Pad Thai Nuea (Beef Pad Thai with Spring Onions)
Thin slices of seared beef stir fried with rice noodles, spring onion and tangy tamarind sauce.
Made with Pad Thai sauce and Sambal oelek (chilli sambal). Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time30 min
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £3.79 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Soak the noodles in hot water for 8 to 10 minutes until bendy but firm, then drain.
9 min - 2
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok over the highest heat. Sear the beef for 1 minute in a single layer, turn and sear for 30 seconds more, then lift out. Do this in two batches.
1 min 30 s - 3
Add the remaining oil and the garlic. Fry for 20 seconds, then push aside and scramble the eggs for 30 seconds.
- 4
Add the noodles and your ready made pad thai sauce (see the base recipe). Toss for 2 to 3 minutes until the noodles are tender and coated.
2 min 30 s - 5
Return the beef with any juices, add the spring onions and beansprouts and toss for 30 seconds.
- 6
Serve with lime wedges and the sambal from your base recipe on the side for people to add as they like.
Tips
- Slice the beef thinly while it is partly frozen, always against the grain, so it stays tender.
- Sear beef in batches. If it stews, it goes grey and tough.
- Sambal is a hot chilli paste, so offer it at the table and let everyone add their own.
Storing and freezing
Keeps for 1 day in the fridge, cooled within 1 to 2 hours. Reheat quickly in a hot pan until steaming all the way through, taking care not to overcook the beef.
Questions
Which cut of beef is best?
Rump, sirloin or flank steak, sliced thinly. They are tender enough for a quick sear. Avoid stewing cuts such as chuck, which turn chewy.
Is the sambal very hot?
It can be, depending on your chillies. Start with a teaspoon at the table and add more to taste, as it is the hottest part of the dish.
Can I use stir fry strips?
Yes, shop bought beef strips save time. Check they are plain, with no marinade containing soy sauce if you want the dish gluten free.
More made with pad thai sauce
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.