Beef stir-fry Noodles: Fast, Affordable, and Simple

“Stir-fry beef noodles is a delicious and quick Asian dish that features tender slices of beef, stir-fried with colourful vegetables such as capsicum, carrots, and shallots. Why not add some mushrooms, like Enoki mushrooms? https://kookssecrets.com/2024/01/07/enoki-mushrooms/ . The stir-fry dish is seasoned with a flavoursome combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, providing a savoury and slightly sweet taste. The key element is the stir-frying technique, which involves cooking the ingredients in a wok or skillet over high heat for a short time to retain the natural flavours and textures.”

A little noodle History

The history of noodles is a fascinating journey that spans centuries and cultures. Noodles have a rich and diverse heritage, and their introduction to Australia reflects the country’s multicultural influences.

Noodles are believed to have originated in China around 4,000 years ago, making them one of the oldest known prepared foods. From China, the knowledge and art of noodle-making spread to neighbouring Asian countries and eventually reached Europe through trade routes. The Silk Road played a significant role in the exchange of culinary traditions, including the spread of noodles.

In Australia, the story of noodles aligns with the nation’s immigration history. With waves of migration from Asia and Europe, diverse culinary traditions, including noodle dishes, became an integral part of Australian cuisine. Chinese immigrants, in particular, played a crucial role in introducing noodles to the Australian culinary landscape.

Over time, noodles evolved to suit local tastes and preferences. They became a staple in many households, featured in a variety of dishes ranging from stir-fries to soups. The multicultural nature of Australia has contributed to the popularity and diversity of noodle dishes, with influences from Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and other cuisines.

Today, Australians enjoy a wide array of noodle-based dishes, both in restaurants and as part of home-cooked meals. Noodles have become a symbol of the rich tapestry of cultures that make up the Australian identity, showcasing the country’s openness to global influences and its celebration of diversity in food.

Stir-fry beef noodles is a delicious and quick Asian dish that features tender slices of beef, stir-fried with colourful vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and Bok choy. The dish is seasoned with a flavourful combination of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, providing a savory and slightly sweet taste.
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Fast Affordable and Simple Beef Stir Fry Noodles

Savoury Beef Stir-Fry Delight with Tender Noodles: This is my recipe that the family loves. As far as the ingredients are concerned, you can use any vegetables you like or can get hold of, or have in your pantry, there are no rules, and the beef can even be swapped out for chicken strips.
The sauce, a tantalizing blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of sweetness, coats each ingredient with a glossy sheen. It's a balance of savory and slightly sweet, elevating the dish to a level of culinary perfection.
Prep Time20 minutes
Active Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: Easy, Fast, Noodles, tasty
Yield: 4 Portions
Author: Mark Dexter
Cost: $15 au

Equipment

  • 1 Cooks knife
  • 1 Wok or Large Frying Pan
  • 1 Spatula or wooden spoon
  • 1 Tongs
  • 2 Small mixing Bowls
  • 1 Sieve or Colander
  • 4 Bowls to serve

Materials

Main Stir Fry ingredients

  • 400 gram beef rump or fillet  cut in to thin strips
  • 100 ml olive oil
  • 1 t-spoon Sesame oil mixed together with the olive oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic – peeled and crushed or finely chopped
  • 1 each Onion – peeled and finely Sliced
  • 10 gram Ginger – peeled and grated
  • 4 each Spring Onions or Green Shallots (Scallions).
  • ½ each Red Capsicum (Sweet Pepper)
  • 1 each Carrot
  • ½ bunch Continental (Flat) leaf Parsley
  • 1 Head Bok Choy
  • 1 pinch Salt

For the Sauce (Marinade).

  • 125 ml Chicken Stock add ½ for marinade reserve ½ for cooking
  • 1 tablespoon Corn Starch/Corn Flour
  • 2 tablespoon Dark Soy Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Mirin
  • ½ each Red Chilli (seeds removed and finely sliced). Optional
  • 10 ml balsamic glaze Optional – this maybe a strange addition but it really helps with the colouring of the beef when cooking especially when using a domestic stove.
  • teaspoon Chinese five spice Optional
  • 2 tablespoons Hoisin Sauce

Noodles

  • 450 gram Egg Noodle

Instructions

For the Beef

  • Cut the Beef into thin strips and place it into a mixing bowl
  • Mix together all the sauce/marinade ingredients, add them to the beef mix, and leave to stand. (Remember to reserve ½ the chicken stock for later).

