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Asian Ground Beef Noodles

Quick and flavorful Asian ground beef noodles loaded with ginger, soy sauce, and Chinese dark vinegar. A satisfying one-pot meal ready in 20 minutes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 708

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoon vegetable oil canola or peanut oil work too
  • 8-9 oz ground beef 250g, 80/20 blend recommended for flavor
  • 2 tablespoon soy sauce low-sodium preferred
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 teaspoon white pepper powder adjust to 1 teaspoon if sensitive to spice, or use black pepper
  • 2 tablespoon cornstarch also called corn flour
  • 2 tablespoon spring onion chopped, both white and green parts
  • 4 oz vermicelli 120g, or substitute angel hair pasta
  • 2 tablespoon Chinese dark vinegar optional, Zhenjiang vinegar or balsamic as substitute
  • 2 tablespoon Chinese chili oil optional, Laoganma brand recommended

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Large pot
  • Strainer
  • Small bowl for cornstarch slurry

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the meat develops golden-brown edges and is no longer pink. Drain excess fat if desired.
  2. Add the grated ginger and soy sauce to the browned beef. Stir constantly for 10-15 seconds to caramelize the soy sauce. Pour in 1 cup of water, add white pepper powder, cover with a lid, and simmer for 10 minutes. While the beef simmers, start cooking your noodles (next step). Check the beef halfway through and add more water if it's evaporating too quickly.
  3. While the beef simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the vermicelli according to package directions until al dente (6-8 minutes). Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 1/2 cup of cold water until completely smooth with no lumps. Pour this mixture into the simmering beef sauce and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Add the cooked noodles to the thickened beef sauce, tossing to coat every strand. Transfer to serving bowls and top with chopped spring onions. Serve the Chinese dark vinegar and chili oil on the side for individual customization. Enjoy immediately while hot.

Notes

White pepper provides milder heat than black pepper. Can substitute ground pork or turkey for beef. Angel hair pasta works well as a vermicelli substitute. For corn allergy, use sweet potato starch instead of cornstarch. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of water.