Step 1

Fill a large bowl with VERY hot water. Add the noodles to the bowl. After a minute or two, use tongs to move them around. Continue to soak. If you aren't using rice noodles, cook your noodles according to the package instructions.

Step 2

Heat a large skillet with high sides to medium-high heat. Add the beef. Cook until the beef is mostly browned, about five minutes.

Step 3

When the beef is mostly cooked through, add the red pepper, onion, and salt. Continue to cook until slightly softened, about two to three minutes. Add garlic, cook 1 minute longer.

Step 4

While the beef and veggies cook add the soy sauce, hoisin, black pepper, brown sugar, lime juice, sambal oelek, and cornstarch to a medium bowl. Whisk to combine. Ladel in 1/4 cup of the water the noodles are soaking in. Whisk to combine.

Step 5

When the veggies are softened and the ground beef is cooked through, add the sauce to the pan. Scrape up any brown bits with a wooden spoon. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer the sauce until slightly thickened, 1-2 minutes.

Step 6

Use tongs to transfer the softened noodles to the skillet with the beef and veggies. Save the starchy water. Toss the noodles with the beef, veggies, and sauce. Add the basil. Toss again. Add a few tablespoons of starchy water if needed. Toss until the noodles are coated and basil has wilted. Add more sambal oelek, soy sauce, or salt as needed.