For the vegetables

  • Cut all vegetables into thin strips, slightly on an angle for presentation purposes
  • Carrots – peel, trim ends, cut into four lengthways cut into strips
  • Capsicum / Sweet pepper – cut in half and remove seeds, then cut each half lengthwise into three or four strips (REMEMBER, WE ONLY NEED TWO OF THE QUARTERS; the other can be refrigerated for another dish), then cut at an angle similar to the carrots.
  • Green Shallots/Scallions/Spring Onions – remove out leaves trim the ends and again cut at an angle (see picture)
  • Bok choy – cut into 4 lengthways, trim the roots, give them a quick wash to remove any dirt, and cut in a similar way to the other vegetables.
  • Onion – simply peel, cut in half remove the root, and finely slice
  • Parsley – requires only rough chopping.

For the Noodles

  • There are many Brands of noodles in the marketplace see recipe notes for a selection of my favourites.
  • Boil water – you can simply use the electric jug.
  • Place noodles into a mixing bowl and pour enough boiling water over the top of them so the water covers the noodles.
  • Leave to stand until noodles become soft, the brands I use this takes only 2 or 3 minutes.
  • Once the noodles are soft, drain them in a sieve or colander

The Final Cook-off – Putting it all together.

  • Pre-heat a Wok or Frying pan and add a little of the oil.
  • Add the sliced Onion Garlic and ginger cook quickly until golden brown.
  • Add the beef strips fry and seal until deep rich brown colour is achieved. Stirring to ensure each piece is evenly browned.
  • add the carrot continue cooking and stirring to ensure even cooking of ingredients.
  • Next, add the Capsicum (sweet red pepper) continue cooking.
  • add the Bok Choy – mix in with the other ingredients; this will cook very quickly.
  • add half of the Green Shallots (Scallions or Spring onions), Parsley, Mirin and Chicken stock stir and cook to reduce the liquid.
  • add the noodle and mix gently using tongs with the pan ingredients.
  • add remaining Green Shallots (Scallions or Spring onions), Parsley, mix together.
    turn off the heat!
  • serve in a bowl and enjoy!

Notes

Types of Noodle available

Here are some common types of noodles found in Australia:

  • Egg Noodles: These are wheat-based noodles enriched with eggs, providing a slightly chewy texture. They are commonly used in stir-fries and soups.
  • Rice Noodles: Made from rice flour and water, these noodles are gluten-free and often used in Asian dishes like Pad Thai or Vietnamese pho.
  • Udon Noodles: Thick wheat noodles with a soft, chewy texture. They are popular in Japanese cuisine, often featured in udon soup or stir-fried dishes.
  • Soba Noodles: Buckwheat-based noodles that can be served hot or cold. They are commonly used in Japanese dishes and are known for their nutty flavor.
  • Instant Noodles: Pre-packaged and quick to prepare, instant noodles come in various flavors and styles. They are a convenient option for a fast meal.
  • Hokkien Noodles: Thick, wheat-based noodles often used in stir-fries. They have a soft texture and absorb flavors well.
  • Vermicelli: Thin rice noodles that are commonly used in salads, spring rolls, and soups. They are quick-cooking and versatile.
  • Somen Noodles: Thin wheat noodles that are typically served cold in Japan. They are light and refreshing, perfect for summer dishes.
  • Shirataki Noodles: Low-calorie noodles made from konjac yam. They are a popular choice for those seeking gluten-free or low-carb options.
  • Glass Noodles (Cellophane Noodles): Transparent noodles made from starch (often mung bean starch or sweet potato starch). They are used in various Asian dishes and become translucent when cooked.

These noodles can be found in supermarkets, Asian grocery stores, and specialty food shops across Australia. The variety of noodles available reflects the multicultural influences on Australian cuisine, offering a wide range of options for home cooks and food enthusiasts.

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