Craving a quick and tasty meal? You’re in the right place! In just 15 minutes, you can whip up Savory Sesame Garlic Beef Noodles that are sure to impress. This dish combines tender beef, fresh noodles, and a rich sesame garlic sauce for a flavor explosion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this easy recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make savory sesame garlic beef noodles, gather these items:
- 8 oz. beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 8 oz. egg noodles
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Substitutions for key ingredients
You can swap some ingredients if needed. Use chicken or tofu instead of beef. For gluten-free noodles, try rice noodles. You can replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option. If you don’t have snap peas, use bell peppers or broccoli. For a milder dish, skip the sriracha or use less.
Recommended tools and equipment
To make this dish, you need a few tools. A large skillet or wok helps cook the beef and veggies. Use a pot for boiling the noodles. A sharp knife and cutting board are essential for slicing the beef and veggies. Finally, have measuring spoons handy for measuring sauces.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Noodles
Start by boiling water in a large pot. You want the water to be rolling and hot. Add 8 oz. of egg noodles to the pot. Cook them according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be al dente, so don’t overcook! Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside.
Preparing the Beef
Next, grab your large skillet or wok. Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add 8 oz. of thinly sliced beef sirloin. Cook the beef for 2-3 minutes. You want it to be browned and cooked all the way through. After it cooks, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Sautéing Garlic and Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the last tablespoon of sesame oil. Now, toss in 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 30 seconds until you smell that delightful garlic aroma. Next, add 1 cup of trimmed snap peas. Stir-fry them for 1-2 minutes. You want them to be bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
Combining All Ingredients
It’s time to bring it all together! Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Add the drained noodles next. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (if you’re using it), and sriracha to taste over the noodle mixture. Gently toss everything together. Heat it all through for about 2 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Once everything is mixed and hot, remove it from the heat. For a nice touch, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top. Serve your savory sesame garlic beef noodles hot! Enjoy your meal, and feel free to add a side of veggies or a crisp salad for balance.
Tips & Tricks
How to enhance flavor with sauces
To boost flavor, use good sauces. Soy sauce adds a salty taste. Oyster sauce brings a rich, sweet note. For spice, sriracha or chili sauce works great. Mix these sauces well to coat the noodles and beef evenly. This helps every bite burst with flavor.
Tips for perfectly cooked beef
For tender beef, slice it thinly against the grain. This cuts the tough fibers. Cook it fast over high heat. This keeps it juicy and flavorful. Avoid overcooking; aim for just 2-3 minutes in the skillet. This will give you a nice, browned finish.
Noodle cooking techniques
Cook egg noodles in boiling water until al dente. This means they should still have a slight bite. Drain them right away, but don’t rinse. Rinsing can wash away flavor. Toss the hot noodles with a bit of sesame oil. This keeps them from sticking together.
Variations
Vegetarian alternative using tofu
You can swap the beef for tofu to make this dish vegetarian. Use firm tofu for the best texture. Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess water. Cut it into small cubes and sauté in sesame oil until golden brown. This gives the dish a nice crunch and flavor. The rest of the recipe stays the same, so just follow those steps.
Gluten-free options: noodle and sauce swaps
If you need a gluten-free meal, use rice noodles instead of egg noodles. They cook fast and soak up flavors well. For sauces, replace soy sauce with tamari, which is gluten-free. Oyster sauce often contains gluten, so skip it or find a gluten-free version. This way, you still enjoy the taste without the gluten.
Spicy variations with additional ingredients
For spice lovers, add more heat to your dish. Use extra sriracha or chili sauce when mixing in the sauces. You can also toss in some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for more kick. If you want a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of chili paste. This will make your noodles hot and tasty!
Storage Info
How to store leftovers
After you enjoy your meal, let any leftovers cool. Place them in a container with a tight lid. Store the container in the fridge. The beef noodles will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option.
Reheating instructions
To reheat, you can use a microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, place the noodles in a bowl. Add a splash of water, then cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for about one to two minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heat. On the stovetop, use a skillet. Add a bit of oil and warm over low heat, stirring often.
Freezing the dish: tips and guidelines
If you want to freeze the sesame garlic beef noodles, follow these steps. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, use a freezer-safe container. Label it with the date, so you know when to use it. The noodles can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
How long does it take to prepare Sesame Garlic Beef Noodles?
It takes about 15 minutes to prepare this dish. You spend 5 minutes on prep and 10 minutes cooking. This quick time makes it perfect for busy days.
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken, pork, or shrimp. Just slice them thinly like the beef. Each meat adds its own flavor. Cook them the same way as the beef in the recipe.
What can I serve with this dish?
You can serve this dish with a side of steamed broccoli or mixed veggies. A simple salad pairs well too. You might also enjoy it with spring rolls or dumplings for more fun.
How to adjust the spice level in the recipe?
To adjust spice, change the amount of sriracha or chili sauce. For less heat, use less sauce. For more heat, add more sauce. You can also use fresh chili peppers for a kick.
This blog post covered making Sesame Garlic Beef Noodles from scratch. We discussed the key ingredients, possible substitutions, and the tools you need. I guided you step-by-step through cooking the noodles and beef, sautéing the veggies, and serving the dish.
Remember, you can customize this meal with sauces, cooking techniques, or even switch to a vegetarian option. Store your leftovers wisely to enjoy later. I hope you feel ready to create these noodles and impress your friends and family. Happy cooking!
