Classic Stir-Fried Beef Macaroni

A comforting fusion dish pairing tender, soy-marinated beef with perfectly chewy macaroni in a savory, caramelized sauce.

Ingredients

• 200 g macaroni
• 100 g beef
• 1/2 white onion
• 1 tbsp salt (for boiling)
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 4 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 2 tbsp cooking oil
• optional black pepper

Instructions

1. 1Boil the macaroni

   

   Add a spoonful of salt to a pot of boiling water. Add the macaroni and cook for 9 minutes until tender, then scoop the pasta out and set it aside.

   Tip: Adding salt to the water ensures the pasta is seasoned from the inside out.
2. 2Remove the macaroni

   

   Once the macaroni is cooked, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove it from the boiling water. Set the cooked macaroni aside in a bowl.

   Tip: Using a slotted spoon helps drain excess water quickly, making the next stir-frying step easier.
3. 3Marinate the beef

   

   In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with salt, sugar, light soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the seasonings.

   Tip: Letting the beef sit with these seasonings helps the flavors penetrate deeply.
4. 4Add cornstarch to beef

   

   After marinating with sauces, add a spoonful of cornstarch to the bowl. Mix thoroughly so the beef is coated in a thin layer, then add a splash of oil and mix again.

   Tip: The cornstarch and oil layer creates a protective barrier, ensuring the beef remains smooth and tender during stir-frying.
5. 5Prepare the onion

   

   Take half a white onion and slice it into thin strips. Set the sliced onion aside to be used in the stir-fry.

   Tip: Slicing the onions evenly helps them cook consistently alongside the other ingredients.
6. 6Stir-fry the beef

   

   Heat oil in a pan over high heat. Add the marinated beef slices and stir-fry quickly until they are 80% cooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

   Tip: High heat is essential to sear the beef quickly and keep it tender.
7. 7Stir-fry the onions

   

   Heat a pan with oil, then add the sliced onions. Stir-fry them over low heat until they become soft, translucent, and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness.

   Tip: Cooking the onions slowly over low heat prevents them from burning and helps develop a sweet, mellow flavor.
8. 8Add the macaroni

   

   Once the onions are soft, pour the boiled and drained macaroni directly into the pan. Stir gently to distribute the macaroni evenly with the onions.

   Tip: Ensure the macaroni is well-drained before adding it to prevent excess water from making the dish soggy.
9. 9Return the beef to the pan

   

   Add the previously stir-fried beef slices back into the pan with the macaroni and onions. The beef should be about 80% cooked from the initial sear, ready to finish cooking with the other ingredients.

10. 10Season with soy sauce

    

    Drizzle two spoons of light soy sauce and half a spoon of dark soy sauce over the mixture. If desired, sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper for an extra kick of flavor.

    Tip: Dark soy sauce is mainly used for giving the macaroni a rich, appetizing golden-brown color.
11. 11Flash fry everything together

    

    Turn the heat up to high and quickly toss and stir-fry everything together until the sauces are evenly coated and well combined. Serve hot while the beef is tender and the macaroni is perfectly chewy.

    Tip: Stir-frying quickly on high heat at the very end locks in the flavors without overcooking the beef.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions