Name: Vietnamese Stir Fried Macaroni with Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: For the Stir-Fry: 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain; 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 1 red bell pepper, julienned; 1/2 cup carrots, julienned; 2 cups cooked macaroni pasta (or any short pasta of your choice); 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional, for extra flavor); 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp sugar (to balance flavors); Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish); Optional Toppings: Crushed peanuts or cashews; Lime wedges for serving

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Vietnamese Stir Fried Macaroni with Beef is a fusion dish that blends the flavors of traditional Vietnamese cuisine with the comforting texture of macaroni pasta. This savory dish features tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, all stir-fried together with macaroni. It’s a unique and tasty meal that offers a great balance of textures and flavors, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner or a casual family meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a delicious and satisfying combination of savory stir-fried beef, crisp vegetables, and soft macaroni noodles. The flavors are bold and aromatic, thanks to the mix of garlic, soy sauce, and fish sauce, which are key ingredients in Vietnamese cooking. The beef is tender and flavorful, while the vegetables add a fresh crunch to every bite. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for anyone who loves fusion cuisine or is looking to try something new with pasta.

Vietnamese Stir Fried Macaroni with Beef

Ingredients

1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
2 cups macaroni pasta
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 carrot, julienned
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup water or beef broth (for stir-fry sauce)
Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish (optional)

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

Directions

Cook the macaroni:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the stir-fry sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, oyster sauce, black pepper, and water or beef broth. Set the sauce aside.
Stir-fry the beef:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine the ingredients:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked macaroni pasta and the stir-fry sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring that the pasta and beef are well-coated in the sauce. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve:
Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Omit the beef and substitute with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn for more texture.
Spicy Version: Add sliced fresh chili or a tablespoon of chili paste to the stir-fry sauce for a spicy kick.
Chicken Stir Fry: Replace the beef with thinly sliced chicken breast for a lighter variation.
Noodle Option: Swap the macaroni with other types of noodles, such as rice noodles or egg noodles, to suit your preference.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover Vietnamese Stir Fried Macaroni with Beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a little bit of water or broth if necessary to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta instead of macaroni?

Yes, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or shells in place of macaroni. The texture and shape of the pasta will work well in this dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Slice the beef and vegetables, cook the pasta, and mix the sauce, then store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Stir-frying everything together will only take a few minutes once you’re ready to serve.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and use gluten-free pasta.

Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables if fresh ones are unavailable. Be sure to thaw and drain the vegetables before adding them to the stir-fry to avoid excess moisture.

How can I add more vegetables to the stir-fry?

Feel free to add any of your favorite stir-fry vegetables, such as broccoli, snow peas, baby corn, or snap peas. Just make sure to slice them thinly so they cook quickly and evenly.

Can I make this recipe without fish sauce?

If you don’t have fish sauce, you can use soy sauce or hoisin sauce as a substitute, though it will alter the flavor slightly. A small splash of Worcestershire sauce can also provide some depth.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes! To make it spicy, add sliced fresh chilies or a spoonful of chili paste to the stir-fry sauce, or top with chili flakes before serving.

Can I use ground beef instead of sliced beef?

Yes, you can use ground beef instead of sliced beef. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly, breaking it up as it cooks, and then continue with the recipe as directed.

How can I make this dish more saucy?

If you prefer a saucier dish, you can increase the amount of stir-fry sauce by 1-2 tablespoons and add a bit more water or beef broth. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

What do I serve with this dish?

This stir-fry is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side of steamed rice or a simple cucumber salad to balance out the flavors.

Conclusion

Vietnamese Stir Fried Macaroni with Beef is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the bold flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with the comforting texture of macaroni pasta. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a flavorful meal that’s both comforting and exciting. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!