20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles.
Looking for a quick and delicious dinner option that’s packed with flavor? Enter the 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles. This dish is not only a breeze to whip up, but it also features a delightful combination of savory beef, colorful vegetables, and a rich sesame sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or just someone who loves a good meal without the fuss, this recipe is here to save the day.
Imagine sinking your teeth into tender slices of beef, perfectly coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, all served over chewy brown rice noodles. It’s a complete meal that’s satisfying and nutritious, and best of all, it’s ready in just 20 minutes!
Why It Deserves a Spot
The 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles. deserves a spot on your dinner rotation for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly fast to make. With just twenty minutes from start to finish, it’s a lifesaver on those busy weeknights. The flavor profile is another highlight—think of the umami from the soy sauce, the sweetness from honey, and that delightful kick from Gochujang. Plus, it’s versatile; you can easily swap out the protein or vegetables based on what you have on hand.
Not to mention, this dish is visually stunning with its vibrant colors and textures. It’s sure to impress your family or guests and make you feel like a kitchen rockstar. Once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your meal plan again and again!
Ingredients at a Glance
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2-3 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 8 ounces brown rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cups mixed stir fry vegetables
- 3 shallots, sliced
- 1 pound flank steak or chicken breast, sliced thin
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
Prep & Cook Tools
- Large pot: For boiling the noodles.
- Skillet or wok: To stir-fry the beef and vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Chopping board and knife: For slicing the vegetables and protein.
20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles.: How It’s Done
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the brown rice noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the tamari or soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, Gochujang, and toasted sesame oil until well combined. This sauce is the magic ingredient that brings the dish to life, so don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Protein
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced flank steak or chicken breast. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until the meat is browned and cooked through.
Step 4: Add Aromatics and Vegetables
Once the meat is cooked, add the chopped garlic, ginger, and sliced shallots to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, toss in the mixed stir fry vegetables and cook for another 3-4 minutes, just until they start to soften but still retain their crunch.
Step 5: Combine Noodles and Sauce
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over the top. Gently toss everything together to ensure the noodles and vegetables are well-coated in the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld for about 2 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles. in bowls and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and fresh basil. Enjoy immediately!
Seasonal Twists
- Spring: Incorporate snap peas and asparagus for a fresh crunch.
- Summer: Add zucchini noodles for a light and refreshing twist.
- Fall: Swap in roasted butternut squash for a comforting flavor.
- Winter: Use hearty greens like kale or bok choy for more nutrition.
Slip-Ups to Skip
- Don’t overcook the noodles; they should still have some bite.
- Avoid using too much Gochujang unless you enjoy a lot of heat.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger—they can turn bitter quickly.
- Don’t skip the sesame seeds and basil—they add essential flavor and texture.
Storage Pro Tips
The 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles. can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or stir-fry in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to revive the noodles. For optimal freshness, consider storing the sauce and cooked meat separately, then combine them with the noodles just before serving.
Ask & Learn
Can I use a different protein besides beef or chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute with tofu for a vegetarian option, shrimp for some seafood flair, or even tempeh for a plant-based protein boost.
What if I can’t find Gochujang?
If Gochujang is unavailable, you can make a substitute by mixing red chili flakes with miso paste and a little honey to achieve a similar flavor profile.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, and ensure your noodles are certified gluten-free.
How can I make this dish spicy?
If you love heat, you can add extra Gochujang or a splash of Sriracha to the sauce. You could also incorporate sliced fresh chili peppers during the stir-fry!
Make It Tonight
Now that you know how to make 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles., why not gather your ingredients and whip this up for dinner tonight? With its quick prep time and bold flavors, it’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, the satisfaction of creating such a delicious meal in mere minutes will make you feel like a culinary superstar. Grab your chopsticks, and let’s dig in!
20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the brown rice noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the tamari or soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, Gochujang, and toasted sesame oil until well combined.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced flank steak or chicken breast. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until the meat is browned and cooked through.
- Once the meat is cooked, add the chopped garlic, ginger, and sliced shallots to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, toss in the mixed stir fry vegetables and cook for another 3-4 minutes, just until they start to soften but still retain their crunch.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over the top. Gently toss everything together to ensure the noodles and vegetables are well-coated in the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld for about 2 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles in bowls and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and fresh basil. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or stir-fry with a splash of water or broth.
- For freshness, keep the sauce and cooked meat separate until serving.
