If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s both comforting and packed with bold flavors, this Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, marinated beef slices cooked to perfection, coated in a luscious, sticky sauce that clings to every noodle strand. The vibrant crunch from fresh vegetables brings the dish alive, while the subtle notes of garlic, ginger, and hoisin sauce add layers of depth you won’t want to miss. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that feels special enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe. Each component plays an essential role in balancing flavor, texture, and color, creating a dish you’ll crave repeatedly.
- Flank steak: Thin slices against the grain ensure tenderness in every bite.
- Soy sauce: Both for marinating and sauce, it delivers the salty, umami backbone.
- Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the beef and gives you that irresistible sticky coating.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for a high-heat stir-fry without overpowering flavors.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a sweet, savory depth that enhances the sauce’s richness.
- Hoisin sauce: Brings a subtle sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- Brown sugar: Balances salty and tangy elements with a gentle caramel note.
- Rice vinegar: Offers a bright acidity that lifts the flavors.
- Sesame oil: A few drops introduce a toasty, nutty aroma.
- Garlic and fresh ginger: The dynamic duo that brings freshness and zing.
- Egg noodles: Or your choice of noodles, perfect for soaking up all that sauce.
- Bell pepper, onion, snap peas or green beans: Crunchy veggies for color and texture contrast.
- Sesame seeds and green onions: Optional garnishes that add crunch and a burst of freshness.
How to Make Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by thinly slicing the flank steak against the grain—this technique guarantees a tender chew. Toss the beef slices with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. The cornstarch isn’t just for thickening; it tenderizes the meat and helps create that irresistible sticky texture once cooked. Let the beef marinate for 10 to 15 minutes—it’s a small wait with a big payoff.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
While your beef marinates, mix together the star of the show: the sticky sauce. Combine 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 2 teaspoons sesame oil. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger to inject that fresh, lively zing we all love in Asian-inspired dishes. This sauce is packed with layers of salty, sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors that cling beautifully to the noodles and beef.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Boil your egg noodles according to the package directions until they’re perfectly tender, then drain and set aside. Cooking the noodles independently ensures you get the perfect texture that holds up well when you toss everything together later.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef and Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef, spreading it out so it sears beautifully in just 2 to 3 minutes until it’s browned and nearly cooked through. Then toss in the thinly sliced bell pepper, onion, and snap peas. Stir-fry them for another 2 to 3 minutes, just long enough to keep their crunch and vibrant colors while marrying their flavors with the beef.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Lower the heat slightly and add the cooked noodles along with the prepared sauce to the pan. Toss everything vigorously so each noodle strand is coated in that glossy, sticky sauce. Warm it through for a minute or two, ensuring the sauce clings to every bite. Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions right before serving for a fresh and crunchy finish.
How to Serve Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe

Garnishes
To elevate your Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe even further, don’t skip the garnishes. Toasted sesame seeds add a gentle crunch and nutty flavor, while freshly chopped green onions bring a bright contrast that balances the rich sauce. Together, they add both visual appeal and delicious texture.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as the main event, but pairing it with light sides can round out the meal. Consider steamed bok choy or a simple cucumber salad dressed with a touch of rice vinegar and sesame oil for refreshing, crisp accompaniments. A bowl of miso soup or a handful of edamame can also complement the savory beef noodles beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or make this dish feel extra special, try layering it in clear glass bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the beef, vegetables, and noodles. For a shareable family-style meal, serve the sticky beef noodles on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs and lime wedges. Adding a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or a drizzle of chili oil gives it an exciting twist that everyone will talk about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe keeps well and tastes just as delicious the next day. Allow the noodles to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect meal prep option.
Freezing
If you have more leftovers than you can eat in a few days, freezing is an option. Place the noodles in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of the vegetables might soften after frozen, so it’s best for situations where you prioritize convenience.
Reheating
Reheat your Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. To prevent the noodles from drying out, add a splash of water or broth and toss frequently while warming. This keeps the sauce glossy and the noodles perfectly moist.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can substitute with skirt steak or sirloin. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.
What type of noodles work best for this dish?
Egg noodles are traditional and soak up the sauce wonderfully, but you can use rice noodles, udon, or even thin spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe spicy?
Not by default, but you can easily add some heat by including sliced chili peppers, chili paste, or a drizzle of chili oil when tossing the noodles with the sauce. It’s as mild or spicy as you like!
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
You can swap the beef for tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms and use vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce alone. The sauce’s bold flavors will still shine, creating a satisfying meatless meal.
How can I make the sauce thicker or stickier?
If you want a thicker, stickier sauce, add a bit more cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce while cooking. Stir gently until it reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe has all the hallmarks of a beloved, comforting meal with layers of exciting flavor and texture. It’s surprisingly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something that feels indulgent without the fuss. I encourage you to try it soon—you might just find it’s destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Once you taste those sticky noodles and tender beef together, you won’t look back!
Print
Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Sticky Beef Noodles recipe features tender flank steak stir-fried with vibrant vegetables and perfectly cooked egg noodles, all coated in a rich, flavorful sauce made with soy, oyster, hoisin, and sesame. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s an easy and delicious weeknight meal packed with savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 8 ounces egg noodles (or other noodles of choice)
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup snap peas or green beans, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: In a small bowl, toss the thinly sliced flank steak with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until evenly coated. Let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb flavor and tenderize the beef.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set the sauce aside for later.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to keep warm.
- Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and nearly cooked through.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the thinly sliced bell pepper, onion, and snap peas (or green beans) to the skillet with the beef. Stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet along with the prepared sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly so the noodles and all ingredients are coated evenly and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer to plates and garnish with optional sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and a beautiful finish. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- For more tender beef, slice the flank steak against the grain very thinly.
- Feel free to substitute egg noodles with rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti in a pinch.
- Adjust the brown sugar amount if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet sauce.
- Use snap peas or green beans based on availability or preference; both add crisp texture.
- Optional sesame seeds and green onions add nice texture and color but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *