Asian Ground Beef Noodles: A Comfort Food Delight

Craving a delicious and comforting Asian dish? Let me introduce you to Asian Ground Beef Noodles, a quick and satisfying meal that combines the rich flavors of soy sauce, ginger, and chili oil with tender ground beef and vermicelli noodles. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a delightful balance of savory, spicy, and umami flavors. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, you’ll have a satisfying meal on the table in no time.

Ingredients List

Noodle and Sauce Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 250 g ground beef
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 teaspoons white pepper powder (adjust to your liking)
• 2 tablespoons corn flour (cornstarch)
• 2 tablespoons spring onion, chopped
• 120 g vermicelli (more or less for two servings)
• 2 tablespoons Chinese dark vinegar (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Chinese chili oil (optional)

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right kitchen tools can make the preparation of Asian Ground Beef Noodles easier and more enjoyable. Here are the essential tools you will need:

1. Wok or Large Skillet: Ideal for stir-frying the beef and noodles, ensuring even cooking and perfect texture.
2. Mixing Bowl: For combining the sauce ingredients and marinating the beef.
3. Tongs or Spatula: Useful for tossing the noodles and beef together in the wok.
4. Saucepan: To cook the vermicelli noodles.
5. Measuring Spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients.

With these tools on hand, you’ll be set up for a smooth and successful cooking experience.

Preparing the Ingredients

Marinating the Ground Beef

1. Combine Ingredients: Start by placing the ground beef in a mixing bowl. Add the soy sauce, grated ginger, and white pepper powder to the bowl. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the flavors. Let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes to enhance the taste.
2. Prepare Corn Flour Mixture: In a separate small bowl, mix the corn flour with a little water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce later and coat the beef for a smooth texture.

Cooking the Vermicelli

1. Boil Water: In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the vermicelli noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes, until they are tender but not mushy.
2. Drain and Rinse: Once the noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set them aside for later use.

Cooking the Ground Beef

Now that the beef is marinated and the noodles are ready, it’s time to cook the ground beef. This step will infuse the dish with rich flavors and prepare the beef to be mixed with the noodles.

Heating the Oil and Sautéing

1. Heat the Wok: Place your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of oil and let it heat up until it starts to shimmer. This ensures the beef cooks quickly and evenly.
2. Sauté the Marinated Beef: Add the marinated ground beef to the wok, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Sauté the beef for about 4-5 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and starts to brown. The soy sauce, ginger, and white pepper should create a mouth-watering aroma as the beef cooks.

Adding the Corn Flour Slurry

1. Thicken the Sauce: Once the beef is cooked, stir the corn flour slurry you prepared earlier and pour it into the wok with the beef. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes. The slurry will help thicken the juices released by the beef, creating a smooth, flavorful sauce that coats the meat.
2. Add Optional Ingredients: If you’re using Chinese dark vinegar and chili oil for extra depth and heat, this is the time to add them. Pour in 2 tablespoons of Chinese dark vinegar for a tangy kick and 2 tablespoons of Chinese chili oil for a spicy note. Stir well to incorporate these flavors into the beef.

Combining the Noodles with the Beef

With the flavorful ground beef and sauce ready, it’s time to bring the noodles into the dish. This step will ensure that every strand of vermicelli is coated with the savory, rich flavors of the sauce.

Mixing the Noodles and Beef

1. Add the Vermicelli: Add the cooked and drained vermicelli noodles directly into the wok with the beef. Use tongs or a spatula to gently toss the noodles, making sure they are well-coated with the sauce. Mix for about 2-3 minutes until everything is evenly combined and the noodles are heated through.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the noodles and beef mixture, and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, more chili oil for heat, or a splash of Chinese dark vinegar for tanginess, depending on your preference.

Adding Spring Onions

1. Mix in Spring Onions: Add the chopped spring onions to the wok, tossing them with the noodles and beef. The spring onions will add a fresh, slightly sharp flavor, complementing the richness of the dish and adding a pop of color.
2. Stir Fry Briefly: Continue stir-frying everything together for another minute or two, just until the spring onions are slightly wilted but still bright green. This ensures they maintain their crispness and vibrant flavor.

Serving and Enjoying Asian Ground Beef Noodles

Now that your Asian Ground Beef Noodles are perfectly cooked and mixed, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious meal. Here’s how to finish off the dish and present it for a delightful dining experience.

Plating the Dish

1. Transfer to a Serving Bowl: Carefully transfer the noodles and beef mixture into a large serving bowl or individual plates. Use tongs to help arrange the noodles neatly, ensuring an even distribution of beef and spring onions throughout the dish.
2. Garnish with Additional Toppings: For extra flavor and presentation, you can sprinkle some additional chopped spring onions on top. If you like more heat, a few extra slices of red chili or a drizzle of Chinese chili oil can be added for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

1. Side Dishes: Serve these Asian Ground Beef Noodles with a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or bok choy, for a balanced meal. A simple cucumber salad or a side of pickled vegetables also makes a great complement to the rich flavors of the noodles.
2. Accompaniments: A wedge of lime on the side can add a fresh burst of citrus when squeezed over the noodles. For those who enjoy additional spice, a small bowl of extra chili oil or hot sauce can be served on the side.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

1. Storage: If you have any leftovers, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating: To reheat, simply place the noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles. Stir until heated through.

Conclusion

Asian Ground Beef Noodles offer a delightful combination of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors, making it a perfect dish for any meal. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a comforting, flavorful meal. Enjoy these noodles hot, straight from the wok, and savor the satisfying blend of textures and tastes that this dish brings to the table.

Enjoy your homemade Asian Ground Beef Noodles, and don’t forget to share this delicious recipe with friends and family!