Description
This Caramelized Beef and Peanut Noodles recipe is a savory, quick-cooking stir-fry dish that combines tender caramelized ground beef with creamy peanut sauce and fresh stir-fry vegetables, served over tender egg noodles. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal, it features a harmonious blend of teriyaki, garlic, peanut butter, and chili garlic sauce, bringing a delightful Asian-inspired flair to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Sauce
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce (Bachan’s recommended)
- 1 clove garlic, grated
Peanut Sauce
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
Vegetables and Noodles
- 5 green onions, thinly sliced (green parts reserved for garnish)
- 2-3 cups sliced stir-fry veggies (red bell pepper, spinach, basil leaves suggested)
- 6-ounce package stir-fry egg noodles (Wel-Pac chow mein stir fry noodles recommended)
- Black pepper for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Sauce: Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, warm water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and chili garlic sauce in a blender or bowl. Blend or whisk thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Cook Beef: Heat avocado oil in a large pan or skillet over high heat. Add the ground beef, letting it brown undisturbed for several minutes to develop caramelized spots.
- Caramelize Beef: Break beef into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle cornstarch over the beef and stir-fry quickly for 15-30 seconds. Add grated garlic and teriyaki sauce, cooking for about a minute until the mixture sizzles and caramelizes with an aromatic scent. Remove beef from pan, set aside, and cover or place in a 350°F oven to keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add the white parts of the green onions and stir-fry vegetables. Add more oil if necessary. Cook until veggies are tender-crisp.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions, usually about 3 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.
- Toss Together: Add the cooked noodles and most of the peanut sauce to the vegetables in the pan. Toss well to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes, maintaining a hot and silky texture.
- Finish and Serve: Plate the noodle and vegetable mixture. Top with a scoop of caramelized beef. Garnish with reserved green onion tops and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle with any remaining peanut sauce if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use avocado oil for high-heat cooking as it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Adjust sugar in the peanut sauce to taste for a sweeter or more savory finish.
- Feel free to substitute stir-fry vegetables based on preference, such as broccoli, snap peas, or carrots.
- Keeping the beef warm in the oven ensures all components can be served hot simultaneously.
- Rinsing noodles after boiling prevents them from sticking and helps achieve a silky texture.
- Store leftovers separately to maintain texture; reheat gently to avoid drying out.
