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#### For the Stir-Fry:
– **1/2 pound beef sirloin**, thinly sliced (or flank steak)
– **1/2 pound shrimp**, peeled and deveined
– **8 oz noodles** (egg noodles, rice noodles, or any type you prefer)
– **1 tablespoon vegetable oil** (for stir-frying)
– **1 red bell pepper**, thinly sliced
– **1/2 onion**, thinly sliced
– **1 medium carrot**, julienned or sliced thinly
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **1-inch piece of ginger**, grated
– **2 green onions**, chopped (for garnish)
#### For the Sauce:
– **2 tablespoons soy sauce**
– **1 tablespoon oyster sauce**
– **1 tablespoon chili paste** (or more if you like it spicy!)
– **1 tablespoon rice vinegar**
– **1 tablespoon honey** (or sugar)
– **1 teaspoon sesame oil**
– **1/4 cup water** (to thin out the sauce)
### Instructions:
#### Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. If you’re using egg noodles or rice noodles, be sure to drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Once they’re cooked and drained, set them aside.
#### Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili paste, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and water. Stir well to make a smooth sauce and set aside. Adjust the amount of chili paste to your desired level of heat—this is where the zesty kick comes from!
#### Step 3: Cook the Beef and Shrimp
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced beef and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it begins to brown and cook through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the beef.
#### Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, and toss in the garlic, ginger, red bell pepper, onion, and carrot. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the veggies are tender-crisp. You want them to retain their color and crunch, so don’t overcook them.
#### Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked beef and shrimp back into the skillet with the vegetables. Then, add the cooked noodles and pour the sauce over the top. Toss everything together to ensure the sauce coats the beef, shrimp, noodles, and vegetables evenly. Continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
#### Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is perfectly mixed, remove the stir-fry from the heat. Serve the dish in bowls and garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.
### Why You’ll Love This Zesty Chili Beef & Shrimp Noodle Stir-Fry:
1. **Packed with Flavor**: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili paste, and sesame oil creates a savory, spicy sauce that perfectly complements the tender beef and shrimp. It’s the ultimate balance of umami, sweetness, and heat.
2. **Quick and Easy**: This stir-fry comes together in about 30 minutes, making it the ideal dish for a weeknight dinner when you want something tasty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
3. **Versatile Ingredients**: You can easily adjust the recipe to fit your preferences. Swap out the beef for chicken, use tofu for a vegetarian version, or mix in any of your favorite vegetables like mushrooms or snow peas.
4. **Satisfying Yet Light**: The dish is hearty with the beef, shrimp, and noodles, but it’s still light enough that it won’t leave you feeling too full or sluggish after eating. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and fresh ingredients.
5. **Customizable Heat**: The chili paste gives the stir-fry a zesty kick, but you can control how spicy the dish gets based on your preference. Add more chili paste if you love spice, or tone it down for a more mild flavor.
### Tips for Success:
– **Use a High-Quality Soy Sauce**: For the best flavor, opt for a high-quality soy sauce or low-sodium version if you’re watching your salt intake.
– **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp**: Shrimp cooks very quickly, so be sure to remove it from the skillet as soon as it turns pink and opaque to prevent it from becoming rubbery.
– **Use a Wok or Large Skillet**: A wok is ideal for stir-frying because it allows the heat to distribute evenly and gives you more surface area to work with. If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet will work just as well.
– **Make It Your Own**: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, or baby corn. You can also try different types of noodles, like soba or udon, for a unique twist.
### Final Thoughts:
This **Zesty Chili Beef & Shrimp Noodle Stir-Fry** is a fantastic dish that checks all the boxes: it’s quick, flavorful, customizable, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, it’s sure to be a hit. The combination of tender beef, succulent shrimp, and flavorful noodles drenched in a spicy, savory sauce will leave your taste buds dancing.
Try this recipe tonight for a deliciously bold dinner that’s packed with everything you need—protein, veggies, and a satisfying kick of heat. Get ready to add this stir-fry to your regular dinner rotation!
