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the best Asian Ground Beef Noodles

Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s quick, hearty, and different from the usual red sauce pasta? These Asian Ground Beef Noodles are the perfect answer! Packed with bold flavors like soy sauce, ginger, and Chinese dark vinegar, this one-pot meal is simple yet incredibly satisfying. It’s comfort food with an Asian twist, ready in just 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-Pot Wonder – The sauce and beef come together in the same pan, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Packed with Flavor – Savory soy sauce, fragrant ginger, and a kick of white pepper bring out rich Asian-inspired taste.
  • Customizable Heat – Top with chili oil and black vinegar for an extra punch, or keep it mild for the family.
  • Versatile – Works with vermicelli, ramen, rice noodles, or even spaghetti in a pinch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Ground beef – Adds rich, savory depth.
  • Soy sauce – For umami and a slight sweetness.
  • Grated ginger – Fresh and aromatic.
  • White pepper powder – Mild, clean spice (black pepper works too).
  • Corn flour (cornstarch) – To thicken the sauce.
  • Spring onions – Bright freshness on top.
  • Noodles – Vermicelli is closest to Chinese hand-pulled noodles, but any pasta works.
  • Chinese dark vinegar (optional) – For tang and balance.
  • Chinese chili oil (optional) – For heat and extra flavor.

How to Make Asian Ground Beef Noodles

  1. Cook the Beef – In a saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until lightly browned.
  2. Build the Flavor – Stir in grated ginger and soy sauce. Let it sizzle for 10–15 seconds to caramelize and deepen the flavor.
  3. Simmer the Sauce – Add 1 cup of water and white pepper powder. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, adding more water if needed.
  4. Boil the Noodles – While the beef cooks, boil the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  5. Thicken It Up – Mix corn flour with ½ cup of water, then stir into the beef sauce until thickened.
  6. Toss and Serve – Add the cooked noodles to the sauce, toss to coat, and top with spring onions. Add chili oil and vinegar to taste.

Recipe Notes & Tips

  • Caramelize the soy sauce – Stir fry for a few seconds before adding water to bring out sweet, toasty flavors.
  • Vermicelli or swap – Vermicelli has a texture similar to hand-pulled noodles, but spaghetti, ramen, or udon work well.
  • Heat level – Adjust chili oil and white pepper to taste, or omit for a kid-friendly version.
  • Make it your own – Toss in veggies like bok choy, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

FAQs

What is white pepper powder?
White pepper comes from the same plant as black pepper but is harvested differently. It has a lighter, more delicate flavor and is widely used in Chinese cooking. Black pepper can be substituted.

Is corn flour the same as cornstarch?
Yes! Corn flour in this recipe means cornstarch, which is used to thicken the sauce.

What is Chinese black vinegar?
It’s a dark, tangy vinegar made from fermented rice and wheat. The most common variety is Zhenjiang vinegar.

Why add vinegar and chili oil at the end?
They’re best served fresh for maximum flavor, and it lets everyone adjust spice and tanginess to their liking.

Serving Suggestions

These noodles are a complete meal on their own, but you can pair them with:

  • Steamed or stir-fried veggies
  • Asian cucumber salad
  • Dumplings or spring rolls

Asian Ground Beef Noodles Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 250 g ground beef
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 2 tsp white pepper powder (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp corn flour (cornstarch)
  • 2 tbsp spring onions, chopped
  • 120 g vermicelli noodles (or noodles of choice)
  • 2 tbsp Chinese dark vinegar (optional)
  • 2 tbsp Chinese chili oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a saucepan. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
  2. Stir in ginger and soy sauce. Cook 10–15 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add 1 cup water and white pepper powder. Cover and simmer 10 minutes.
  4. Cook noodles according to package directions; drain.
  5. Mix corn flour with ½ cup water and stir into beef sauce until thickened.
  6. Toss noodles into the sauce and top with spring onions. Add vinegar and chili oil if desired.

👉 These Asian Ground Beef Noodles are bold, cozy, and ready in 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you need something easy yet full of flavor!