Shredded Chilli Beef with Spicy Noodles
Try this Shredded chilli beef with spicy noodles recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Shredded chilli beef with spicy noodles recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 3 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 garlic cloves finely chopped
- oil for deep frying plus 2 tbsp extra
- 400 g/14oz beef fillet cut into thin strips
- 4 tbsp sichuan peppercorns
- 2 oranges, zest only
- 8 tbsp rice flour (substitute potato flour or cornflour i
- 2 carrots, peeled and julienned
- 150 ml/5fl oz rice wine vinegar
- 150 g/5oz caster sugar
- 2 red chillies finely chopped
- 2 tsp dried chilli flakes
- 10 cm/4in piece fresh ginger finely grated
- 10 cm/4in piece fresh ginger julienned
- 6 spring onions trimmed finely sliced
- 250 g/9oz fine egg noodles cooked according to packet instructions, drained and refreshed in cold water and drained again
- 1/2 emon, juice only
- 4 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
- Carbohydrate 27.9384417074685 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 18.3746408566793 g
- Fiber 9.49441669571614 g
- Protein 12.581115019976 g
- Saturated Fat 2.44748607090958 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (442g)
- Sodium 32.4733333875642 mg
- Sugar 18.4440250117524 g
- Trans Fat 1.10306388191561 g
- Calories 294 calories
Step-by-step
- For the chilli beef, heat the oil in a deep heavy-based frying pan until a breadcrumb sizzles and turns brown when dropped into it. (CAUTION: hot oil can be dangerous. Do not leave unattended.) Alternatively, heat a deep fat fryer to 190C.
- In a bowl, coat the beef strips in the two tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- Heat a frying pan until hot, add the Sichuan peppercorns and dry fry for one minute, or until fragrant. Transfer to a pestle and mortar and crush until coarsely ground, then add the orange zest and crush again until well combined.
- In a bowl, mix together the salt, rice flour and Sichuan pepper and orange zest mixture until well combined.
- Add the beef strips and mix well to coat them in the mixture. Discard the remaining flour and Sichuan pepper mixture.
- Carefully lower the coated beef strips into the hot oil in batches and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until crisp and golden-brown. Remove from the pan using a slotted spoon and set aside to drain on kitchen paper. Repeat the process with the remaining beef strips.
- Carefully lower the carrot strips into the hot oil and fry for 1-2 minutes, or until just softened (they should float to the surface of the oil when ready).
- Remove from the pan using a slotted spoon and set aside to drain on kitchen paper. Repeat the process with the remaining carrot strips.
- For the sauce, heat a non-reactive frying pan over a medium heat. When the pan is hot, add the rice wine vinegar, sugar and soy sauce and bring the mixture to the boil.
- Add the chillies, chilli flakes and grated ginger and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is sticky and has thickened.
- Add the fried beef and carrot strips and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring well to combine.
- Meanwhile, for the noodles, heat the vegetable oil in a wok over a high heat. When the oil is smoking, add the ginger, garlic and spring onions and stir fry for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
- Add the cooked noodles and stir fry for a further minute, or until warmed through.
- Add the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar and lemon juice and mix well to combine.
- Add the sesame seeds and stir fry for a further 1-2 minutes.
- Sprinkle over the coriander and stir well to combine.
- To serve, divide the stir-fried noodles equally among four serving plates. Spoon over the chilli beef strips in the sauce.
A Weeknight Wonder: Shredded Chilli Beef with Spicy Noodles
This recipe isn't just about a delicious meal; it's about reclaiming those precious weeknights. As a busy working mom, time is my most valuable commodity. I need meals that are flavorful, satisfying, and most importantly, fast. This Shredded Chilli Beef with Spicy Noodles fits the bill perfectly. It's a dish that feels both exotic and comforting, a whirlwind of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet sensations that transport you, even if only for a few minutes, from the chaos of the day.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There’s a satisfying crunch to the perfectly fried beef, a vibrant kick from the chillies, and the noodles offer the perfect base for all the deliciousness. The preparation is manageable even on a rushed evening, and the result is far more impressive than the effort required. It’s a meal that always leaves me feeling nourished and energized, ready to tackle whatever the evening throws at me. And the best part? Leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day!
The Secret to Success: The key to this recipe is getting that lovely crispy texture on the beef. Don't overcrowd the pan when frying – work in batches to ensure even browning. And remember that crucial step of crisping up the Sichuan peppercorns before grinding them; this releases their unique, almost numbing, aroma and adds a depth of flavour that elevates the whole dish. The slightly sweet and tangy sauce provides a perfect balance to the spice, making this a dish that’s both exciting and satisfying.
Beyond the Recipe: This recipe is my go-to weeknight dinner, but it’s also easily adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables – broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or even some finely chopped mushrooms would all be delicious additions. If you’re not a fan of fiery spice, you can easily adjust the amount of chillies and chilli flakes to your liking. Or maybe, if you want to spice things up a little, add a dash of gochujang for a depth of umami and a satisfying kick. And don’t be afraid to personalize it even further! The possibilities are endless.
Serving Suggestions: I love serving this dish with a side of steamed rice or a simple green salad. The contrasting textures and flavours complement the chilli beef noodles beautifully. It's also a fantastic dish for sharing, perfect for a casual weeknight dinner with friends or family. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
More Than Just a Meal: This recipe is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions; it's a testament to the power of simple, delicious food to bring joy to busy lives. It’s a celebration of efficiency, flavour, and the ability to create something extraordinary from relatively ordinary ingredients. So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your day, remember this recipe. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos, there’s always time for a delicious and satisfying meal that will nourish your body and soul.
Final Thoughts: This Shredded Chilli Beef with Spicy Noodles recipe is a testament to how delicious and satisfying weeknight meals can be. It’s a perfect balance of flavour and convenience, making it the perfect solution for busy individuals who still want to enjoy a truly exceptional meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Try it out and let me know what you think!
