Spicy, sweet and savoury, this is what you make when you have a packet of beef mince, very little time and want something with big flavours!
1½ tbsp vegetable oil
500g beef mince
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tsp chilli flakes (or more, if you're brave!)
3 tbsp water
2 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
4 tbsp Sriracha
5 tbsp brown sugar
270g dried soba, cooked according to packet directions (or use rice or other noodles)
1 cucumber, finely sliced
1 carrot, peeled then julienned
1 spring onion, finely sliced
1 tsp sesame seeds
extra Sriracha
1. Combine firecracker sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large frypan over high heat. Add beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until you can no longer see raw meat (2½ minutes). Add garlic and chilli flakes and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add firecracker sauce ingredients, stir to coat the beef, then cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring only every minute or so initially, then more towards the end, until the sauce reduces and you can see the beef caramelising.
4. Add the water and cook for 1 minute (the water makes the beef saucier!).
5. To serve, divide noodles between bowls. Top with beef then place carrot and cucumber on the side. Sprinkle with green onion and sesame seeds. To eat, mix it all up then dive in!
If you like this recipe try Nagi's Firecracker chicken
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