Description
Beef and Veggie Stir-Fried Noodles
Enjoy a healthy, delicious dinner packed with nutrients! This recipe combines fresh vegetables and lean beef with a perfectly balanced sauce.
Ingredients:
200g beef strips
250g whole wheat noodles
1 1/2 cups mixed veggies (broccoli, carrots, zucchini)
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp cornstarch, dissolved in water
Preparation:
Boil noodles; set aside.
Sauté beef until browned; remove.
Cook veggies with sesame oil and garlic.
Add soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch slurry; simmer.
Toss with noodles and beef.
#HealthyNoodles
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Ingredients: Slice beef into thin strips against the grain. Mince garlic. Chop vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Dissolve 1 tsp cornstarch in 2 tbsp cold water to create a slurry.
2. Cook Noodles: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the whole wheat noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water to stop cooking, and toss with a dash of sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
3. Sear the Beef: Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add a small amount of oil. Add beef strips in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Sear without moving for 1-2 minutes until browned, then flip and cook another minute. Remove beef to a clean plate.
4. Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same wok, add 1 tbsp sesame oil. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the harder vegetables (like carrots and broccoli) first, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes. Then add softer veggies (like zucchini) and cook for another 1-2 minutes until crisp-tender.
5. Make the Sauce: Push vegetables to the side. Pour soy sauce and honey into the center of the wok. Let it bubble for a moment, then stir to combine with the vegetables. Give the cornstarch slurry a final stir and pour it into the wok, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1 minute.
6. Combine Everything: Return the cooked beef and any accumulated juices to the wok. Add the prepared noodles. Using tongs or two spatulas, toss everything together vigorously for 1-2 minutes until evenly coated in sauce and heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stir-fry immediately while hot. Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for heat. For a complete meal, pair with a simple side like a cucumber salad or steamed edamame. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day.
How-to Summary
Quickly cook noodles. Sear beef strips and set aside. Stir-fry garlic and vegetables in sesame oil. Create a sauce with soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch slurry. Toss everything together with the noodles and beef until hot and coated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely. Chicken breast, shrimp, tofu, or tempeh are excellent substitutes. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
My sauce isn’t thickening. What happened? Ensure your cornstarch slurry is well-mixed right before adding it. The sauce needs to come to a simmer to activate the cornstarch’s thickening power.
Can I make this gluten-free? Yes. Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your noodles are gluten-free, such as rice noodles or chickpea pasta.
How do I prevent soggy noodles? Rinse cooked noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process and toss them with a bit of oil. Add them to the wok last, just to heat through and coat in sauce.
What other vegetables work well? Bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, and water chestnuts are all fantastic additions. Add leafy greens like spinach or bok choy at the very end.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too much at once steams the ingredients instead of searing them. Cook beef in batches and ensure your wok is very hot.
- Overcooking the Vegetables: Aim for a crisp-tender texture. They will continue to cook slightly from residual heat after you remove the wok from the stove.
- Using Cold Cornstarch Slurry: Always mix cornstarch with cold water immediately before use. A pre-mixed slurry will settle and become ineffective.
- Neglecting to Prep Everything First: Stir-fries cook fast. Have all ingredients chopped, measured, and within arm’s reach (mise en place) before you turn on the heat.
Conclusion
This Beef and Veggie Stir-Fried Noodles recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a template for a quick, healthy, and endlessly customizable dinner. Mastering the simple technique of a hot stir-fry and a quick-thickening sauce empowers you to create delicious dishes with whatever ingredients you have on hand. It delivers on flavor, nutrition, and speed, making it a reliable go-to for any busy evening. Enjoy the process and the delicious, satisfying results.
