Beef Fried Noodles
South Indian • All Foods
How to Make Beef Fried Noodles (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Beef Fried Noodles, inspired by Southern Chinese (Cantonese) cuisine, are a delicious fusion snack now enjoyed by food lovers across India, especially in cosmopolitan cities like Mumbai and Kolkata. This dish features tender strips of lean beef stir-fried with whole wheat noodles, colorful vegetables, and aromatic soy-based sauces, creating a savory, slightly smoky flavor profile. Indian street food culture has embraced Indo-Chinese recipes like Beef Fried Noodles for their bold taste and quick preparation, making them a favorite snack among college students and working professionals. The authentic Cantonese approach uses minimal oil and fresh ingredients, ensuring the noodles retain their signature chewy texture while the beef remains juicy and flavorful. By adapting the recipe to use whole wheat noodles instead of refined flour, and packing in extra vegetables, this version delivers higher fiber, more micronutrients, and a lower glycemic index – ideal for health-conscious Indians tracking calories and macros. Enjoy this dish as a filling snack or light meal that perfectly balances protein, healthy carbs, and satisfying taste.
Ingredients(for 1 bowl (approx. 250g) noodles with beef and vegetables)
- 120g (dry weight) Whole wheat noodles (atta noodles or soba if available)
- 100g Lean beef (boneless) (cut into thin strips)
- 1/2 cup Bell peppers (julienned; mix of red and yellow)
- 1/4 cup Carrot (julienned)
- 1/4 cup Spring onions (chopped; use both white and green parts)
- 2 cloves Garlic (finely chopped)
- 1.5 tbsp Soy sauce (low sodium) (for flavor)
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper powder (freshly ground)
- 2 tsp Sesame oil (cold-pressed preferred)
- to taste Salt (use Himalayan pink salt if possible)
- 1 Green chilies (slit; optional for extra heat) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Boil whole wheat noodles in plenty of water with a pinch of salt until just al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with 1 tsp sesame oil to prevent sticking.
7 minutes
Do not overcook noodles; they should be slightly chewy.
- 2
Heat a wok (kadhai) on high flame. Add 1 tsp sesame oil, then quickly stir-fry garlic and green chilies (if using) until fragrant.
2 minutes
Use high heat for authentic wok flavor and to retain crunch.
- 3
Add beef strips to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just cooked and slightly browned. Remove and set aside.
3 minutes
Do not overcook beef; thin slices cook fast and stay tender.
- 4
In the same wok, add bell peppers, carrots, and spring onions. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
3 minutes
Keep veggies slightly crunchy for best texture and nutrition.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This Beef Fried Noodles recipe is a smart choice for calorie-conscious eaters. Whole wheat noodles reduce the glycemic index, helping maintain stable blood sugar levels. Lean beef increases protein content, keeping you full for longer, while the abundance of vegetables adds fiber and essential micronutrients. Minimal oil and low-sodium condiments further decrease excess calories and sodium, making it an excellent snack for weight management and overall wellness.
Whole wheat noodles provide complex carbohydrates, fiber, and B vitamins, making them a healthier alternative to refined flour noodles. Lean beef is a high-quality source of protein, iron, and zinc, supporting muscle growth and immunity. The addition of colorful vegetables boosts vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants, while sesame oil delivers heart-healthy unsaturated fats. Choosing low-sodium soy sauce helps manage sodium intake, making this dish suitable for people watching their blood pressure or overall salt consumption.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Slice beef thinly for quick and even cooking.
- 💡Tip 2: Use high heat and a wide wok for smoky, stir-fried flavor.
- 💡Tip 3: Toss noodles with a little oil after boiling to prevent clumping.
- 💡Tip 4: Add veggies last to keep them crisp and colorful.
- 💡Tip 5: Garnish with fresh spring onion greens for extra flavor and crunch.
Storage & Serving
Keeps for 6-8 hours at room temperature. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a wok or microwave before serving.
Best served: Lunch or evening snack
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 480.0 kcal |
| Protein | 8.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22.0 g |
| Total Fat | 7.5 g |
| Fiber | 1.8 g |
| Sugars | 1.2 g |
| Iron | 1.7 mg |
| Calcium | 22.0 mg |
| Sodium | 350.0 mg |
| Potassium | 180.0 mg |
| Cholesterol | 23.0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 35.0 IU |
| Vitamin C | 2.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 18.0 mg |
| Zinc | 1.3 mg |
| Phosphorus | 70.0 mg |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 IU |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 2.1 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.2 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.6 µg |
| Folate | 18.0 µg |
