Craving a restaurant-quality meal that'll set your taste buds on fire without breaking the bank? Get ready to transform your kitchen into a sizzling Chinese cuisine haven with these Easy Spicy Kung Pao Beef Noodles! In just 30 minutes, you'll create a mouthwatering dish that combines tender beef, perfectly cooked noodles, and a kick of spice that'll have everyone begging for your secret recipe. Whether you're a spice lover or just looking to impress your dinner guests, this quick and explosive meal is about to become your new go-to comfort food!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Beef strips
- Egg noodles
- Peanuts
- Bell peppers
- Green onions
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Kung Pao sauce
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure the beef strips are thawed if previously frozen. Rinse and chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces, and slice the green onions, keeping the white and green parts separate. Mince the garlic and ginger finely.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 4-6 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a tablespoon of oil. Add the beef strips in a single layer, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until browned. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to do this in batches.
- Once the beef is browned, remove it from the skillet and set aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chopped bell peppers to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch. Return the cooked beef to the skillet.
- Pour in the Kung Pao sauce and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes to your desired spice level. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the beef and vegetables are coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Add the noodles to the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the noodles are well mixed with the sauce and other ingredients.
- Finally, add the chopped green onions (white parts) and peanuts to the skillet, stirring them in for an additional minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more Kung Pao sauce or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve the Easy Spicy Kung Pao Beef Noodles hot, garnished with the remaining green onion tops for a fresh finish. Enjoy your delicious homemade dish!
Tips
- Prep is Key: Have all ingredients chopped and measured before you start cooking. This ensures a smooth, stress-free cooking process.
- High Heat is Your Friend: Use a wok or large skillet on medium-high heat to get that perfect sear on the beef and create those delicious caramelized edges.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook beef in batches if necessary to ensure each piece browns properly instead of steaming.
- Sauce Control: Start with a moderate amount of red pepper flakes and adjust to your spice tolerance. You can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Noodle Timing: Cook noodles al dente and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This prevents mushy noodles and helps them mix better with the sauce.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh garlic and ginger for the most vibrant flavor. The difference is noticeable!
- Garnish Matters: The green onion tops aren't just for looks - they add a fresh, sharp flavor that complements the spicy sauce.Pro Tip: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap beef with chicken or tofu, and add extra vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for more nutrition!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 25g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 75mg
