Spicy Beef Mince and Sesame Noodles
This dish draws its bold flavors from East Asian cuisine—melding fiery chili, savory beef, and umami-rich elements with the nutty depth of toasted sesame. Spicy Beef Mince and Sesame Noodles is a fiery yet comforting dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or when you need a quick culinary escape. With its tangy spice profile and rich, unctuous texture, this stir-fry is not only satisfying but also beautifully aromatic. A modern, speedy twist on Chinese-style dan dan noodles, it hits all the marks: spicy, salty, slightly sweet, and deeply savory.
Equipment
Large non-stick skillet or wok
Large pot for boiling noodles
Whisk
Tongs or chopsticks
Fine grater or microplane
Ingredients
- 12 oz dried wheat noodles - udon or lo mein work well; cook until al dente
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil - divided use for flavor and noodle toss
1 lb ground beef (minced beef) - preferably 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio for flavor balance
4 cloves garlic - finely minced
1 tbsp ginger - fresh ; grated- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce - adjust to spice preference
2 tbsp soy sauce - light soy sauce for salt and umami
1 tbsp hoisin sauce - adds sweetness and depth
1 tbsp rice vinegar - balances the richness
1 tbsp brown sugar - for a touch of sweetness
2 tbsp sesame seeds - toasted for aromatic crunch- 4 pieces scallions - sliced thinly, white and green parts separated
1 cup carrots - shredded ; optional, for color and crunch
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the dried noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 5–6 minutes). Drain and toss with 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil. Once shimmering, add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and slightly crispy.
- Add the minced garlic, ginger, and scallion whites to the beef. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add in the chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir well to coat all the beef pieces, and simmer for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to come together.
- Fold in the noodles and shredded carrots, tossing gently with tongs until fully coated in sauce and heated through—about 2 minutes more.
- Remove from heat and toss in half the scallion greens and all the toasted sesame seeds. Reserve the remaining scallion greens for serving.
Notes
- To reduce the heat, omit or halve the chili garlic sauce.
- Substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
- Add sautéed bok choy or spinach for extra greens.
- For Gluten-Free: Use rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Toast your sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until aromatic.
Nutrition
Calories: 642kcalCarbohydrates: 69gProtein: 36gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 1896mgPotassium: 506mgFiber: 7gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 5357IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 79mgIron: 3mg
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