If you’re craving a delightful and fulfilling dinner that bursts with flavors, look no further than Sticky Beef Noodles. This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also brings a fantastic combination of textures and tastes that will satisfy your palate. Featuring tender slices of marinated beef paired with chewy egg noodles, crisp vegetables, and a lip-smacking sticky sauce, this dish serves as a perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or any night you need a delicious fix. The beauty of Sticky Beef Noodles lies in its simplicity, making it an ideal choice when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up this one-pan wonder that promises big taste with minimal effort. The rich, savory soy-based sauce gives the dish its signature sticky quality while enhancing the flavors of the tender beef and fresh veggies, creating a harmonious mix that your family will love. Whether you’re on the lookout for a dependable family meal or seeking an easy, flavorful recipe to impress friends, Sticky Beef Noodles delivers on all fronts. Get ready to indulge in a symphony of Asian flavors that will leave you craving more!
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Beef Noodles
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor; everything cooks in a single pan.
- Delectable Flavors: A fabulous blend of marinated beef, chewy noodles, and bold sauces ensures every bite is packed with taste.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust ingredients to match your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
- Kid-Friendly: Kid-approved flavors make this a hit at the dinner table for everyone.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you begin preparing your Sticky Beef Noodles, it’s essential to set your kitchen up for success. First, gather all ingredients, including the beef, sauces, vegetables, and noodles. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process and save you time. You’ll need a sharp knife to slice the beef thinly and chop your vegetables. A large wok or skillet is essential for effectively frying the meat and veggies over high heat, allowing you to achieve that beautiful sear and crisp texture. Prepare a small bowl for whisking together your sauce ingredients and a cutting board to safely chop your vegetables.
Before starting to cook, ensure all your ingredients are prepped so that the process runs smoothly and efficiently. For instance, marinate the beef while you prepare the rest, and get your noodles boiling if needed. The quicker the cooking process, the better the final flavor and texture of the dish.
Ingredients
- 300g flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (2 light + 1 dark)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 200g egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 small head of broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 spring onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a medium bowl, start by combining the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper. This marinade not only enhances the flavor of the beef but also ensures a tender texture. Mix everything thoroughly and allow the beef to marinate for about 15 minutes. This step is essential as it lays the groundwork for the incredible flavors you’ll experience in your final dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the beef is marinating, grab a small bowl to whisk together the remaining sauce ingredients: the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar or lime juice, water, cornstarch, and optional chili flakes. Mixing these together creates a thick, bold sauce that will coat the beef, noodles, and vegetables beautifully when you stir-fry everything together.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
If you’re using dried egg noodles, cook them according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water. This not only stops the cooking process but also prevents the noodles from becoming sticky. Tossing them with a touch of sesame oil at this point will add an extra layer of flavor and ensure they remain separate.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Sear the beef for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until it turns a beautiful brown. This quick cooking method locks in the juices, creating that mouthwatering flavor profile. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside while you cook the vegetables.
Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same pan, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, toss in the chopped broccoli and red bell pepper. Stir-fry the vegetables for 2 to 3 minutes until they become tender yet still crisp. The garlic and ginger infuse the veggies with a depth of flavor that complements the overall dish.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Now it’s time to return the seared beef to the pan. Add the cooked noodles and pour the prepared sauce over the entire mixture. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring that every ingredient is coated with the flavorful sauce. As you stir-fry for another 2 minutes, you’ll notice that the sauce begins to thicken and cling to the beef and noodles, providing that characteristic sticky texture.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is well combined and heated through, your Sticky Beef Noodles are nearly ready to be served. Remove the pan from the heat, and garnish your dish with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds for that final touch. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
Variations
- Protein: Substitute the beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add or swap other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, or snap peas based on your preference.
- Spices: Adjust the heat by adding more chili flakes or toss in some fresh chili peppers if you enjoy a spicy kick.
Cooking Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- To save time, consider using pre-sliced beef from your local butcher or grocery store.
- Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more water if it becomes too thick during cooking.
- Always taste and tweak the seasonings based on your personal preferences before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of steamed dumplings or spring rolls to complete your meal.
- Accompany with a light cucumber salad to add a fresh crunch to balance out the dish.
Tips
- Marinating the beef for the full 15 minutes will significantly improve the flavor and tenderness.
- Cooking the beef in batches if your pan is small prevents overcrowding and promotes even browning.
- Experiment with the sauce ingredients to find your perfect balance of sweet and savory.
- If you’re meal-prepping, store the components separately and combine them before eating for the best texture.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 900mg
FAQs
What can I substitute for flank steak?
You can use sirloin, ribeye, or even ground beef as a substitute for flank steak while ensuring a similar flavor profile.
Can I use different noodles?
Absolutely! You can try rice noodles, soba noodles, or even whole wheat noodles based on your preference or availability.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Sticky Beef Noodles vegetarian, replace the beef with tofu or tempeh and omit oyster sauce, using a vegetarian substitute instead.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients in advance, marinate the beef, and store them separately, cooking just before serving for the freshest taste.
Conclusion
Sticky Beef Noodles is more than just a recipe; it’s a quick meal that allows you to enjoy robust flavors and fulfilling textures in a matter of minutes. Perfect for those busy nights when you still want something delicious and satisfying, this dish checks all the right boxes. With its versatility, you can tailor it to suit your cravings, making it an excellent addition to your weeknight dinner repertoire. So go ahead, give it a try, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments, or let us know how you customized your Sticky Beef Noodles!
Print
Sticky Beef Noodles
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Sticky Beef Noodles is a quick meal that allows you to enjoy robust flavors and fulfilling textures in a matter of minutes.
Ingredients
- 300g flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (2 light + 1 dark)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 200g egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 small head of broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 spring onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper. Allow to marinate for about 15 minutes.
- Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar or lime juice, water, cornstarch, and optional chili flakes.
- Cook dried egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- Heat a wok or skillet over high heat, add vegetable oil, and sear the marinated beef until browned, about 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Remove from pan.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan, sauté until fragrant, then add chopped broccoli and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Return the beef to the pan, add the cooked noodles, and pour over the sauce. Toss everything to coat, stir-fry for another 2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds, then serve hot.
Notes
Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more water if it becomes too thick during cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Protein: 28 g