🍜 Szechuan Spicy Noodles with Beef 🌶️
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Beef and Noodles:
1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain 🥩
8 oz noodles (egg noodles, rice noodles, or ramen) 🍜
2 tablespoons vegetable oil 🧴
1 small onion, sliced 🧅
1 red bell pepper, sliced 🌶️
3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated 🌿
1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorns 🌶️
1 tablespoon sesame oil 🧴
1 tablespoon soy sauce 🍶
For the Szechuan Sauce:
2 tablespoons Szechuan chili paste 🌶️
2 tablespoons soy sauce 🍶
1 tablespoon rice vinegar 🍚
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce 🍯
1 tablespoon sugar 🍬
1/4 cup chicken broth or water 🥣
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken) 🌾
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat) 🌶️
For Garnish:
2 green onions, chopped 🌿
1 tablespoon sesame seeds 🌾
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional) 🌿
Instructions
Cook the Noodles:
Boil the Noodles:
Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, tossing with a small amount of sesame oil to prevent sticking. 🍜🧴
Prepare the Szechuan Sauce:
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Szechuan chili paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, chicken broth, and cornstarch mixture. Set aside. 🌶️🍯🥣
Cook the Beef and Vegetables:
3. Stir-Fry the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. 🥩🔥
Sauté Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the onion, red bell pepper, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant. 🧅🌶️🧄🌿
Combine and Cook the Noodles:
5. Add the Sauce and Noodles:
Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the Szechuan sauce and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Add the cooked noodles and toss to coat the noodles in the sauce. 🍜🥩
Final Touches:
Drizzle the sesame oil and soy sauce over the noodles, and toss again to mix. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or additional soy sauce if desired. 🧴🍶
Serve:
7. Plate the Dish:
Divide the spicy noodles with beef into bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro (if using). 🌿🌾
Tips and Variations:
For Extra Heat: Add more Szechuan chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra spicy kick. 🌶️🔥
Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or seitan in place of beef for a vegetarian version. 🍛🌱
Add Vegetables: You can add other veggies like bok choy, carrots, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition. 🥕🌱
For a Smokier Flavor: Stir in a little chili oil or smoked paprika to enhance the depth of flavor. 🔥
Szechuan Spicy Noodles with Beef is a bold, flavorful dish that combines savory beef, crunchy vegetables, and a spicy, tangy sauce. Perfect for anyone who loves a bit of heat in their meals! 🌶️🍜