Beef steak with Dan Dan noodles

Beef Steak with Dan Dan Noodles – A Journey Full of Flavors and Textures

Who doesn’t love a juicy steak, accompanied by aromatic noodles and a crunchy side of peas? This beef steak recipe with Dan Dan noodles is more than just a simple dish; it’s an explosion of flavors that will delight your taste buds and transform an ordinary meal into an unforgettable experience. Plus, it will teach you some useful cooking techniques and bring a splash of inspiration to your kitchen.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2

Necessary ingredients

For the steak:
- 250 g beef steak (choose a quality cut like ribeye or tenderloin)
- 1/2 teaspoon Szechuan pepper (this spice adds a distinct, spicy note)
- 5 Chinese spices (a combination of star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, and black pepper)
- 2 cm fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 chili, chopped
- 1/2 clove of garlic, crushed
- 1/2 lime, for squeezing
- a few sprigs of fresh coriander, for garnish

For the peas:
- 150 g sugar snap peas
- 1/2 tablespoon Hoisin sauce (a sweet and savory sauce, perfect for balancing flavors)

For the noodles:
- 3 tablespoons chili oil (or olive oil if you prefer a milder option)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 clove of garlic, crushed
- 1/4 bunch of fresh coriander, chopped
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 200 g egg noodles
- 1/2 organic beef stock cube
- 1/4 lime, for squeezing
- 1 teaspoon honey, for a touch of sweetness

Preparing the beef steak

1. Start by preparing the beef. Place the steak on a clean cutting board and sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. It’s essential to use sea salt or kosher salt to ensure a rich flavor.

2. Using a mortar, grind the Szechuan pepper until it becomes a fine powder. Sprinkle some over the beef, along with the 5 Chinese spices. Olive oil will help the spices stick to the meat, so drizzle a little oil on the steak and massage the spices into the meat.

3. In a bowl, combine the chopped chili, soy sauce, and oil. Add the crushed garlic and mix well. This mixture will add extra flavor to the steak.

4. Heat a grill or skillet over high heat. Place the steak on the grill and cook for 2 minutes on each side for a rare steak. Of course, cooking time may vary depending on your preferences – if you like your meat well done, cook it a bit longer.

Pea garnish

1. In a pot, boil salted water. Add the sugar snap peas and let them boil for a few minutes until they become slightly crunchy. You can preserve their texture by adding a little cold water after boiling.

2. Chop the green onions into rings and divide them between the two bowls that will be used for serving.

3. On a clean cutting board, drizzle a little olive oil and place the steak. Grate the ginger, garlic, and chili on top. Squeeze lime juice over it and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help redistribute the juices in the meat, making it juicier.

Preparing the noodles

1. In the same water you boiled the peas, add the egg noodles and the stock cube. Boil according to the package instructions, usually between 3 and 5 minutes.

2. While the noodles are boiling, squeeze a little lime juice into each bowl and add the honey. This mixture will add a sweet and tangy note to the dish.

3. Once the noodles are ready, drain them and add them to the bowls with the lime and honey mixture. Add a little water from the boiling water to achieve a more fluid consistency.

Assembling the dish

1. Slice the steak into strips about 2 cm thick and coat them in the juices that have dripped onto the cutting board.

2. Divide the noodles between the bowls, then add the peas on top. Drizzle with a little olive oil and gently mix to combine the flavors.

3. Serve the dish immediately, garnishing with fresh coriander leaves and adding a little lime juice for an extra touch of freshness.

Practical tips

- Make sure all ingredients are prepared before you start cooking so that the process goes smoothly.
- The beef steak can be replaced with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- If you can’t find Szechuan pepper, you can use black pepper, but the flavor will be different.
- Don’t forget to adjust the amount of chili according to your heat tolerance.
- This recipe pairs perfectly with a fruity red wine or craft beer.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian option.

2. How can I keep the steak juicy?
Make sure not to overcook it and let it rest after cooking.

3. What are the alternatives for noodles?
You can use rice noodles or buckwheat noodles for a gluten-free option.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is rich in protein due to the beef, while peas provide fiber and vitamins. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, and coriander is a powerful antioxidant. Additionally, Hoisin sauce and chili oil add delicious flavor without adding too many calories.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it’s time to start cooking! This beef steak with Dan Dan noodles will not disappoint, and your family and friends will surely ask for the recipe. Enjoy your meal!