Savory Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables and Rice Noodles
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal, this beef stir fry recipe with rice noodles is the perfect choice. Packed with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and an easy six-ingredient sauce, this dish is a fantastic way to enjoy a homemade Chinese meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is simple to follow and will leave you with a meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful.
Stir-frying is an ancient Chinese cooking technique that involves cooking food quickly at a high temperature while stirring constantly. This method locks in the flavors, retains the nutrients of the ingredients, and results in a dish that is both tasty and healthy. Our recipe uses a mix of colorful vegetables like red bell peppers, carrots, and Chinese cabbage, combined with succulent pieces of beef, all tossed in a savory sauce that’s easy to prepare. Let’s dive into the details of how to create this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 lb beef (petite shoulder, flank steak, ribeye, or sirloin), cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Lo Mein
- Lo mein noodles or stir fry rice noodles
- 1/8 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 teaspoons sriracha
- 3-4 tablespoons canola oil
- 1/2 large onion, chopped
- 1 large red bell pepper, julienned
- 2 carrots, cut into matchsticks
- 2 stalks celery, sliced on the diagonal
- 3 cups Chinese cabbage, shredded
- 30-40 snow peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- Prepare the marinade: In a large Ziploc bag or bowl, combine the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and rice vinegar.
- Marinate the beef: Add the beef pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 6 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Noodles
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them well, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, and toss with a few drops of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Make the sauce: In a medium ceramic or glass bowl, combine the soy sauce, dissolved cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, ginger, and sriracha. Whisk the mixture until well-blended and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Heat the wok: Place a wok or large skillet over high heat and add 2 tablespoons of canola oil. Heat the oil until it just begins to smoke.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the onion, red pepper, carrots, and celery to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add remaining vegetables: Toss in the shredded cabbage and snow peas. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add garlic: Reduce the heat to low, add the minced garlic, and stir-fry for an additional minute. Remove the vegetables from the wok and cover them to keep warm.
Step 5: Cook the Beef
- Prepare the wok: Add 1 tablespoon of canola oil to the wok and increase the heat to high.
- Stir-fry the beef: Using tongs, remove the beef slices from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Discard the marinade. Add the beef to the hot wok, spreading it in a single layer, and cook for 3-5 minutes, letting the slices brown on each side before turning. Once cooked, remove the beef from the wok and cover to keep warm.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
- Thicken the sauce: Whisk the prepared sauce once more and pour it into the wok. Bring it to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly until it thickens, about 1-2 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water.
- Add beef and vegetables: Return the cooked beef and vegetables to the wok, stirring to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Toss with noodles: Add the cooked lo mein noodles to the wok and toss everything together until well-combined.
- Serve: Transfer the stir fry to a serving platter and enjoy hot.
Tips for the Perfect Stir Fry
- Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires very high heat to quickly cook the ingredients while preserving their color and crunch. A smoking hot wok is key to achieving that perfect stir-fry texture.
- Choose the Right Oil: Oils with high smoke points, like canola or peanut oil, are ideal for stir-frying. They can withstand the high heat without burning, ensuring a better flavor and texture.
- Prep Before Cooking: Stir-frying is a fast process, so having all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking is essential. Chop your vegetables, marinate the meat, and have your sauce mixed before turning on the stove.
- Dry Vegetables: Make sure your vegetables are dry before adding them to the wok. Excess moisture can cause the vegetables to steam rather than stir-fry, which can make them soggy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Wok: Cooking too many ingredients at once can lower the temperature of the wok, leading to steaming rather than stir-frying. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain the high heat.
- Properly Cooked Beef: When stir-frying the beef, make sure it’s cooked in a single layer so that it sears and browns properly. Avoid overcrowding the meat to ensure it cooks evenly and retains its juiciness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use a different type of meat for this stir fry?
Yes, you can substitute the beef with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken and pork might require a bit longer to cook through, while tofu should be stir-fried just until it’s heated through and golden.
2. What if I don’t have a wok?
If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet or frying pan will work. The key is to ensure the pan is very hot and you stir continuously to prevent burning.
3. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your noodles are made from rice or another gluten-free grain.
4. Can I add other vegetables to this stir fry?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms.
5. How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes, tossing to warm evenly.
This beef stir fry with rice noodles is a delicious and nutritious meal that you can easily whip up for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining guests. The combination of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce is sure to please everyone at the table. With the tips provided, you’ll master the art of stir-frying in no time! Enjoy your flavorful creation!