Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Beef Mei Fun recipe is your answer. Mei fun, also known as thin rice noodles, soaks up the savory beef and vegetable flavors beautifully, creating a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe is a fantastic example of how homemade cooking can be both quick and healthy. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces thin rice noodles (mei fun)
- 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce (optional, but adds great depth of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Get started: Begin by cooking the rice noodles according to package directions. Usually, this involves soaking them in hot water for a few minutes until softened. Drain well and set aside. This is a crucial step for preventing your mei fun from becoming mushy.
Stir-fry the beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and stir-fry until browned. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion and garlic to the wok and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the bell pepper and broccoli and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until slightly tender-crisp.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, and black pepper.
Combine and simmer: Return the beef to the wok. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Finish the dish: Add the cooked rice noodles to the wok and toss gently to coat them in the delicious sauce. Cook for another minute or two, just to heat the noodles through.
Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately. This healthy meal is perfect served on its own, or with a side of steamed rice.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Feel free to substitute other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or snow peas.
- Chicken or shrimp can be used instead of beef. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- If you don't have oyster sauce, you can omit it or substitute with a teaspoon of fish sauce for a similar umami flavor.
- Marinating the beef for 15-20 minutes before cooking will enhance its flavor and tenderness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a balanced and nutritious meal. The exact nutritional values will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a serving will likely contain a moderate amount of protein from the beef, carbohydrates from the noodles, and vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. For precise nutritional information, use an online nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients and serving sizes.
This Beef Mei Fun recipe is a perfect example of a quick dinner idea that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition. It's a delicious dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!