Description
This dish combines tender, seasoned ground beef with perfectly cooked noodles, all brought together by the aromatic power of fresh garlic and traditional Asian seasonings. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility – using ingredients that are readily available in most kitchens while delivering restaurant-quality results.
Ingredients
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Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for optimal flavor and texture)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (dark soy sauce preferred for deeper color and flavor)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (adds umami depth and glossy finish)
- 1 tbsp apple juice (natural sweetness and tenderizing properties)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (balances saltiness and adds caramelization)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic essential for maximum flavor)
- 1 tsp grated ginger (fresh ginger root, peeled and finely grated)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground black pepper recommended)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste preference)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (neutral oil with high smoke point)
For the Noodles:
- 1 lb wide egg noodles (or your preferred noodles – lo mein, udon, or rice noodles work well)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying the noodles)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (additional garlic for enhanced flavor)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for fresh garnish and color contrast)
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions (for additional garnish and mild onion flavor)
- Sesame oil (for finishing touch and nutty aroma)
Instructions
Begin by combining the ground beef with all marinade ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, apple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix thoroughly using clean hands or a large spoon, ensuring all seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat. The apple juice serves as a natural tenderizer while adding subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements. Cover the bowl and let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more intense flavor development.
While the beef is marinating, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the wide egg noodles and cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes for al dente texture. The noodles should be tender but still have a slight bite, as they will continue cooking when stir-fried with the beef. Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Shake off excess water and set aside. If preparing in advance, toss the drained noodles with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot enough that the oil shimmers but not smoking. Add the marinated ground beef to the hot pan, spreading it evenly across the surface. Allow the beef to cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a good sear, then break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the beef is thoroughly browned and cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes total. The meat should be nicely caramelized with no pink remaining. If excess grease accumulates in the pan, carefully drain it off, leaving just enough for flavor and moisture.
Add the cooked and drained noodles directly to the skillet with the beef. Using tongs or two large spoons, toss the noodles with the beef, ensuring even distribution of the meat throughout the noodles. The residual heat and any remaining pan juices will help coat the noodles with flavor. Continue tossing for 2-3 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the beef flavors and heat through completely. The noodles should be well-coated and steaming hot.
Add the additional 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. This final addition of fresh garlic provides an aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish. Remove the skillet from heat and immediately garnish with thinly sliced green onions and chopped scallions. Drizzle sesame oil over the top just before serving – the sesame oil should sizzle slightly when it hits the hot noodles, releasing its nutty aroma. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
Cooking Notes
The key to perfect Garlic Beef Noodles lies in proper heat management and timing. Use a large skillet or wok to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than proper browning. The beef should develop a nice caramelized exterior for maximum flavor development. Don’t skip the marinating time – even 15 minutes makes a significant difference in flavor penetration. When stir-frying, work quickly to maintain the texture of both the beef and noodles. Fresh garlic added at the end provides a different flavor profile than the garlic in the marinade, creating layers of garlic flavor throughout the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: garlic beef noodles, stir-fry, asian cuisine, quick dinner, comfort food