These sticky beef noodles are one of those quick, satisfying dinners we love to throw together as a team on a busy night. Tender beef and crisp vegetables tossed with noodles in a glossy, sweet and savory sauce come together faster than takeout, which for us is exactly what real food for real life is all about.
These Sticky Beef Noodles bring together tender flank steak, crisp vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles in a glossy, sweet and savory sauce. A quick marinade and a sauce of soy, oyster, and hoisin make this an easy, flavor packed dinner ready in about 25 minutes. Better than takeout and easy to customize, these sticky beef noodles are the perfect satisfying weeknight meal.
What makes these sticky beef noodles so good is the glossy sweet and savory sauce. Tender flank steak and crisp vegetables are tossed with noodles in a soy, oyster, and hoisin glaze.
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Watch how this sticky beef noodles comes together, step by step.
Why You Will Love This Sticky Beef Noodles
- Quick and easy. These sticky beef noodles come together in about 25 minutes.
- Sweet and savory sauce. A glossy soy, oyster, and hoisin sauce coats every bite.
- Tender beef. A quick marinade keeps the flank steak juicy and flavorful.
- Better than takeout. All the flavor of your favorite noodle dish at home.
- Versatile. Add your favorite vegetables and noodles of choice.
What Makes This Sticky Beef Noodles So Good
The sauce is what makes these noodles irresistible. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, and rice vinegar blend into a glossy, sweet and savory glaze.
A quick marinade keeps the beef tender. Tossing the thinly sliced flank steak in soy sauce and cornstarch seasons it and gives it a silky texture during the fast cooking.
Tender crisp vegetables add freshness and crunch. Bell pepper, onion, and snap peas stir fry quickly, balancing the rich beef and sticky sauce.
Tossed together with the noodles, it becomes a satisfying lo mein style noodle dish that is sweet, savory, and full of flavor.
Optional Pro Tip: Tender Beef and Glossy Noodles
Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain and toss it with cornstarch. This keeps the beef tender and helps the sauce cling to it for a glossy finish.
Have everything ready before you start cooking. Stir fries move fast, so prep the beef, sauce, vegetables, and noodles ahead so you can toss it all together quickly.
Tips for the Best Sticky Beef Noodles
- Slice beef thinly. Thin strips against the grain stay tender.
- Marinate briefly. Even 10 to 15 minutes adds flavor and texture.
- Prep everything first. Stir fries cook quickly.
- Use high heat. High heat gives a good sear and stir fry flavor.
- Do not overcook the noodles. Cook them just until tender.
- Toss to coat. Toss well so the sauce coats everything.
- Cook beef just until done. Overcooking makes it tough.
- Serve right away. These noodles are best hot and fresh.
Variations and Add Ins
These sticky beef noodles are easy to adapt.
- Switch the protein. Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of beef.
- Change the noodles. Try rice noodles, udon, or lo mein noodles.
- Add more vegetables. Broccoli, carrots, or mushrooms work well.
- Make it spicy. Add sriracha, chili flakes, or chili paste.
- Add a fried egg. A runny yolk makes it extra rich.
- Use more garlic. Extra garlic deepens the savory flavor.
- Add peanuts. Chopped peanuts add a nice crunch.
- Add a squeeze of lime. For a bright, fresh finish.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover sticky beef noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They make a great quick lunch the next day.
Reheat in a hot skillet or the microwave until warmed through. A splash of water or soy sauce helps loosen the noodles and sauce as they reheat.
Serving Suggestions for Sticky Beef Noodles
These sticky beef noodles are a complete meal on their own, with beef, vegetables, and noodles in one pan. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for a finishing touch.
For a takeout style spread, serve them with spring rolls, dumplings, or potstickers. A side of edamame or a simple Asian slaw adds a fresh contrast.
A light soup like miso or a hot and sour soup pairs nicely as a starter. Finish with extra chili or a squeeze of lime for those who like a bit more flavor.
- With spring rolls. A classic takeout pairing.
- With edamame. A simple, fresh side.
- With sesame and scallions. A finishing garnish.
- With a squeeze of lime. For a bright finish.
For another sweet and savory, better than takeout dinner, our healthy orange chicken is a quick favorite to try.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef is best?
Flank steak is ideal, sliced thinly against the grain. Sirloin or skirt steak also work well for quick, tender stir fry beef.
Why toss the beef in cornstarch?
Cornstarch gives the beef a silky texture, helps it brown, and lets the glossy sauce cling to every piece.
What noodles should I use?
Egg noodles are used here, but rice noodles, udon, lo mein noodles, or even spaghetti all work well in this dish.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu all work beautifully with the same sweet and savory sauce. Just adjust the cooking time.
How do I keep the beef tender?
Slice it thinly against the grain, marinate it briefly, and cook it hot and fast for just a few minutes. Overcooking makes it tough.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, or baby corn all work well. Add firmer vegetables a little earlier so everything finishes together.
Is this dish spicy?
As written it is sweet and savory, not spicy. Add sriracha, chili flakes, or chili paste if you would like some heat.
What is oyster sauce?
Oyster sauce is a thick, savory, slightly sweet Chinese sauce that adds rich, umami depth. It is a staple in many stir fries.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can slice the beef, mix the sauce, and prep the vegetables ahead, then cook just before serving. Stir fries are best fresh and hot.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water.
Sweet, Savory, and Satisfying
These sticky beef noodles deliver all the sweet, savory, glossy flavor of your favorite takeout in about 25 minutes at home. Tender beef, crisp vegetables, and noodles come together in an irresistible sticky sauce.
Quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, they are perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Once you taste them, these sticky beef noodles are sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation.
Love a quick, comforting dinner? Our creamy Cajun chicken pasta is another easy, crowd pleasing favorite to try next.
Results vary by ingredients, equipment, and cooking conditions. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
Sticky Beef Noodles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, toss the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and the cornstarch until coated, then set aside to marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, the oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, and set aside.
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat, add the marinated beef, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until browned and nearly cooked through.
- Add the bell pepper, onion, and snap peas and stir fry for another 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender crisp.
- Add the cooked noodles and the sauce, toss until everything is coated and heated through, then garnish with sesame seeds and green onions and serve.
Nutrition
Notes
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