Description
This Caramelized Beef and Peanut Noodles recipe combines savory, sweet, and spicy flavors for a satisfying, quick-to-make dinner. Ground beef is caramelized in teriyaki and garlic for deep flavor, then paired with a creamy peanut sauce and stir-fried vegetables tossed with tender chow mein noodles. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal that comes together in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Sauce
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce (I used Bachan’s)
- 1 clove garlic, grated
Peanut Sauce
- 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
Veggies and Noodles
- 5 green onions, thinly sliced (green parts saved for garnish)
- 2-3 cups sliced stir-fry veggies (red bell pepper, spinach, basil leaves recommended)
- 6-ounce package stir-fry egg noodles (Wel-Pac chow mein stir fry noodles recommended)
- Black pepper for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Sauce: In a blender or mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, warm water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and chili garlic sauce. Blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Cook the Beef: Heat avocado oil in a pan over high heat. Add the ground beef and leave it undisturbed for several minutes to allow some browned, caramelized spots to develop. Then break the beef apart into small pieces with a wooden spoon and continue cooking.
- Caramelize the Beef: Sprinkle cornstarch over the beef and quickly stir-fry for 15-30 seconds. Add grated garlic and teriyaki sauce to the pan, cooking for about one minute until the mixture sizzles and caramelizes, releasing a rich aroma. Remove the beef from the pan, set aside, and keep warm by covering it or placing it in a 350°F oven.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add the white parts of the sliced green onions and stir-fry the chosen vegetables. Add more oil if needed to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions, typically around 3 minutes, until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking.
- Toss Together: Add the cooked noodles and most of the peanut sauce to the sautéed vegetables in the skillet. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors and warm through, ensuring the noodles are coated in the silky sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Plate the noodles and veggies mixture, then top with a generous scoop of the caramelized beef. Garnish with the reserved green parts of the green onions and a good sprinkle of black pepper. Drizzle with any remaining peanut sauce as desired and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use any stir-fry vegetables you prefer; bell peppers, spinach, and basil add great flavor and color.
- To keep the caramelized beef warm if making ahead, place it in a low oven (350°F) covered.
- Adjust chili garlic sauce quantity to control the spice level according to your taste.
- Rinsing noodles after cooking stops them from sticking and prevents overcooking when tossed with sauce and veggies.
- Avocado oil is preferred for its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but any mild oil can be substituted.
