Craving a delicious and satisfying meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Beef Drunken Noodles recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas that doesn't compromise on flavor. Packed with savory beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, slightly spicy sauce, these noodles are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe is also a healthy alternative to takeout, making it a staple in our household. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces wide rice noodles
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more, to taste)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef sirloin, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Gently toss to coat the beef evenly. This step helps tenderize the meat and creates a beautiful glossy finish.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Cook the rice noodles according to package directions. Once cooked, drain well and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 3: Stir-fry the Beef and Vegetables
Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
Add the garlic, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and red onion to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened. Add the broccoli and stir-fry for another minute.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Adjust the amount of sriracha to your preferred level of spiciness. Remember, you can always add more later!
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked beef to the wok. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables, and stir to combine. Add the cooked noodles and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Cooking Tips for the Best Beef Drunken Noodles:
- Thinly slice your beef: This ensures it cooks quickly and evenly.
- Don't overcrowd the wok: Work in batches if necessary to prevent steaming instead of stir-frying.
- Adjust the spice level: Start with less sriracha and add more to taste.
- Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the final flavor.
Delicious Variations:
- Add protein: Chicken, shrimp, or tofu are all great substitutes for beef.
- Change up the veggies: Experiment with different vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or snow peas.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the beef and add extra vegetables or tofu for a hearty vegetarian meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on ingredients and portion size) Protein: Approximately 30-40g Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g Fat: Approximately 15-20g
This Beef Drunken Noodles recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that's perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. It's a healthy, homemade cooking option that’s both delicious and easy to customize to your liking. Enjoy!