Description
This Caramelized Beef and Peanut Noodles recipe combines savory caramelized ground beef with a creamy peanut sauce, stir-fried vegetables, and tender egg noodles for a flavorful and satisfying meal ready in just 40 minutes. A perfect blend of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors makes this dish a delicious twist on classic Asian-inspired noodles.
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
- 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 saved for garnish)
- 2-3 cups sliced stir-fry veggies (such as red bell pepper, spinach, and basil leaves)
- 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 food processor. Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy, then set aside.
- Cook Beef: Heat avocado oil in a pan over high heat. Add the ground beef and let it cook undisturbed for several minutes to develop browned spots. Then, use a wooden spoon to break the beef into small pieces.
- Caramelize Beef: Sprinkle cornstarch over the beef, stirring quickly for 15-30 seconds. Add grated garlic and teriyaki sauce, cooking for another minute until the mixture sizzles and caramelizes, releasing an aromatic scent. Remove the caramelized beef from the pan, keep it warm by covering or placing in a 350°F oven.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, sauté the white parts of the green onions along with the sliced stir-fry vegetables. Add additional oil if needed and cook until tender-crisp.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to package directions (usually about 3 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent them from sticking together.
- Toss Together: Add the cooked noodles and most of the prepared peanut sauce to the sautéed vegetables in the pan. Toss everything together over medium heat for 1-2 minutes to combine and warm through.
- Finish and Serve: Plate the peanut noodles topped with a scoop of the caramelized beef. Garnish with the reserved green parts of the green onions, a generous sprinkle of black pepper, and drizzle with any remaining peanut sauce for extra flavor. Serve immediately while hot and silky.
Notes
- Use a high-quality teriyaki sauce like Bachan’s for the best flavor.
- Adjust the chili garlic sauce amount based on your preferred spice level.
- Do not overcook the beef to keep it tender and juicy.
- Rinsing noodles with cold water stops further cooking and keeps them from becoming mushy.
- Feel free to swap in your favorite stir-fry vegetables.
- Keep the caramelized beef warm in a low oven if preparing ahead slightly.
