Red-cooked Beef with Noodles

Red-cooked Beef with Noodles Recipe | Chinese Cuisine

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 4

Introduction

Red-cooked Beef with Noodles is a traditional Chinese dish that is known for its rich and flavorful sauce that coats tender pieces of beef. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for impressing guests with its complex flavors.

History

Red-cooked Beef with Noodles has its origins in Chinese cuisine, specifically in the Sichuan province. The dish gets its name from the red color of the sauce, which comes from the soy sauce and other seasonings used in the recipe. It is a popular dish in Chinese households and is often served during special occasions and celebrations.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (700 g) stew beef, cut into 1 inch (3 cm) cubes
3 inches (8 cm) piece of fresh ginger root, peeled and finely chopped
8 cloves of garlic, peeled and flattened with the side of a cleaver or knife, but not chopped
3 scallions (spring onions), white and green parts, cut into 2 inches (5 cm) lengths
0.5 cup (125 ml) of peanut oil
1 tsp (5 ml) of hot red pepper flakes, or to taste
1 tsp (5 ml) of szechwan peppercorns
1 tsp (5 ml) of sugar
3 tbsp (45 ml) of soy sauce
0.5 lb (250 g) of chinese noodles or fettuccine, cooked according to package directions
2 scallions (spring onions), white and green parts, thinly sliced

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, combine the beef, ginger, garlic, the 3 scallions, hot pepper flakes, and Szechwan peppercorns.
Heat the oil in a wok or large, heavy skillet until the surface of the oil shimmers and a few small wisps of smoke appear.
Add the meat and seasonings and stir fry over high heat for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the sugar and soy sauce and continue stir frying for 2 more minutes.
Pour in enough water to cover the meat and reduce the heat to low.
Cook covered for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the meat is very tender.
To serve, place a portion of noodles in the bottom of a soup bowl and ladle the beef on top of the noodles, making sure everyone gets a generous helping of the sauce, and sprinkle with the sliced scallions.

Variations

Substitute the beef with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the beef into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking.

- Flattening the garlic cloves helps to release their flavor into the dish.

- Adjust the amount of hot red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

- Cooking the beef low and slow will result in tender and flavorful meat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Red-cooked Beef with Noodles with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir frying the beef over high heat helps to sear the meat and lock in the flavors. Cooking the beef low and slow in the sauce allows it to become tender and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fettuccine, you can use any type of pasta or noodles in this recipe. You can also use vegetable oil instead of peanut oil.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the noodles fresh before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or sesame seeds for a pop of color and added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Red-cooked Beef with Noodles with a side of steamed rice and a glass of chilled white wine for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Red-cooked Beef with Noodles contains approximately 500 calories.

Carbohydrates

The fettuccine in this recipe provides a good source of carbohydrates, which are essential for energy production in the body.

Fats

The peanut oil used in this recipe adds healthy fats to the dish, which are important for brain function and overall health.

Proteins

The stew beef in this recipe is a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

The ginger and garlic in this recipe provide important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and manganese, which are beneficial for immune function and bone health.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may contain gluten. It also contains peanuts, so it may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Red-cooked Beef with Noodles is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its rich and flavorful sauce and tender pieces of beef, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Red-cooked Beef with Noodles. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mrs. Lin in her cozy kitchen in Chinatown. Mrs. Lin was a wonderful cook and had a knack for creating the most delicious dishes with simple, fresh ingredients. As I entered her kitchen, the aroma of spices and simmering meat filled the air, and I knew I was in for a treat.

Mrs. Lin greeted me with a warm smile and handed me a cup of steaming tea. She was busy at the stove, stirring a pot of rich, red broth that was bubbling away. I asked her what she was making, and she replied with a twinkle in her eye, "Red-cooked Beef with Noodles, a traditional Chinese dish that my grandmother used to make for me when I was a little girl."

I watched intently as Mrs. Lin added fragrant spices like star anise, cinnamon, and ginger to the pot. She explained that red-cooking is a technique where meat is simmered in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and spices until it becomes tender and flavorful. The result is a dish that is rich, savory, and deeply satisfying.

As the beef simmered away, Mrs. Lin boiled a pot of noodles and prepared a simple garnish of green onions and cilantro. Finally, she ladled the fragrant broth over the noodles, and the dish was ready to be served. I took my first bite and was instantly transported back to my childhood, when my own grandmother would make similar dishes for our family gatherings.

I asked Mrs. Lin for the recipe, and she graciously wrote it down for me on a piece of yellowed paper. She explained each step in detail, from marinating the beef in soy sauce and spices to simmering it slowly until it was melt-in-your-mouth tender. I thanked her profusely and promised to make the dish for my own family.

Over the years, I have made Red-cooked Beef with Noodles countless times, refining the recipe and adding my own personal touches. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its rich flavor and comforting warmth. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that day in Mrs. Lin's kitchen, where I learned not just a recipe, but a lesson in the power of food to connect us to our past and create lasting memories.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, stirring a pot of bubbling broth and preparing noodles for dinner, I can't help but feel grateful for the culinary adventures that have brought me here. The recipe for Red-cooked Beef with Noodles is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions – it is a link to my past, a connection to the traditions and flavors that have shaped me into the cook I am today.

And as I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of noodles, fragrant with the spices and memories of generations past, I am filled with a sense of contentment and gratitude for the rich tapestry of experiences that have enriched my life. Cooking is not just about nourishing the body – it is about feeding the soul, preserving traditions, and creating moments of joy and connection with those we love. And for that, I am forever thankful.