This Crispy Chili Beef & Shrimp Stir-Fry Noodles is a delicious, flavorful dish combining crispy beef, tender shrimp, and stir-fried noodles in a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s the perfect meal for when you’re craving takeout but want to make it at home!
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 3/4 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 egg
- 5 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 5 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 5 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 4 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp chili crisps or chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
For the Stir-Fry:
- 10-12 raw shrimp, deveined and tails removed
- 1/2 cup sliced onion
- 1/3 cup carrot matchsticks
- 4-6 oz cooked stir-fry noodles (lightly coated in oil to prevent sticking)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
This combination of crispy beef, shrimp, and a spicy-sweet sauce creates an irresistible mix of textures and flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef:
- In a bowl, add the sliced flank steak and egg, tossing to coat each piece of steak evenly.
- Add cornstarch and black pepper to the bowl, mixing thoroughly until each piece is coated.
2. Fry the Beef:
- Heat 5 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
- Fry the steak in small batches until crispy, then set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, tomato paste, and chili crisps or chili flakes until smooth.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Shrimp:
- Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the onions and sauté for about 4 minutes until softened.
- Add the carrot matchsticks and cook for an additional 1 minute.
5. Combine Everything:
- Stir in the prepared sauce to the skillet, mixing with the vegetables.
- Add the cooked steak and raw shrimp, cooking for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
6. Add the Noodles:
- Add the cooked stir-fry noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together to combine the flavors.
- Let everything cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
- Adjust the spiciness by adding more chili flakes if desired.
Helpful Tips for the Best Crispy Chili Beef & Shrimp Stir-Fry Noodles
- Fry in Batches: Frying the beef in batches prevents overcrowding, allowing each piece to get crispy.
- Control the Spiciness: Adjust the level of chili crisps or flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: Stir-fry dishes cook quickly, so having everything prepped and ready will make the process smooth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crispy Chili Beef & Shrimp Stir-Fry Noodles recipe is packed with flavor and has the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. The crispy beef and juicy shrimp create a delightful texture combination, making this dish ideal for satisfying your takeout cravings at home.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different protein?
- Absolutely! Chicken or tofu are great alternatives if you prefer.
2. What type of noodles should I use?
- Stir-fry noodles, like lo mein or rice noodles, work best. Lightly coat in oil after cooking to prevent sticking.
3. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
- Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and check your other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and marinate the beef in advance to save time.
5. Can I add extra vegetables?
- Yes! Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli would be great additions to this stir-fry.
Conclusion
These Crispy Chili Beef & Shrimp Stir-Fry Noodles are a fantastic combination of flavors and textures, with a savory-sweet sauce that coats every bite. This dish is easy to customize, quick to make, and packed with delicious ingredients, perfect for your next weeknight meal!