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Welcome to a flavor-packed culinary journey with this delectable recipe for Slow-cooker Sticky Chilli Beef Noodles. Picture succulent diced beef swimming in a luscious sweet and spicy sauce, embracing tender noodles in a warm, comforting hug. This dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights, where the slow cooker effortlessly transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.
As the aroma of ginger and garlic fills your kitchen, you’ll be transported to a cozy haven where every bite tells a story of homemade goodness. The magic of dark soy sauce and honey dancing together brings a delightful nostalgia of family dinners and takeout treats. Whether it’s a rainy day craving or a gathering of loved ones, these sticky chili noodles promise to please even the pickiest of palates.
Embrace customization with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, a handful of fresh coriander, or a crunchy finish of roasted nuts. Feel free to experiment with protein choices or veggie additions to make this recipe your own. Once you’ve savored the last bite, you’ll find yourself eagerly anticipating the next time this Slow-cooker Sticky Chilli Beef Noodles graces your table, creating moments that linger in your heart and soul.
Quick Benefits
- Convenient and Fuss-Free: Let the slow cooker do most of the work for a comforting meal that feels special with minimal effort.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customize with different proteins like diced pork or even tofu, and add extra veggies for a nutritious twist.
- Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Store any leftovers easily in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze the beef portion for longer storage.
Why You’ll Love This Tender Slow-cooker Beef Noodles with Delicious Sticky Chilli Sauce Recipe
- Convenience: Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal hands-on cooking time, allowing the slow cooker to do most of the work.
- Rich Flavor: Melt-in-your-mouth beef coated in a glossy sweet and spicy sauce that combines honey with dark soy sauce, creating a nostalgic and comforting taste.
- Aromatic: Fills the kitchen with warm and inviting scents, making it ideal for rainy days or when you crave a cozy meal.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with various proteins like pork or tofu, extra veggies such as snap peas or mushrooms, and different garnishes for a personalized touch.
- Make-ahead Friendly: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for longer storage, making it a great option for meal prep.
- Family Favorite: Picky eaters will love the flavors, and everyone will gather around the slow cooker for a taste test before dinner is served.
- Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust spiciness to your preference by adding more sweet chili sauce or fresh chilies for an extra kick.
- Homemade Takeout Experience: Inspired by Asian takeout dishes but with a homemade twist, bringing together rich savory notes in a cozy and comforting meal.
- Pantry Staples: Requires only a handful of staple ingredients, making it easy to whip up without a special trip to the store.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of steamed bok choy or broccoli, and top with sesame seeds, fresh coriander, roasted peanuts, or cashews for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients for Tender Slow-cooker Beef Noodles with Delicious Sticky Chilli Sauce
Beef and Aromatics
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped
- 400 g diced beef
Sauce and Seasoning
- 200 ml hot water
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 beef stock cube
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
Finishing and Serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Fresh coriander, to garnish (optional)
- Ready-to-wok noodles, for serving
Pro Tips for Tender Slow-cooker Beef Noodles with Delicious Sticky Chilli Sauce
For the most flavorful outcome, consider browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. While optional, this step can enhance the depth of flavor in the dish.
To achieve the perfect texture, opt for cooking on the low heat setting for 8 hours. If you’re pressed for time, cutting the beef into smaller pieces can help if you need to use the high setting.
Add the ready-to-wok noodles during the last 15 minutes of cooking to ensure they soak up the delicious sauce without becoming overcooked. Feel free to customize the dish by adjusting the spiciness level to your preference with additional sweet chili sauce or fresh chilies.
How to Make Tender Slow-cooker Beef Noodles with Delicious Sticky Chilli Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Base
Combine diced beef, grated garlic, diced ginger, onion, red pepper, dark soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, cider vinegar, honey, hot water, and crumbled beef stock cube in the slow cooker. Stir well.
Step 2: Brown the Beef (Optional)
To enhance flavor and color, sear the beef in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker. This step is optional for a simpler preparation.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Mixture
Cover and cook on high for 5 hours or low for 8 hours. For a more tender outcome, opt for the low setting. If using the high setting, dice the beef into 1 cm cubes.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
Once the beef is cooked and tender, add the pre-cooked noodles to the slow cooker. Stir and cook for 15 more minutes until noodles are softened and soaked in the sauce. Adjust consistency with light soy sauce and water if necessary.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh coriander before serving hot.
Storage Tips
After making the Slow-cooker Sticky Chilli Beef Noodles, store any leftovers promptly by cooling them quickly and transferring them to airtight containers. The noodle dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the beef portion separately from the noodles. When reheating the noodles, add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen them up and restore their texture.
