Beef Noodle Stir Fry is a quick and easy meal you can make in just 15 minutes. It has tender beef strips, soft egg noodles, and fresh vegetables all cooked together in a tasty sauce. This dish is great when you want something filling and delicious without spending a lot of time cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Noodle Stir Fry
This recipe stands out because of how simple it is while still delivering a restaurant-quality taste. You get a blend of tender beef and fresh veggies, all coated in a rich, sweet and savory sauce made from basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The egg noodles soak up the sauce, making each bite full of flavor. Plus, you have the freedom to swap or add vegetables based on what’s fresh or what you prefer, so it’s easy to customize. It’s a great way to enjoy a wholesome dinner without stress or long prep times.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Beef Noodle Stir Fry
To make this delicious stir fry, gather the following:
- 1 tablespoon oil (for frying)
- 400 grams beef stir fry strips
- Half a head of broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces
- 150 grams green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 1 red capsicum (bell pepper), sliced
- 400 grams thin egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the stir fry sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce (60 ml)
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornflour
- 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
- 1 teaspoon crushed ginger
How to Make Beef Noodle Stir Fry
Start by preparing the sauce. Combine all the sauce ingredients—soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornflour, garlic, and ginger—in a small jug or bowl. Whisk them together well until smooth and set aside.
Next, heat the oil in a large nonstick pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips and cook them for about 2 minutes on each side until browned but still tender. Remove the beef from the pan and keep it aside for now.
In the same pan, add your chopped broccoli, green beans, and red capsicum. To help the vegetables cook evenly and retain their crunch, add a splash of water. Stir fry the veggies for about 3 minutes until they are bright and slightly tender but not mushy.
Now, return the beef to the pan and add the egg noodles. Pour the prepared sauce over everything. Stir thoroughly to coat all the ingredients with the sauce and cook for another 2 minutes. This allows the noodles to absorb the flavors and the sauce to thicken.
Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds on top for a nutty crunch. Serve your Beef Noodle Stir Fry immediately while it’s hot and fresh.
How to Serve Your Beef Noodle Stir Fry
This dish works wonderfully on its own for a full meal thanks to its protein, veggies, and carbs. However, you can pair it with some simple sides if you want to add more variety. Try serving it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed dumplings for a more complete Asian-inspired feast.
If you like a bit of heat, add some fresh chili slices or a drizzle of chili oil on top before serving. A squeeze of fresh lime can also brighten up the flavors beautifully. This stir fry is perfect for casual dinners or impressing guests without spending hours cooking.
Expert Tips for the Best Beef Noodle Stir Fry
- Choose tender beef strips, such as sirloin or rump, for quick cooking and great texture. Avoid thick cuts as they may take longer to cook and could be tougher.
- Don’t overcook your vegetables. Keep them crisp to maintain color and nutrition, which also adds great texture contrast to the soft noodles and beef.
- If you want even more flavor, marinate your beef strips in a tablespoon of soy sauce and some garlic for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
- For extra richness, toss in a small handful of chopped spring onions or fresh coriander just before serving.
- Use fresh egg noodles or good-quality dried ones and cook them according to package instructions before adding to the stir fry for the best texture.
- Stir the sauce well before adding to ensure the cornflour is fully dissolved to avoid lumps.
How to Store Your Beef Noodle Stir Fry
If you have leftovers, let the stir fry cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated and consume within 2 days for the best taste and freshness.
When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent the noodles from drying out. Warm it gently in a pan over medium heat or microwave until heated through.
Avoid freezing this dish, as the noodles and vegetables can become mushy once thawed.
Variations of Beef Noodle Stir Fry
Feel free to customize this stir fry to suit your taste or dietary needs. Swap the beef strips for chicken, pork, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also add mushrooms, snap peas, baby corn, or carrots to increase the veggie variety.
For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder. You can also experiment with different noodle types like rice noodles or udon for a unique twist.
If you want a spicier dish, increase the amount of sweet chili sauce or add a dash of chili flakes. To bring a smoky flavor, finish the dish with a splash of toasted sesame oil just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Noodle Stir Fry
What type of beef is best for stir frying?
Choose quick-cooking cuts like sirloin, rump, or flank steak sliced thinly. These cuts stay tender and cook fast, perfect for stir fry dishes.
Can I use other noodles instead of egg noodles?
Absolutely! Rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti can work well, but cooking times may vary. Adjust accordingly.
How can I make this stir fry vegetarian?
Replace beef with tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables. Use vegetarian-friendly sauces and vegetable oil for frying.
Is it okay to prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the sauce ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge. Just whisk well before use.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Cook noodles according to package instructions, drain, and rinse under cold water. Toss them lightly with a bit of oil before adding to the stir fry.
Beef Noodle Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil (for frying)
- 400 grams beef stir fry strips
- 1/2 head broccoli (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 150 grams green beans (trimmed and chopped)
- 1 red capsicum (bell pepper) (sliced)
- 400 grams thin egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (60 ml)
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornflour
- 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
- 1 teaspoon crushed ginger
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce by combining soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornflour, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large nonstick pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add beef strips and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until browned but still tender. Remove beef from the pan and set aside.
- Add broccoli, green beans, and red capsicum to the pan. Add a splash of water and stir fry for about 3 minutes until vegetables are bright and slightly tender.
- Return beef to the pan and add cooked egg noodles. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir to coat all ingredients. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving. Serve hot.
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