Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced: Choose a lean cut of beef for this stir-fry, as it will cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the marinade beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: This provides the base of the marinade and adds savory depth to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: A staple in Vietnamese cuisine, fish sauce adds umami and saltiness to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Balances the saltiness of the sauces with a hint of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and enhances the overall flavor of the stir-fry.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: For a touch of heat and spice.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds fragrance and depth of flavor.
For the Stir-Fry:
- 8 oz (225g) rice noodles: Use Bún (Vietnamese rice noodles), which are light and slightly chewy, perfect for stir-frying.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For stir-frying the beef and vegetables.
- 1 onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and crunch to the stir-fry.
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced: Choose any color you like—red, yellow, or green—for color and sweetness.
- 1 large carrot, julienned: Adds crunch and a slightly sweet flavor.
- 1 cup bean sprouts: Fresh bean sprouts add crunch and freshness.
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped: Fresh herbs like cilantro provide a bright and fragrant finish to the dish.
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped: Adds a refreshing touch that complements the savory elements.
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced: Adds a cool, crisp texture to balance the dish’s richness.
- 1–2 tablespoons lime juice: Adds a zesty and tangy finish to the stir-fry.
For the Garnish:
- Crushed peanuts: For added crunch and nuttiness.
- Red chili slices (optional): For a touch of heat if you enjoy a little spice.
Instructions
Step-by-Step Preparation
FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE MARINADE AND BEEF
- Slice the Beef: Start by thinly slicing the beef against the grain. This will ensure that it cooks quickly and remains tender.
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, sesame oil, black pepper, and minced garlic. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then add the sliced beef. Toss the beef to ensure that each slice is coated with the marinade. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
SECOND STEP: COOK THE RICE NOODLES
- Cook the Rice Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rice noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually 4-5 minutes. Once done, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside.
THIRD STEP: STIR-FRY THE BEEF AND VEGETABLES
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the marinated beef. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, just until the vegetables are tender-crisp and vibrant in color.
- Add the Noodles: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the rice noodles back into the pan, tossing everything together to combine. Add the cooked beef back into the pan as well and mix well.
- Add Bean Sprouts and Fresh Herbs: Stir in the bean sprouts, chopped cilantro, and mint leaves. These fresh ingredients will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory beef and noodles.
FOURTH STEP: FINISH THE DISH
- Season the Stir-Fry: Add the lime juice to the stir-fry for a burst of acidity. Toss everything together to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Serve: Divide the stir-fry among serving plates. Top with sliced cucumber, crushed peanuts, and optional chili slices for an extra kick.
- Prep Time: 10minutes
- Cook Time: 20minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 30g