Description
This Caramelized Beef and Peanut Noodles recipe is a flavorful and satisfying stir-fry dish that combines tender, caramelized ground beef with silky peanut sauce and fresh vegetables. Easy to prepare in about 40 minutes, it features a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes, ideal for a weeknight dinner that feels both comforting and gourmet.
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 (reserve green parts 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 recommended)
- Black pepper, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Sauce: Blend peanut butter, soy sauce, warm water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, chili garlic sauce, and grated garlic in a blender or bowl until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Cook Beef: Heat avocado oil in a large pan over high heat. Add ground beef and allow it to cook undisturbed for several minutes to develop browned, caramelized spots. Break apart the beef with a wooden spoon into small pieces.
- Caramelize the Beef: Sprinkle cornstarch over the beef and stir-fry quickly for 15-30 seconds. Add grated garlic and teriyaki sauce, cooking for about a minute until the sauce sizzles and caramelizes. Remove the beef from the pan, set aside, and keep warm either covered or in a 350°F oven.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add the white parts of the green onions and sliced stir-fry vegetables. Add more oil if needed and sauté until veggies are tender-crisp.
- Cook Noodles: Boil egg noodles according to package instructions (about 3 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking, then drain thoroughly.
- Toss Noodles and Veggies: Add cooked noodles and most of the peanut sauce to the sautéed vegetables in the pan. Toss together for 1-2 minutes over medium heat until everything is heated through and coated in the sauce.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the noodles and vegetable mixture, top with a scoop of the caramelized beef. Garnish with reserved green onions, a generous amount of black pepper, and drizzle with remaining peanut sauce if desired. Serve immediately while hot and silky.
Notes
- Adjust chili garlic sauce to control spice level.
- Use fresh stir-fry vegetables for best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter if preferred.
- Keep the cooked beef warm in a low oven if preparing ahead to maintain texture.
- Rinsing noodles after boiling helps prevent them from sticking together.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free teriyaki sauce.
