Castilian-Leonese Beef Noodle Bowl

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we incorporate Castilian-Leonese flavors into the traditional Vietnamese dish. The original Bún bò nam bộ typically includes fish sauce, lime juice, and herbs like mint and cilantro. However, in the Castilian-Leonese version, we replace the fish sauce with a marinade of paprika, garlic, and cumin, and use lemon juice instead of lime. The addition of sautéed bell peppers and onions adds a Spanish touch to the dish, enhancing its flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Bún bò nam bộ, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef sirloin, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 200g (7 oz) rice noodles 200g (7 oz) rice noodles
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, julienned 2 carrots, julienned
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the sliced beef, smoked paprika, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the bell peppers, onion, and carrots until they are slightly softened but still retain their crunch.
5. 5.
   To assemble the noodle bowls, divide the cooked rice noodles among serving bowls. Top with the sautéed vegetables and the cooked beef.
6. 6.
   Drizzle the lemon juice over the bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
7. 7.
   Serve the Castilian-Leonese Beef Noodle Bowls immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — For the best results, choose a tender cut of beef like sirloin and slice it thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• Rice noodles — Follow the package instructions for cooking the rice noodles, as different brands may have varying cooking times.
• Bell peppers — Feel free to use a mix of different colored bell peppers for a visually appealing dish.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef marinade.
• Customize the vegetable toppings based on your preference. You can add sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or any other vegetables you enjoy.
• For an extra burst of freshness, serve the noodle bowls with a side of sliced lemon wedges.

Serving advice

Serve the Castilian-Leonese Beef Noodle Bowls hot, allowing each person to mix the ingredients together before enjoying. This dish is best served fresh and immediately after preparation.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, arrange the sautéed vegetables and beef slices on top of the rice noodles, creating an appealing visual contrast. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.