Delicious Satay Beef Noodle Soup is a rich, savory, and comforting bowl of goodness featuring tender beef, slurp-worthy noodles, and a bold satay broth full of peanut, spice, and umami flavors. It’s the kind of meal I crave on chilly days or when I want something cozy but still packed with bold, Southeast Asian-inspired taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this soup brings together the depth of satay flavor with the heartiness of beef and noodles. The broth is creamy yet light, full of peanut and coconut notes with hints of garlic, ginger, and chili. It’s a perfect balance of comfort and complexity, and once I get that first bite, I can’t stop. It’s also a one-bowl meal that’s easy to customize and makes great leftovers.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the broth:
- Onion, sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh ginger, grated
- Red curry paste or chili paste
- Peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- Coconut milk
- Beef broth or stock
- Soy sauce
- Fish sauce (optional, for depth)
- Brown sugar or honey
- Lime juice (for brightness)
- Oil (vegetable or sesame)
For the beef and noodles:
- Thinly sliced beef (sirloin, flank, or brisket)
- Egg noodles or rice noodles
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: cornstarch (for tenderizing beef)
Toppings and garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro
- Green onions, chopped
- Crushed peanuts
- Bean sprouts
- Lime wedges
- Fresh chili slices or chili oil (optional)
Directions
- I season the beef lightly with salt and pepper (and toss in a little cornstarch if I want it extra tender) and set it aside.
- In a large pot, I heat oil over medium heat and sauté onion until soft. I add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more.
- I stir in red curry paste and cook for another minute to release the flavors.
- I add peanut butter and stir until melted, then pour in the coconut milk, beef broth, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and sugar.
- I bring the soup to a gentle simmer for about 10–15 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- While the broth simmers, I cook the noodles according to package instructions and set them aside.
- I add the thinly sliced beef to the simmering broth and cook for 2–4 minutes, just until the beef is tender and cooked through.
- I finish the broth with a squeeze of lime juice, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- To serve, I divide the noodles between bowls, ladle the hot broth and beef over them, and top with cilantro, green onions, bean sprouts, crushed peanuts, and chili if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
I sometimes swap the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu. For a vegetarian version, I use veggie broth and skip the fish sauce. If I want it extra spicy, I add chili oil or a splash of sriracha. Different noodles like udon, soba, or even ramen work great too. And if I want extra greens, I toss in baby spinach or bok choy at the end.
Storage/reheating
I store the broth and noodles separately to keep the noodles from getting soggy. The broth keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes well. I reheat it gently on the stove and cook fresh noodles when ready to serve. If already combined, I reheat everything in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
FAQs
What is satay flavor made of?
Satay typically blends peanut, garlic, ginger, coconut milk, and spices like chili and curry. It’s rich, slightly sweet, savory, and creamy with a bit of heat.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, I make the broth and prep the beef ahead, then cook the noodles and add the beef when I’m ready to serve for best texture.
Is this soup spicy?
It can be, depending on the amount of curry paste or chili I use. I adjust it to my preference — mild for everyday, spicy when I’m in the mood.
Can I use leftover steak or roast beef?
Definitely. I slice it thin and add it just at the end to warm through in the hot broth without overcooking.
What kind of noodles work best?
I love using egg noodles or flat rice noodles, but this soup is very forgiving. Ramen noodles, soba, or even spaghetti work in a pinch.
Conclusion
Delicious Satay Beef Noodle Soup is a rich, soul-warming dish that brings together comfort and bold flavor in every spoonful. The creamy satay broth, tender beef, and vibrant toppings create a bowl that’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with personality. Whether I’m cooking for guests or just cozying up on a weeknight, this is one dish I always look forward to.
Print
Delicious Satay Beef Noodle Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Description
Delicious Satay Beef Noodle Soup is a rich, comforting bowl made with tender beef, slurpable noodles, and a creamy, spicy peanut-coconut broth. Packed with bold Southeast Asian flavors, it’s hearty, warming, and perfect for cozy nights.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable or sesame oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp red curry paste or chili paste
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 3 cups beef broth or stock
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- Juice of 1 lime
- 8 oz thinly sliced beef (sirloin, flank, or brisket)
- 8 oz egg noodles or rice noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp cornstarch (for beef)
- Toppings: fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, bean sprouts, lime wedges, chili slices or chili oil
Instructions
- Season beef with salt and pepper (and cornstarch if using). Set aside.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft.
- Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in curry paste and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add peanut butter and stir until melted. Pour in coconut milk, broth, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and sugar.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes to develop flavor.
- Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add sliced beef to the broth and cook for 2–4 minutes until just done.
- Stir in lime juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- To serve, divide noodles into bowls, ladle broth and beef over top, and garnish with toppings of choice.
Notes
- Swap beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for variety.
- Use vegetable broth and omit fish sauce for a vegetarian version.
- Spice it up with chili oil or sriracha.
- Store broth and noodles separately to prevent sogginess.
- Add greens like spinach or bok choy for extra nutrients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
