Dragon Noodles Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, balancing savory beef with sweet and spicy elements for a flavorful meal. It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, the addition of cashews adds a wonderful crunch that complements the soft noodles and tender beef. The sauce is rich, tangy, and customizable for those who like their food spicy or mild.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces lo mein noodles (or ramen)

• 1 pound ground beef

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (adjust for heat preference)

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar

• ¼ cup green onions, sliced

• ¼ cup cashews, chopped

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the noodles and broccoli: In a large pot of boiling water, cook the noodles and broccoli together for about 6-7 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the broccoli is bright green. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

3. Cook the beef: In a large pan or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Break the beef into small crumbles as it cooks, about 4-5 minutes.

4. Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan with the beef and let it simmer for a minute or two to combine the flavors.

5. Combine the noodles: Add the cooked noodles and broccoli to the pan with the beef and sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated.

6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the sliced green onions and chopped cashews on top. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Dragon Noodles: Substitute the beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.

• Shrimp Dragon Noodles: Swap out the beef for shrimp. Cook the shrimp separately and add them back with the noodles and broccoli.

• Ramen Dragon Noodles: Use ramen noodles instead of lo mein for a different texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

FAQs

Can I use another type of noodle for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other noodles like rice noodles or even spaghetti as a substitute for lo mein noodles.

How can I adjust the spice level in Dragon Noodles?

You can adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to control the heat. Add more for extra spice or reduce it for a milder dish.

Can I make Dragon Noodles ahead of time?

While the noodles are best fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the beef ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and combine them when you're ready to serve.

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works just fine in this recipe. Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the noodles.

How can I make Dragon Noodles gluten-free?

Use gluten-free noodles and check the soy sauce label to ensure it's gluten-free. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative to regular soy sauce.

Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas to enhance the dish.

Can I substitute the sesame oil with another oil?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil or olive oil, but sesame oil provides a distinct flavor that's key to the dish.

Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground chicken is a great substitute for beef in this recipe.

How can I make the sauce less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the sauce and adjust the chili garlic sauce to your liking.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The spice level can be adjusted to suit children, making it a great meal for the whole family.

Conclusion

Dragon Noodles are a flavorful and quick dish that's perfect for busy nights. The combination of savory beef, spicy sauce, and crunchy cashews makes for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone. Plus, with the ability to adjust the spice level and make substitutions, it's a versatile recipe you'll want to make again and again.

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Dragon Noodles are a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish with a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Featuring tender noodles, savory beef, crunchy cashews, and a kick from chili garlic sauce, this dish is customizable to suit all tastes. It's ideal for a weeknight dinner, offering a delicious combination of ingredients that are sure to satisfy.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings
• Category: Dinner, Stir-fry
• Method: Stir-fry
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

8 ounces lo mein noodles (or ramen)

1 pound ground beef

2 tablespoons sesame oil

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (adjust for heat preference)

3 tablespoons brown sugar

¼ cup green onions, sliced

¼ cup cashews, chopped

2 cups broccoli florets

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

• Cook the noodles and broccoli: In a large pot of boiling water, cook the noodles and broccoli together for 6-7 minutes, until the noodles are tender and the broccoli is bright green. Drain and set aside.

• Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

• Cook the beef: Heat sesame oil over medium-high heat in a large pan or wok. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Break the beef into small crumbles as it cooks (about 4-5 minutes).

• Add the sauce: Pour the sauce into the pan with the beef and simmer for 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.

• Combine the noodles: Add the cooked noodles and broccoli to the pan with the beef and sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated.

• Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions and chopped cashews on top and serve immediately.

Notes

• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili garlic sauce.

• Substitute beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, shrimp, or ground chicken to cater to different preferences or dietary needs.

• Add more vegetables like bell peppers or snow peas for extra crunch and nutrition.

• Reheat leftovers by adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.