This heartwarming noodle dish takes inspiration from the traditional Chinese recipe “Zhurou Doujiao Menmian” (Braised Noodles with Pork and String Beans), but substitutes pork with tender beef and pairs it with sweet, fragrant bullhorn peppers. The combination of soft braised beef, chewy fresh noodles, and rich, aromatic broth makes this dish a satisfying one-pot meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Beef chuck: Includes both fatty and lean parts for layering flavors.

• Bullhorn peppers: Mild, sweet, and aromatic—the perfect complement to the beef.

• Fresh noodles: Thick and chewy, ideally fresh, for better absorption of the rich broth.

• Garlic & onion: Essential aromatics that enhance the dish’s depth of flavor.

Seasonings

• Cooking oil (vegetable oil): Used to extract the beef fat and stir-fry the aromatics.

• Salt & black pepper powder: For seasoning and flavor balance.

• Light soy sauce: Adds umami and enhances the savory flavors.

• Chinese “Thirteen Spice” blend: A versatile mixture of warm spices that give the dish a distinctive aromatic touch.

How It’s Made

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Cut the beef chuck into two parts: trim off the fattier portions for rendering beef oil, and chop the lean meat into small chunks. Set aside.

• Chop the bullhorn peppers into bite-sized pieces.

• Finely chop the garlic and thinly slice the onion.

2. Render the Beef Fat

• Heat a large wok or pan over medium heat and add a small amount of cooking oil.

• Add the fatty beef trimmings and stir-fry until the fat is fully rendered and the pieces turn golden and crispy. Remove the crispy fat pieces or leave them in the dish for extra richness.

3. Cook the Beef

• To the rendered beef oil, add the lean beef chunks along with the chopped garlic and sliced onion.

• Stir-fry the beef over medium-high heat until lightly browned and aromatic.

• Add a splash of light soy sauce, a pinch of Thirteen Spice blend, and enough hot water to cover the beef.

• Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for around 30 minutes, until the beef becomes tender and the liquid reduces to just cover the meat.

4. Add the Vegetables and Noodles

• Once the beef is soft and flavorful, toss in the bullhorn peppers and layer the fresh noodles evenly on top of the beef mixture.

• Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 3 minutes until the noodles are cooked and have absorbed the beef broth.

5. Combine:

• Gently mix the noodles into the beef and broth until everything is well combined and evenly coated by the rich, aromatic sauce.

6. Serve:

• Plate the noodles with the tender beef and soft bullhorn peppers, and serve immediately while hot.

Key Features

• Rich Flavors: The slow-braised beef and flavorful broth provide incredible depth, enhanced by the aromatic garlic, onions, and Chinese spices.

• Perfect Texture: The noodles soak up the savory beef broth while maintaining a chewy texture, creating a beautiful balance with the soft beef and tender peppers.

• One-Pot Wonder: With everything cooked in a single pot or pan, this dish is both easy to prepare and packed with bold, satisfying flavors.

Cooking Tips:

1. Use Fresh Noodles: Fresh noodles work best for this dish as they absorb the broth beautifully without becoming mushy. If using dried noodles, adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Control the Liquid Level: Make sure there’s just enough broth to cook and coat the noodles without drowning them. The remaining soup should be rich and concentrated.

3. Customize the Spice Blend: If you don’t have “Thirteen Spice,” you can substitute with a mixture of ground star anise, cinnamon, cumin, and Sichuan peppercorns for a similar flavor profile.

This “Beef and Green Pepper Braised Noodles” is a comforting, flavor-packed meal that combines tender beef, fragrant bullhorn peppers, and chewy noodles into a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a quick one-pot meal, it’s guaranteed to bring warmth and happiness to the table. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of Chinese-inspired home cooking!

Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to add! 😊