Table of Contents: Spicy Beef Sambal Noodles
Spicy Beef Sambal Noodles
Remember those vibrant, fragrant noodle dishes you enjoyed on your travels? Or maybe the comforting warmth of a family stir-fry? Well, you don’t need a plane ticket or a special occasion to experience that joy again.
This Spicy Beef Sambal Noodles recipe brings the bold flavors of Asia right to your kitchen, creating a delicious and satisfying meal the whole family will love. It’s quicker to prepare than you think and will become a new staple for those cozy weeknight dinners.
Introduction: Spicy Beef Sambal Noodles
There’s something undeniably comforting about a big bowl of noodles. But let’s be honest, sometimes “comforting” can equal “boring.” Not these! Our Spicy Beef Sambal Noodles are anything but boring. This dish is a symphony of flavors – savory beef, fragrant garlic, sweet tomatoes, and a fiery kick from the sambal, all tossed with perfectly cooked rice stick noodles. It’s a satisfying, well-rounded meal that’s both quick enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests.
This recipe taps into the fantastic tradition of chili beef noodles and Sambal beef stir fry, popular pan-Asian dishes loved for their bold flavors and customizable heat levels. Sambal is a true star here, offering a complex chili flavor that elevates this noodle dish beyond the ordinary. If you’re looking for an Asian spicy noodles experience that’s both authentic and accessible, look no further. It’s ideal for casual family dinners, potlucks, or even a festive addition to your holiday spread. Think warm, inviting, and delicious – that’s what this is about.
Alternate Names & Variations
You might come across similar dishes under a few different names, like “Mie Goreng with Beef” (though Mie Goreng typically includes a specific type of noodle and flavor profile), or simply “Spicy Asian Beef Noodles.” Many variations exist depending on the region and personal preference.
For a lighter version, you could swap the beef mince for shredded chicken. Vegetarians can replace the beef with firm tofu, ensuring it’s pressed well to remove excess moisture. Adding different vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or bok choy to this simple Sambal beef stir fry is also a delicious way to customize the dish and add extra nutrients.
Ingredients: Spicy Beef Sambal Noodles

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavor-packed dish:
- * 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- * 500g (1 lb) beef mince
- * 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- * 1 onion, finely diced
- * 4 tomatoes, diced
- * 375g (13 oz) dried rice stick noodles
- * Finely sliced spring onion (scallions), to serve
- * Chilli flakes, to serve (optional)
Stir-fry Sauce:
- * 3 tbsp oyster sauce
- * 2 tbsp sambal oelek or Chinese chilli garlic paste
- * 2 tsp dark sweet soy sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rice stick noodles and cook according to package directions – usually around 5-7 minutes. Drain the noodles well and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside. Chef’s Tip: Don’t overcook the noodles! They will continue to soften in the sauce.
- 2. Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the beef mince and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- 3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the chopped garlic and diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and softened. Don’t let the garlic burn!
- 4. Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until they start to break down and release their juices.
- 5. Combine the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, sambal oelek (or chili garlic paste), and dark sweet soy sauce.
- 6. Incorporate the Beef & Sauce: Add the browned beef to the wok with the tomatoes and onions. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well to coat the beef thoroughly. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- 7. Add the Noodles: Add the cooked rice stick noodles to the wok and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the spicy beef sauce. Ensure the noodles are heated through.
- 8. Serve & Garnish: Serve the Spicy Beef Sambal Noodles immediately, garnished with finely sliced spring onion (scallions) and a sprinkle of chili flakes (if desired) for an extra kick.
Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Approximate Calories per Serving: 600-700 (depending on beef fat content and sauce quantities)
Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips
This recipe works because it’s all about balance. The richness of the beef and oyster sauce is cut through by the acidity of the tomatoes and the fiery kick of the sambal. The dark sweet soy sauce adds a depth of flavor and a beautiful glaze to the noodles. It’s easy comfort food for family dinners that’s full of flavour and can be tailored to everyone’s spice preference.
For those looking to reduce salt content, use a low-sodium oyster sauce or reduce the quantity slightly. To increase the vegetable content, stir-fry some sliced mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onions and garlic.
