Authentic Vietnamese Mì Xào: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

200 grams of egg noodles
200 grams of beef, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 medium carrots, julienned
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 spring onions, chopped
1 teaspoon of sesame oil

Steps and instructions

First, cook the egg noodles according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, set them aside.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the skillet. Cook until the onion becomes translucent.
Add the thinly sliced beef to the skillet. Cook until it is browned and cooked through.
Add the sliced bell pepper and julienned carrots to the skillet. Cook until they are tender.
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the skillet.
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Stir everything together, making sure the noodles are well coated in the sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the chopped spring onions and drizzle with sesame oil.
Stir everything together one last time before serving.

Tools for making

Skillet or Wok - A large skillet or wok is needed to cook the ingredients.
Cooking pot - A pot is needed to cook the egg noodles.
Knife - A sharp knife is required to thinly slice the beef, bell pepper, and onion.
Cutting board - A cutting board is needed to safely chop and prepare the vegetables.
Garlic mincer - A garlic mincer can be used to easily mince the garlic cloves.
Small bowl - A small bowl is needed to mix the sauces together.
Kitchen tongs - Kitchen tongs can be used to stir and toss the ingredients in the skillet.
Spatula - A spatula can be used to stir and scrape the ingredients from the skillet.

Recipe variations

Use chicken or shrimp instead of beef for a different protein option.
Add broccoli, mushrooms, or other vegetables of your choice to the stir-fry.
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add tofu or tempeh instead.
Spice it up by adding chili flakes or sriracha sauce for some heat.
Experiment with different types of noodles such as rice noodles or udon noodles.
Try using different sauces like teriyaki sauce or black bean sauce for a unique flavor.
For a healthier option, use whole wheat noodles or zucchini noodles.
Add some crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
Include some fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for added freshness.
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles.

Recipe overview

Mì Xào is a classic Vietnamese dish that features stir-fried noodles with a mix of savory flavors, vibrant vegetables, and tender beef. This dish is not only satisfying and flavorful, but it's also quite versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste. The recipe involves the use of egg noodles, sautéed with beef and a variety of vegetables, all coated in a delicious blend of soy, oyster, and hoisin sauce. This recipe is simple and quick, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's a wonderful way to bring a taste of Vietnamese cuisine into your kitchen. With the ingredients prepped and ready, you can have this incredible dish ready in less than 30 minutes!

Common questions

Can I use other types of noodles? Yes, you can use other types of noodles such as rice noodles or even spaghetti if you don't have egg noodles on hand.
Can I substitute the beef with another protein? Certainly! You can substitute the beef with chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even a combination of vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish? Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you prefer, such as broccoli, mushrooms, or snap peas. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is there a substitute for the oyster sauce? If you don't have oyster sauce, you can use fish sauce or soy sauce as a substitute. However, the flavor may be slightly different.
Can I make this dish spicy? Yes, if you enjoy spicy food, you can add some chili flakes or sriracha sauce to the dish for a kick of heat.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it's best to enjoy Mì xào fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and stir-fry them just before serving to maintain the texture and flavor of the noodles.

Serving dishes and utensils

Skillet or wok - A large skillet or wok is ideal for cooking the ingredients and tossing the noodles.
Cooking pot - You will need a cooking pot to boil the egg noodles.
Chopping board - A sturdy chopping board is necessary for slicing the vegetables and preparing the ingredients.
Knife - A sharp knife will be used to slice the beef, onion, bell pepper, and carrots.
Mixing bowl - A small mixing bowl will be used to combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce.
Tongs or spatula - Tongs or a spatula will come in handy for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the skillet or wok.
Small bowl or ramekin - A small bowl or ramekin can be used to serve the dish.
Tablespoon and teaspoon - These measuring utensils will be used to accurately measure the sauces and sesame oil.

Origin stories

Mì xào, or stir-fried noodles, is a delightful culinary gem from the vibrant streets of Vietnam. Its origin story is not steeped in ancient tales but rather in the everyday hustle and bustle of Vietnamese life. Street vendors, with their mobile food carts, were the pioneers of this dish. As they traveled through the busy streets, they would whip up mouth-watering noodle dishes on their portable stoves. Mì xào is a well-loved dish due to its adaptability. Vendors would tailor the dish based on the customer's preference or the ingredients they had on hand. It's a versatile dish that embodies the resourcefulness and creativity inherent in Vietnamese cooking. Today, this humble street food has found its way into the menus of high-end restaurants worldwide, a testament to its universal appeal.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.