; many brands offer gluten-free versions. If you want a vegan dish, swap beef for tempeh or mushrooms. You can replace oyster sauce with a mushroom-based sauce to keep it plant-friendly. To boost the heat, add different peppers. Sliced jalapeños or Thai chilis can make it spicy. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can brighten the dish. Try adding sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper or even a dash of lime juice for extra zing. To store leftovers, first let the dish cool down. Place the noodles and beef in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and safe. You can enjoy your leftovers for up to three days. Reheat only what you plan to eat. This helps maintain the dish's original taste. If you want to freeze the noodles and beef, let them cool completely. Divide them into portions and place them in freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze the dish for up to three months. When it's time to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot. Spicy garlic noodles pair well with many sides. Try serving with a simple cucumber salad or steamed broccoli. For a drink, iced tea or lemonade works great. To reheat, use a skillet for the best taste. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and keep it moist. Can I use different types of noodles? Yes, you can use various noodles. Egg noodles and rice noodles both work well. If you enjoy a different texture, try chow mein or udon noodles. How can I make this dish spicier? To add more heat, increase the chili garlic sauce. You can also add fresh sliced chili peppers or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. What sides pair well with spicy garlic noodles? Serve these noodles with a light salad or steamed broccoli. You can also add some spring rolls for a crunchy side. Can I substitute beef in this recipe? Absolutely. You can use chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose. How long does it take to cook the beef properly? Cook the beef for about 3-4 minutes in the skillet. It should be browned and cooked through but still tender. What are the approximate calories per serving? This dish has around 500 calories per serving, depending on the beef and sauces used. Are there any allergens in this recipe? Yes, this recipe contains soy and sesame, which are common allergens. Adjust the ingredients if needed. This blog post covered the key ingredients, steps, and tips for making a delicious noodle dish. You learned about the main components like beef, noodles, and sauces, and how to stir-fry them correctly. Remember, small changes can make big differences. You can swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to fit your taste. Whether you keep it classic or try a twist, great flavor is the goal. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen!$

A flavorful dish featuring spicy garlic noodles tossed with tender beef and fresh vegetables.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz noodles (egg or rice noodles)
1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 unit red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup snap peas
3 unit green onions, chopped
to taste unit salt and pepper
optional unit fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, tossing with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes.
Stir-fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add sesame oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add Vegetables: Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and snap peas; stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
Combine Everything: Return the beef to the skillet, add the cooked noodles, and drizzle with chili garlic sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated and heated through.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and top with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Adjust the chili garlic sauce for desired spice level.

Keyword beef, garlic, noodles, spicy