Stir-Fried Ramen Noodles with Beef in Burnt Onion Miso Glaze, Asparagus, and Warm Sesame Cream

Instructions

1. 1

   1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the ramen noodles for 3 minutes or according to the package until tender but still firm. Drain, briefly rinse under warm water, toss with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, and set aside.

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   2. In a bowl, mix the white miso, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, half of the minced garlic, and half of the grated ginger. Add the sliced beef and black pepper, then toss well. Let marinate for 10 minutes.

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   3. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and cook the yellow onion for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring, until deeply golden with lightly charred edges. Add the red pepper flakes, if using, and cook 30 seconds more.

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   4. Transfer the cooked onion to a blender or tall container. Add the tahini, water, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons scallions. Blend until smooth. If you want to serve it warm, transfer it to a small saucepan and heat over low heat until it reaches about 60-65 °C / 140-149 °F, without boiling. Set aside.

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   5. In the same skillet or wok, add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil if needed and stir-fry the asparagus for 3 to 4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Add the remaining garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds. Remove and set aside.

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   6. Increase the heat to high. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and cook the beef, drained from the marinade, for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until browned. Pour in the remaining marinade and cook 1 minute more until glossy and coating the meat.

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   7. Add the cooked noodles and asparagus to the skillet with the beef. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes, mixing well so the noodles absorb the glaze.

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   8. Divide the beef noodles among shallow bowls. Spoon the warm sesame-onion cream over the top or serve it on the side, then finish with the remaining scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

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   9. For a more roasted finish, you can place the oven-safe skillet under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at 230 °C / 450 °F, watching constantly to prevent burning before serving.