Shanghai Noodles With Spicy Beef Sauce
A vibrant Shanghai-style noodle dish featuring spicy beef sauce, fragrant garlic, ginger, and green onions, perfect for a quick, flavorful Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. vegetable or peanut oil
- 2 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. minced fresh ginger root ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chicken broth, divided
- 1/3 c. hoisin sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 c. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 c. dry sherry or beef broth ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 16 oz. vermicelli noodles ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil ⓘ
- 1/2 c. diagonally sliced green onions ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat a wok or large skillet until hot; add vegetable or peanut oil, minced garlic, minced ginger root, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Saute about 5 seconds.
- Add chopped onion; stir-fry until the onion becomes transparent.
- Crumble in ground beef; stir-fry until the meat is light brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the ground beef in soy sauce for 15 minutes before cooking. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with textured vegetable protein or mushrooms. To adjust the spice level, you can reduce the crushed red pepper or add more depending on your heat tolerance. Using fresh ginger enhances the flavor, but ground ginger can be a quick substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Shanghai noodles topped with diagonally sliced green onions for a fresh crunch. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed bok choy or a simple salad dressed with Chinese Dressing for a refreshing contrast. You might also enjoy it alongside dishes like Busy Night Chicken Lo Mein or Chicken With Peanuts for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent sticking. Stir frequently until the noodles are heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may lead to uneven heating and a soggy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shanghai Noodles With Spicy Beef Sauce contains roughly 641 calories, with 10g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (76% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1421mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of noodle for this recipe?
Absolutely! While vermicelli noodles are traditional, you can substitute them with rice noodles or even egg noodles if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type, as some may require longer or shorter cooking times.
What can I serve with Shanghai noodles?
Shanghai noodles are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Consider pairing them with steamed dumplings, a side of stir-fried vegetables, or even a light cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch. They also complement well with other Chinese recipes, enhancing the overall meal experience.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To amp up the heat, you can add more crushed red pepper flakes or incorporate fresh chili peppers during the cooking process. Additionally, a drizzle of chili oil before serving can provide an extra kick. Adjust the spice gradually to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).