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Beef Noodle Salad Bowls — Fresh homemade recipe photo

Beef Noodle Salad Bowls

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I learned the hard way that boiling noodles straight in broth turns them into a soggy, starchy disaster by mealtime. Now I rinse them under cold water after cooking to stop the heat and keep their bite intact, which is the single biggest upgrade this salad has seen since I first made it.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

For the Noodles
  • 8 oz 225g rice noodles or udon noodles
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil such as canola or vegetable
For the Beef & Vegetables
  • 1 lb 450g flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets blanched and cooled
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup cucumber julienned or thinly sliced
For the Sesame Ginger Dressing
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce low sodium preferred
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
For Garnish
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • Fresh cilantro or mint leaves optional

Method
 

  1. Prep the beef: Place the thinly sliced flank steak in a bowl and toss with cornstarch until lightly coated. This helps create a nice sear and keeps the meat tender.
  2. Cook the noodles: Boil noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain immediately and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Toss with 1/2 teaspoon of neutral oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  3. Sear the steak: Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat with 1/2 tablespoon of neutral oil. Add the beef in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and cook for 60-90 seconds per side until browned but still pink inside. The internal temperature should reach 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare or 145°F (63°C) for medium. Remove beef from the pan and set aside on a plate.
  4. Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add remaining oil if needed. Add the sliced red bell pepper and carrots. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Stir in the blanched broccoli and cook for another minute. Remove from heat.
  5. Make the dressing: While the beef cooks, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl or jar until emulsified and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Assemble the bowls: In a large serving bowl, combine the rinsed noodles, sautéed vegetables, and cooked beef. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  7. Serve: Divide into individual bowls. Top with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh herbs. Serve immediately for best texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 28gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 920mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 4mg

Notes

It’s become my go-to for when I need dinner on the table fast but don’t want takeout. The sesame-ginger dressing comes together in two minutes, and tossing everything together means no dirty pans except for the skillet. It keeps well in the fridge for three days, though I always add fresh herbs right before eating.

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