To enhance the flavors and textures of the dish, consider adding chopped cilantro or fresh scallions as a garnish. For added crunch, top the noodles with roasted peanuts or cashews. To elevate the meal further, serve it with a side of steamed bok choy or broccoli. Additionally, if you’re looking to customize the recipe, you can explore using different proteins like diced pork, and incorporating additional vegetables such as snap peas or sliced mushrooms. This recipe offers flexibility and the opportunity to make it your own while still delivering a comforting and flavorful dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have cider vinegar, feel free to substitute it with rice vinegar or regular white vinegar for a similar tangy effect in the sauce. Additionally, if you prefer a different protein, diced pork can be used instead of beef in this recipe. To add more vegetables to the dish, consider including snap peas or sliced mushrooms alongside the red bell pepper for added flavor and texture.
For a fresh herb garnish, cilantro or scallions work well to enhance the dish’s flavors. You can also add roasted peanuts or cashews on top for extra crunch. To make the meal more substantial, serve the noodles with a side of steamed bok choy or broccoli. Lastly, if you want to make a plant-based version, swap the beef for firm tofu or mushrooms and use a vegetable stock cube instead of beef stock for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Slow-cooker Sticky Chilli Beef Noodles by heaping a generous portion of the tender beef and glossy sauce over a bed of steamed jasmine rice for a comforting and satisfying meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch and a pop of visual appeal. Pair it with a side of quick-pickled cucumbers or a bright Asian slaw to balance out the richness of the dish.
For a fun and interactive serving idea, set up a DIY noodle bowl bar where each person can customize their bowl with toppings like fresh cilantro, sliced scallions, chopped peanuts, and a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick. Let your guests mix and match to create their perfect flavor combination, making dinnertime a playful and engaging experience for everyone at the table.
FAQs for Tender Slow-cooker Beef Noodles with Delicious Sticky Chilli Sauce
Can I use a different protein in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap the diced beef for diced pork to make this sticky chilli noodles dish with a different protein. Both work well with the sweet and spicy sauce.
How long can I store leftovers of this dish?
You can store any leftovers of this noodle dish in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the beef portion separately from the noodles. Reheat the noodles with a splash of water or soy sauce to keep them from drying out.
What can I use as a substitute for cider vinegar?
If you don’t have cider vinegar, you can substitute it with rice vinegar or regular white vinegar in this recipe. The acidity from these vinegars will still contribute the necessary tang to the sauce.
Do I have to brown the beef before slow cooking?
Browning the beef before slow cooking is optional for this dish. While it can add depth of flavor, the recipe will still turn out delicious if you skip this step, making it a fuss-free meal that lets the slow cooker do most of the work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Slow-cooker Sticky Chilli Beef Noodles is a recipe that embodies the essence of comfort and convenience. It’s a dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings a sense of togetherness as loved ones gather around to savor its delectable flavors. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to customize it to suit your preferences, whether through different protein choices or added veggies for a nutritional boost.
So, the next time you’re craving a cozy homemade meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction, look no further than Slow-cooker Sticky Chilli Beef Noodles. Let the slow cooker work its magic as you anticipate the delightful aroma that will fill your kitchen, signaling that a delicious meal is on the way. With its savory-sweet sauce and tender beef, this dish is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation, promising smiles and empty plates with every serving.
Tender Slow-cooker Beef Noodles with Delicious Sticky Chilli Sauce
Tender beef, glossy sweet and spicy sauce, and comforting noodles make this Slow-cooker Sticky Chilli Beef Noodles a cozy, aromatic meal for any night.
Prep Time15 Minutes
Cook Time300 Minutes
Total Time315 Minutes
CuisineAsian Fusion
Skill LevelEasy
Servings2 Servings
Ingredients
Beef and Aromatics
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped
- 400 g diced beef
Sauce and Seasoning
- 200 ml hot water
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 beef stock cube
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
Finishing and Serving
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Fresh coriander, to garnish (optional)
- Ready-to-wok noodles, for serving
Instructions
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Prepare the Slow Cooker Base: Combine diced beef, grated garlic, diced ginger, onion, red pepper, dark soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, cider vinegar, honey, hot water, and crumbled beef stock cube in the slow cooker. Stir well.
-
Brown the Beef (Optional): To enhance flavor and color, sear the beef in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker. This step is optional for a simpler preparation.
-
Slow Cook the Mixture: Cover and cook on high for 5 hours or low for 8 hours. For a more tender outcome, opt for the low setting. If using the high setting, dice the beef into 1 cm cubes.
-
Add the Noodles: Once the beef is cooked and tender, add the pre-cooked noodles to the slow cooker. Stir and cook for 15 more minutes until noodles are softened and soaked in the sauce. Adjust consistency with light soy sauce and water if necessary.
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Finish and Serve: If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh coriander before serving hot.
