Craving takeout? These Asian Beef Noodles deliver a quick, comforting meal. Lean ground beef and onions are stir-fried in a sweet-and-spicy sauce, then tossed with instant noodles for an easy weeknight dinner.
When I think about this recipe, the first thing that comes to mind is noodles — and for some reason the name “Noodles” from the film Once Upon a Time in America pops into my head. If that soundtrack has been on repeat for you too, you’ll understand the association.
The dish itself is simple and satisfying: a balance of tang from rice vinegar, savory depth from soy sauce, a hit of heat from sriracha, and a touch of sweetness from sugar or honey. It all comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect when you want a homemade version of your favorite Asian takeout without the fuss.
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Asian Beef Noodles
Make these Asian Beef Noodles in about 20 minutes for a quick takeout-style meal at home. Sliced onion and lean ground beef cook in a sweet-and-spicy sauce, then get tossed with instant noodles for an affordable family dinner.
Main Course
Asian
asian, easy, noodles, stir-fry
Ingredients
For the sauce
- ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
- ⅓ cup light soy sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha hot sauce use your preferred brand
- 2 tsp sugar or honey/agave
For the beef
- Cooking spray
- 1 lb extra lean ground beef
- 1 large onion sliced (about 1½ cups)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz instant noodles 99% fat free if available
Instructions
For the sauce:
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In a bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce and sriracha. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Set aside.
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Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil for the noodles.
For the beef:
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Heat a nonstick skillet over medium. Spray with cooking spray and add the sliced onion. Cook about 3 minutes, stirring frequently so the onion softens without burning.
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Add the ground beef and break it up as it cooks. Brown for about 2 minutes — avoid overcooking so the meat stays tender.
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While the beef cooks, add the instant noodles to the boiling water and cook according to package directions (about 2 minutes).
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Drain the noodles and return them to the pot off the heat. Drain excess liquid from the beef and onion mixture, then transfer the beef into the pot with the noodles.
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Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and beef. Toss thoroughly so the sauce evenly coats the noodles.
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Garnish with parsley or cilantro and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Scaling this recipe is easy. For a single serving, use: 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1½ tbsp soy sauce, ¼ tsp sriracha and ½ tsp sugar. Adjust the amounts of beef, onion and noodles to suit the number of servings you need.