Caramelized Beef and Peanut Noodles Recipe
Introduction
Caramelized Beef and Peanut Noodles combine savory, sweet, and nutty flavors in a satisfying stir-fry dish. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special but is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ⅓ cup teriyaki sauce (I used Bachan’s)
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- ⅓ cup peanut butter
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
- 5 green onions, thinly sliced (green 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 noodles recommended)
- Black pepper for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the peanut sauce by blending peanut butter, soy sauce, warm water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and chili garlic sauce until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat avocado oil in a pan over high heat. Add ground beef and let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop browned spots. Break meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
- Step 3: Sprinkle cornstarch over the beef, stir-fry quickly for 15-30 seconds. Add grated garlic and teriyaki sauce, stirring for about a minute until it starts to caramelize and smell fragrant. Remove beef from pan and keep warm.
- Step 4: In the same pan, sauté the white parts of the green onions and the sliced veggies, adding more oil if needed, until just tender.
- Step 5: Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, usually about 3 minutes. Rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
- Step 6: Add cooked noodles and most of the peanut sauce to the sautéed veggies in the pan. Toss for 1-2 minutes to combine and heat through.
- Step 7: Serve noodles plated with a scoop of caramelized beef on top. Garnish with green parts of green onions, a generous sprinkle of black pepper, and drizzle remaining peanut sauce if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add more chili garlic sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Try swapping ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
- Use crunchy veggies like snap peas or shredded carrots for added texture.
- If you can’t find stir-fry noodles, spaghetti or linguine work well as a substitute.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or oil to restore creaminess. Avoid reheating the noodles too long to keep them from drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the peanut sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Stir well before using as it may thicken in the fridge.
What can I substitute for avocado oil?
You can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or light olive oil for cooking the beef and veggies.
Print
Caramelized Beef and Peanut Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious and comforting dish featuring caramelized ground beef and creamy peanut noodles tossed with fresh stir-fry vegetables, finished with a flavorful peanut sauce and garnished with green onions and black pepper. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that combines savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Cooking
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce
- 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
Vegetables and Garnishes
- 5 green onions, thinly sliced (green parts saved for garnish)
- 2–3 cups sliced stir-fry veggies (e.g., red bell pepper, spinach, basil leaves)
Noodles
- 6-ounce package stir-fry egg noodles
Extras
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, warm water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and chili garlic sauce. Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy, then set aside.
- Cook the 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 break the beef into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
- 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, caramelizes, and releases an aroma. Remove the beef from the pan and keep it warm by covering or placing it in a 350°F oven.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the white parts of the sliced green onions and stir-fry vegetables. Add more oil if needed and cook until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions (typically about 3 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
- Toss Together: Add the cooked noodles and most of the prepared peanut sauce to the sautéed vegetables in the pan. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes to combine and heat through, ensuring the noodles are coated with the sauce.
- Plate and Finish: Serve the noodles topped with a scoop of caramelized beef. Garnish with the reserved green parts of the green onions, a generous amount of black pepper, and drizzle with the remaining peanut sauce as desired. Serve immediately while hot and silky.
Notes
- Use fresh vegetables of your choice for the stir-fry to add color and texture.
- Adjust the chili garlic sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce for regular soy sauce and teriyaki sauce.
- Leftover beef can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently before serving.
- To make this meal vegetarian, replace the beef with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian stir-fry sauce alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Keywords: caramelized beef, peanut noodles, stir-fry, Asian noodles, quick dinner, peanut sauce, ground beef recipe, teriyaki beef, easy stir-fry
