Spicy Garlic Beef Noodles

The first bite of Spicy Garlic Beef Noodles hits you with a rush of bold flavors—tender beef mingling with tingly garlic and a spicy punch that’s both satisfying and addictive. It’s a bowl of noodles coated in a savory soy sauce, mixed with deliciously seasoned and perfectly browned ground beef, all finished with the kick of garlic and chili. It’s the kind of dish that has you coming back for seconds—or thirds (I confess!)

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I make this dish often, and it always turns out to be just what I’m craving. The smell of garlic sizzling with the beef is enough to make my mouth water. Hot red chile pepper adds just the right amount of heat, which you can adjust to your liking. It’s also a great way to use up whatever noodles you have on hand—Chinese egg noodles (Hokkien noodles) or wheat noodles, ramen noodles, rice noodles, or even some leftover pasta.

Ramen noodles are my go-to for this dish because they have that perfect chewy texture, but you can really use any type of noodle you like. Hokkien noodles, or Chinese egg noodles, also work really well. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s downright delicious.

Ingredient Notes

You don’t need much beyond pantry basics to make these Spicy Garlic Beef Noodles. The ingredients are pretty simple, but each plays a crucial role in building the flavors of the dish.

• Noodles: The chewy texture ramen noodles works perfectly here, but any noodles will do—rice noodles, Hokkien noodles, udon, or even spaghetti in a pinch.
• Ground beef: The heart of the dish. Ground beef gives that rich, meaty flavor, but you can substitute with ground chicken, turkey, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option.

How to Make It

Making Spicy Garlic Beef Noodles is as easy as it gets. This dish comes together quickly, so I recommend having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.

1. Cook the noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to the package directions. Drain and toss with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Season the beef: Season the ground beef with sea salt and black pepper to enhance its flavor.
3. Sear the beef: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of vegetable oil. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3 minutes.
4. Add garlic and chili: Lower the heat to medium. Add crushed garlic and sliced red chili to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Combine everything: Add the cooked noodles and soy sauce to the skillet. Toss everything together and stir-fry for about 1 minute.
6. Garnish and serve: Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onion. Serve hot and enjoy!

More Ways to Use Ramen Noodles

Ramen noodles are incredibly versatile, making them the perfect base for all kinds of dishes beyond the classic bowl of soup. I love using them in stir-fries like this on, or in the even simpler Garlic Chili Oil Noodles. And of course, you can’t go wrong with a classic bowl of ramen noodles in rich, savory broth. Try them in Gochujang Ramen, which has a spicy kick, or in Chicken Katsu Ramen.

Another great option is a refreshing Ramen Salad. Think of it as an easy way to add texture and heartiness. Toss cooked and chilled ramen noodles with fresh veggies, a tangy sesame dressing, and maybe even some grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein. You can also try ramen in a noodle stir-fry like garlic chili oil noodles—toss the cooked noodles in a spicy, garlicky sauce for a quick weeknight meal.