If you’re craving a dish that brings together rich, savory flavors with a perfect balance of sweetness and a delightful sticky sauce, then this Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe is bound to become your new go-to comfort meal. Tender slices of flank steak mingle with vibrant vegetables and slippery noodles, all enveloped in a luscious blend of hoisin, soy, and oyster sauces that cling to every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends, these noodles deliver a satisfying, mouthwatering experience that feels both indulgent and achievable in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe just right comes down to using simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients that build layers of flavor, color, and texture. Each item plays a key role in creating that irresistible sticky glaze and a vibrant, hearty dish.
- 300 g flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain: Choosing flank steak ensures tender, juicy beef that cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with noodles.
- 250 g egg noodles or rice noodles: These provide the chewy texture that soaks up the sticky sauce beautifully.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds salty depth and umami richness to the sauce blend.
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce: Brings a sweet and tangy complexity that helps achieve that signature sticky coating.
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce: Intensifies savory flavors with a subtle buttery note.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the sauce for that glossy finish.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Provides a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: Adds a warm, nutty aroma and taste.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for aroma and a punch of flavor in every bite.
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger: Offers brightness and a hint of spice.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: Perfect for stir-frying the beef and vegetables without overpowering the sauce.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds a lightly sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 carrot, julienned: Introduces subtle sweetness and a fresh texture.
- 2 spring onions, sliced: Used for garnish to add freshness and a mild onion bite.
- Sesame seeds and chopped coriander for garnish: Sprinkle on top to enhance flavor and presentation.
How to Make Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by preparing your noodles according to the package instructions, whether you use egg or rice noodles. Once cooked to tender perfection, drain them well and set aside. This ensures the noodles will be ready to quickly pick up the sauce later without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. This mixture is the heart of the Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe, combining salty, sweet, and tangy flavors that shine through each mouthful.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over high heat until shimmering. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and stir-fry for about 2 to 3 minutes until it browns beautifully and starts to caramelize. Doing this step right ensures the beef stays juicy and flavorful. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside while you cook the vegetables.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Using the same pan, toss in the sliced red bell pepper and julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re just tender but still maintain some crunch and color. This quick cooking keeps the vegetables fresh and balances the dish’s rich meatiness and noodles.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce mixture over and stir everything together so the sauce coats the ingredients evenly. Add the cooked noodles and toss well until every strand is beautifully sticky and glossy. Let it cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to heat everything through and meld the flavors perfectly.
How to Serve Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where this dish truly shines visually and flavor-wise. Sprinkle sliced spring onions, toasted sesame seeds, and freshly chopped coriander over the top right before serving to add refreshing brightness, a nutty crunch, and a pop of green color that makes it as inviting to look at as it is to eat.
Side Dishes
While the Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe works wonderfully as a satisfying main course on its own, you can elevate your meal with some simple sides. Consider a crisp cucumber salad dressed lightly with rice vinegar or serve alongside steamed bok choy or broccoli to bring some fresh, green balance and additional texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, present the noodles in individual bowls topped with garnishes for a casual dinner party. Alternatively, pile the noodles onto a large platter with extra coriander and sesame seeds scattered around for a communal, family-style meal. Adding a small bowl of chili sauce or sriracha on the side invites guests to customize their heat level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The noodles and beef keep well for up to 2 days, maintaining their flavor and texture when properly cooled and sealed.
Freezing
While freezing stir-fried noodles is possible, it’s best to do so only if necessary. Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Keep in mind that the texture of the noodles may soften slightly upon thawing, but the bold flavors will still be delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, toss leftovers in a hot pan with a splash of water or oil to revive the sauce and prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave covered for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating. This approach keeps your Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe tasting fresh and delicious even the next day.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking, you can also use sirloin or ribeye if thinly sliced. Just be mindful of cooking times to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Substitute the beef with firm tofu or tempeh, and replace oyster sauce with a vegetarian alternative such as mushroom sauce to maintain that umami depth. The same cooking process works well.
What type of noodles works best for Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe?
Egg noodles or rice noodles both shine in this dish. Egg noodles tend to be chewier and richer, while rice noodles offer a lighter, more delicate bite. Choose based on your preference and dietary needs.
How can I add more spice to this dish?
To dial up the heat, add sliced fresh chili peppers when stir-frying the vegetables or mix in a spoonful of sriracha or chili garlic sauce into the sauce blend. This adds a lively kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can slice the beef, chop vegetables, and even whisk together the sauce ahead of time. Keep everything refrigerated separately and combine during the final cooking stage for a quick and easy meal.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe enough if you want a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a beautiful harmony of tender beef, vibrant veggies, and noodles bathed in a sticky, flavorful sauce that comes together faster than you might expect. Give it a try and share this little culinary treasure with your favorite people — I promise it’ll become a beloved dish on your regular rotation.
Print
Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
Sticky Beef Noodles is a delicious and flavorful Asian-inspired stir-fry dish featuring tender slices of flank steak, vibrant vegetables, and chewy egg noodles coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner, this recipe combines soy, hoisin, and oyster sauces with garlic and ginger for a rich umami experience topped with fresh coriander and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 300 g flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
Noodles and Vegetables
- 250 g egg noodles or rice noodles
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 spring onions, sliced
Cooking Oils and Garnishes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped coriander, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside, ensuring they are ready to be tossed with the sauce and beef later.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined and smooth.
- Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned and starting to caramelize. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same pan, add the sliced red bell pepper and julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp, retaining their vibrant color and crunch.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything to coat the meat and vegetables evenly with the flavorful sauce.
- Add Noodles and Finish Cooking: Add the drained noodles to the pan and toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to allow the noodles to absorb the sauce and become sticky and flavorful.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced spring onions, sesame seeds, and chopped coriander. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra heat, add sliced chili or a dash of sriracha to the sauce before cooking.
- You can substitute flank steak with thinly sliced chicken breast or tofu for variations.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a pan over medium heat or microwaved; add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles if needed.
