Black pepper beef noodles

Instructions

1. Place the sliced beef, bicarbonate of soda and 250 ml (1 cup) cold water in a bowl and stir to combine well. Stand for 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, for the marinade, place all the ingredients in a large bowl and stir to combine well.
3. For the black pepper sauce, place all the ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.
4. Rinse the beef well, massaging it under running water for 1 -2 minutes, then drain. Add the beef to the marinade and stir to combine.
5. Poke a few holes in the bag of noodles and microwave for 4 minutes or until softened. Massage the bag to separate the noodles.
6. Heat a wok or wide frying pan over high heat and add the oil. Fry the beef in 2 - 3 batches until browned, then remove from the wok. (If the wok is very dirty, wash out the wok, return it to the heat and add more oil before continuing to the next step.)
7. Add the garlic and ginger and fry for about 1 minute or until fragrant. Add the capsicum, spring onion and choy sum and toss for 1 - 2 minutes or until the vegetables have just softened. Add the noodles and black pepper sauce and return the beef to the wok. Toss for 2 - 3 minutes or until the noodles are soft and hot, adding a little water or stock as needed (about ½ cup in total) to moisten the wok while frying. Transfer to a serving plate and scatter with the chilli, if using.