Craving a quick, flavorful dinner that’s packed with rich and savory flavors? Look no further than Sticky Beef Noodles! This dish combines tender beef, noodles, and a sweet-savory sauce that clings to every strand of pasta, creating the perfect balance of umami and tang. The result is a dish that’s as addictive as it is delicious – a family favorite that’s sure to become a regular on your dinner table.
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and versatility. You can use whatever type of noodles you prefer—whether it’s egg noodles, rice noodles, or even udon noodles—and the savory, sticky sauce coats them beautifully. Toss in some tender beef and a few veggies, and you’ve got yourself a hearty meal that will satisfy everyone at the table.
Perfect for busy weeknights, Sticky Beef Noodles come together quickly and easily, making it the ultimate solution when you want something that’s both flavor-packed and simple. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of sweet and savory goodness in no time!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Beef:
- 500g beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (15ml)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15ml)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (3g)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (5ml)
For the Noodles:
- 200g egg noodles (or noodles of choice)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (15ml)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced (100g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (10g)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (100g)
- 1 small carrot, julienned (50g)
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce (30ml)
- 2 tablespoon hoisin sauce (30ml)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (15ml)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (12g)
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken sauce)
- 2 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 2-3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Toss the beef well to coat it in the marinade. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the egg noodles (or noodles of your choice) according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ¼ cup of pasta water to add to the sauce later.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic, red bell pepper, and carrot, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften. You can adjust the cooking time based on how crunchy or tender you like your veggies.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef
- Push the veggies to the side of the pan and add the marinated beef to the skillet. Let the beef sear for about 2-3 minutes without stirring to get a nice caramelization on the outside. Stir-fry the beef for another 2-3 minutes until it is fully cooked and tender.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes (if using).
- Pour the sauce over the beef and veggies, stirring well to coat everything in the sticky sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and create a smoother consistency.
Step 6: Combine the Noodles
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss them with the beef and vegetables. Make sure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce, and everything is well combined. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water to thicken it further. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Serve the sticky beef noodles immediately, and enjoy the savory, sweet flavors!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fats: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 10g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Sticky Beef Noodles
🔥 Cut the Beef Thinly – To get the tenderest beef, make sure to slice it thinly against the grain. This helps the meat cook quickly and remain soft and juicy.
🔥 Customize the Vegetables – Feel free to add any of your favorite veggies, such as mushrooms, broccoli, or snow peas. The beauty of this dish is its versatility, so feel free to experiment!
🔥 Use Fresh Noodles – If possible, opt for fresh noodles rather than dried ones. They will absorb the sauce better and create a more authentic texture in the dish.
🔥 Adjust the Sweetness – If you like your noodles a bit sweeter, increase the brown sugar or add a dash of honey. You can also add a touch more hoisin sauce for a sweeter profile.
🔥 Make it Spicy – Add a bit of sriracha or chili paste if you like some extra heat. You can also toss in fresh chilies or chili oil to enhance the spice level.
🔥 Meal Prep – This dish is great for meal prep. You can store the noodles and beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to freshen it up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Quick & Easy – With minimal prep time and cooking, this dish comes together in 30 minutes or less. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade, flavorful dinner in no time.
✔️ One-Pan Wonder – All the cooking happens in one skillet or wok, making this a hassle-free meal with easy cleanup.
✔️ Savory and Sweet – The sticky sauce brings the perfect balance of umami, sweetness, and a hint of spice, creating a dish that is irresistibly flavorful.
✔️ Customizable – Use any type of noodles you like and add any veggies you have on hand. It’s a versatile recipe that you can make your own!
✔️ Kid-Friendly – The sweet-savory sauce and tender beef make this a great dish for the whole family, even picky eaters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! Chicken or pork would work beautifully in this dish. Simply swap the beef for your protein of choice and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring that your noodles are gluten-free. There are many rice noodles and gluten-free pasta options available that would work perfectly.
Q: Can I make the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just whisk it again before using it in the stir-fry.
Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love heat, add chili paste or fresh chilies to the stir-fry. You can also increase the chili flakes or drizzle some sriracha over the top before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to help bring the sauce back to life.
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