And if you’re short on time, pre-minced garlic and diced onions are perfectly acceptable shortcuts! This recipe is so versatile – don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Want even more spice? Brown some finely chopped red chili with the garlic and onions – it really amps up the heat!
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
Leftover Spicy Beef Sambal Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Remember that the noodles will absorb some of the sauce over time, so it’s best to add a splash of water or soy sauce when reheating.
While you can freeze this dish, the noodle texture may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, it’s best to freeze the beef and sauce mixture separately from the cooked noodles. Thaw completely before combining and reheating.
To reheat, either microwave in short bursts (stirring in between) or heat gently in a wok or frying pan over medium heat, adding a little water or soy sauce to prevent sticking. This is a great way to enjoy chili beef noodles for lunch the next day!
People Also Ask: Spicy Beef Sambal Noodles

How do you make spicy beef sambal noodles?
This recipe is simple! Start by cooking rice stick noodles. Then, brown beef mince and sauté aromatics like garlic and onion. A sauce with oyster sauce, sambal, and sweet soy is cooked with the beef, and finally, the noodles are tossed through to absorb all the delicious flavors. It’s a quick Asian spicy noodles dish that’s perfect for a satisfying meal. The key is to not overcook the noodles and to keep the heat high when stir-frying.
H3: What is sambal and how is it used?
Sambal is a chili sauce or paste typically made from a mixture of chilies, shrimp paste (belacan), garlic, ginger, shallots, and other spices. It’s a staple condiment in Indonesian, Malaysian, and Singaporean cuisine. There are many different types of sambal, varying in heat level and ingredients. In this Sambal beef stir fry, sambal oelek, or Chinese chilli garlic paste provides the heat and signature flavour. It’s a wonderful addition to noodles, rice dishes, soups, and even grilled meats.
What kind of noodles are best for stir fry?
Rice stick noodles are an excellent choice for stir-fries, as they absorb flavors beautifully and have a pleasant chewy texture. Egg noodles and lo mein noodles are also popular choices. However, avoid using very delicate noodles like angel hair pasta, as they can become mushy during the stir-frying process. You want something that can hold its own against the sauce and ingredients. We’ve found rice stick noodles deliver the best results for these Spicy Beef Sambal Noodles.
How to get tender beef in spicy noodles?
The key to tender beef is to start with good-quality mince and avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding reduces the heat and steams the beef, making it tough. Ensure the pan is hot before adding the beef and break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. You can also marinate the beef for 15-30 minutes in a little soy sauce and cornstarch to help tenderize it. Finally, don’t overcook the beef – it should be browned, but still juicy.
Conclusion: Spicy Beef Sambal Noodles
So there you have it – a fantastically flavorful and surprisingly easy Spicy Beef Sambal Noodles recipe that’s sure to become a favourite. We hope you enjoy the delightful combination of spices and textures. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of sambal to suit your personal taste. Give it a try tonight and let us know what you think in the comments below! Share your creations with us on social media – we love to see what you’re cooking.
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Spicy Beef Sambal Noodles 🌶️ | Quick & Flavorful Asian Recipe
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These fiery Spicy Beef Sambal Noodles are packed with bold flavors and tender beef in a rich, aromatic sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re craving something intensely flavorful yet easy to make. The combination of sambal oelek and sweet soy sauce creates a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 500g (1 lb) beef mince
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 4 tomatoes, diced
- 375g (13 oz) dried rice stick noodles
- finely sliced spring onion (scallions), to serve
- chilli flakes, to serve (optional)
- Stir-fry sauce:
- 3 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp sambal oelek or Chinese chilli garlic paste
- 2 tsp dark sweet soy sauce
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large wok or frying pan over high heat. Add beef mince and cook, breaking up with a spoon, for 5 minutes or until browned.
- Add garlic and onion, cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Meanwhile, prepare noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Add sauce to the beef mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add drained noodles and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve topped with spring onions and extra chilli flakes if desired.
Notes
Tips: For extra vegetables, add bell peppers or bean sprouts with the tomatoes. Substitutions: Chicken or pork mince works well too. Storage: Keeps in fridge for up to 3 days – reheat with a splash of water to loosen sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: spicy beef noodles, sambal recipe, quick dinner