Crispy ground beef, chewy rice noodles, and chili crunch in every single bite. These chili beef noodles are a 15-minute one-pan dinner with seared browned beef with crispy edges, rice noodles that soak while the beef cooks, and whatever veggies are hiding in your fridge, all tossed in a savory chili crunch sauce. No wok needed. Just one pan and a lid. If you love beef and noodles, this one is for you.
Would you like to save this recipe?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
I tested this a few times before landing on the move that makes it work: letting the noodles finish cooking right in the pan with the sauce and a cup of water. Two minutes under a lid and they drink up all that flavor instead of tasting like plain noodles with sauce on top.
When my husband and I crave noodles, this is what I make us. It is a little spicy for my kiddos but its perfect for us.
The veggies here are totally flexible. I used mushrooms, cabbage, corn, and spring peas because that is what my fridge handed me. Use whatever you have. The crispy beef and chili crunch sauce do the heavy lifting either way.
Jump to:
How to make (VIDEO)
Other noodle recipes
If you love noodles, check out all my noodle recipes.
How to make (PICTURES)
- Step 1: Soak the rice noodles in hot water for 5 minutes, then drain. They should be bendy but still firm.
- Step 2: Brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until it has crispy bits. The secret is not overcrowding the pan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Add the veggies to the pan with the beef and saute for 1 minute. Stir in the chili crunch, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, then add the drained noodles.
- Step 4: Add in the noodles.
- Step 5: Pour in 1 cup of water, cover with a lid for 2 minutes.
- Step 6: Toss and top with green onions and more chili crunch.
What to serve
- Cucumber Salad, crunchy and cold to cut through the richness
- Dumpling Salad, if you are going for a full spread
- A fried egg on top. Jammy yolk plus chili crunch noodles is a whole personality.
Similar recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Other recipes you need to check out
Hate ads?
Chili Beef Noodles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Soak the rice noodles in hot water for 5 minutes, then drain. They should be bendy but still firm. They finish cooking in the pan later.12 ounces rice noodles, salt and pepper
- While the noodles soak, brown the ground beef in a large pan over medium-high heat until it has crispy bits. The secret is not overcrowding the pan. Let it sit and sear before you break it up. Season with salt and pepper.1 pound ground beef
- Prep your veggies while the beef cooks. Slice the mushrooms and cabbage thinly.2 cups mushrooms
- Add the veggies to the pan with the beef and saute for 1 minute.¼ cup corn, ¼ cup sugar snap peas, 1 cup green cabbage
- Add the chili crunch, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir to coat everything.1 tablespoon chili crunch, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Add the drained noodles to the pan.
- Pour in 1 cup of water, cover with a lid, and let everything steam for 2 minutes.1 cup water
- Toss until the noodles are coated and glossy. Top with green onions and more chili crunch. Eat immediately.green onions, chili crunch
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pan. Crowded beef steams instead of searing, so brown in two batches if needed.
- Soak the noodles no longer than 5 minutes, they finish cooking during the 2-minute steam.
- Taste before adding salt at the end, since the oyster sauce and chili crunch both bring salt. Use whatever veggies you have on hand.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Mention @eatwithcarmen in all social platforms
Hi, I'm Carmen!
I'm the creator of Eat With Carmen, where I share Filipino and other Asian recipes I love and grew up eating, made simple for everyday cooking.
Thank you for being here xoxo.
Frequently Asked Questions for Chili Beef Noodles
What kind of noodles are best for chili beef noodles? Rice noodles are the best choice because they soak in hot water in 5 minutes and finish cooking right in the sauce. Ramen, udon, or spaghetti also work. Cook those according to the package first, then add them to the pan with the sauce.
What is chili crunch and can I substitute chili oil? Chili crunch is a condiment made of crispy fried chilies, garlic, and shallots in oil, and yes, regular chili oil works as a substitute. You will lose the crunchy texture but keep the heat and flavor. Start with 2 teaspoons and adjust.
How do I make chili beef noodles less spicy? Cut the chili crunch down to 1 teaspoon in the sauce and skip the spicy garnish. The oyster sauce and sesame oil still give you plenty of flavor, and you can serve chili crunch on the side for whoever wants it.
Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef? Yes, ground pork, turkey, or chicken all work with the same method. Ground pork actually gets the crispiest bits of all. For turkey or chicken, add a tablespoon of neutral oil to the pan since they are leaner.
Can I meal prep chili beef noodles? Yes, these noodles keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat well on the stovetop with a splash of water. Store everything mixed together in airtight containers. Skip the freezer, because rice noodles do not survive it.
Why is my ground beef not getting crispy? Your pan is overcrowded or your heat is too low. Use medium-high heat, spread the beef in one layer, and leave it alone for 2 to 3 minutes before breaking it up. If you are doubling the recipe, brown the beef in two batches.
Leave a Reply