Name: Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tsp sesame oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 8 oz egg noodles (or preferred noodles); 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup snap peas or green beans; 2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional); 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Sticky Beef Noodles is one of those dishes that instantly transports you to your favorite Asian eatery, but it’s all made at home and in just 25 minutes! This delicious stir-fry blends melt-in-your-mouth beef, snappy vegetables, and slurp-worthy noodles with a rich, glossy sauce that clings to every bite. It’s hearty, crave-worthy, and loaded with flavor—making it an ultra-satisfying dinner you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these Sticky Beef Noodles is how simple and accessible the ingredients are. Each one brings its own color, texture, or pop of flavor, resulting in a balanced and vibrant dish.

Flank steak: Thinly slicing against the grain keeps the beef incredibly tender in each bite.
Soy sauce: Adds deep umami and brings the marinade and sauce together perfectly.
Cornstarch: Helps seal in the beef’s juiciness and gives the sauce its irresistible sticky body.
Vegetable oil: Neutral and perfect for high-heat stir-frying.
Oyster sauce: Infuses savory depth and a little sweetness to the sauce.
Hoisin sauce: This adds complexity and a sweet, tangy undertone.
Brown sugar: Makes the beef and noodles glossy and perfectly caramelized.
Rice vinegar: Brightens the sauce and balances out the sweetness.
Sesame oil: Just a drizzle gives the dish that unmistakable nutty aroma.
Garlic and ginger: Essential for that true Asian flavor punch—don’t skip these!
Egg noodles: Wonderful for soaking up the sauce, but swap in your favorite noodle if you prefer.
Bell pepper: Adds a burst of color and sweet crunch.
Onion: Brings a gentle bite and hint of sweetness when cooked.
Snap peas or green beans: Offer crisp, fresh texture and a pop of green.
Sesame seeds (optional): For a nutty sprinkle and pretty finish.
Green onions: A bright, fresh garnish that wakes up the whole dish.

How to Make

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by mixing your thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. Give it a good toss so every strand gets coated, then let it sit for 10–15 minutes. This simple marinade works wonders, making the beef tender and full of flavor before it even hits the heat.

Step 2: Mix the Sticky Beef Noodles Sauce

In another bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This is the magic concoction that brings the Sticky Beef Noodles to life—sweet, tangy, savory, and unapologetically bold.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Prepare the egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set them aside. Don’t worry if they stick together a bit—they’ll loosen up once tossed with sauce later. Cooking them just until al dente keeps them springy and slurpable.

Step 4: Sear the Beef

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for just 2–3 minutes until the edges start to brown. You want high heat and a quick cook here; overcooking can make the beef tough.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Veggies

Add sliced bell peppers, onions, and snap peas (or green beans) to the skillet. Keep things moving for another 2–3 minutes so the veggies stay vibrant and just-tender. This step injects a rainbow of colors and crunch into your Sticky Beef Noodles.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked noodles and your prepared sauce straight into the pan. Toss everything together so the glossy, sticky sauce coats every bit of beef, vegetable, and noodle. After a quick turn in the pan, you’ll see everything shine, ready to eat!

How to Serve

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of sesame seeds and a handful of fresh green onions is all it takes to finish your Sticky Beef Noodles in style. The seeds add a tiny crunch and nuttiness, while those green onions give a fresh zing that lifts the flavors.

Side Dishes

Sticky Beef Noodles are definitely a meal in a bowl, but if you want to round things out, try pairing them with a quick Asian cucumber salad or steamed dumplings. Even a simple miso soup can be a soothing, speedy add-on for extra comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd or just want to make dinner extra fun, try twirling portions into little noodle nests and topping with extra beef or veggies. Or, pile everything onto a large serving platter, sprinkle garnishes generously, and let everyone dig in family style—which is what Sticky Beef Noodles are truly made for!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Sticky Beef Noodles (which, admittedly, doesn’t happen often), simply pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making each bite just as tasty the next day.

Freezing

Sticky Beef Noodles actually freeze pretty well, especially if you slightly undercook the veggies so they hold up after reheating. Freeze in meal-size portions in sturdy containers for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To revive your Sticky Beef Noodles, gently reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen things up. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in intervals, stirring between each round for even warmth.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While flank steak delivers great tenderness and flavor, sirloin, skirt steak, or even thinly sliced ribeye will also work beautifully for Sticky Beef Noodles.

Is there a substitute for oyster sauce in this recipe?

If you don’t have oyster sauce or want to keep it vegetarian, try using an equal amount of mushroom stir-fry sauce or extra hoisin sauce. Either option keeps that deep, umami-rich kick in the noodles.

What noodles work best besides egg noodles?

Egg noodles are traditional and chewy, but rice noodles or even spaghetti make delicious stand-ins. Just make sure not to overcook so your Sticky Beef Noodles keep their bouncy texture.

Can Sticky Beef Noodles be made gluten-free?

With a few swaps, yes! Choose gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari), a gluten-free oyster sauce, and gluten-free noodles. Check the packaging to be sure, and your meal will be perfectly safe and just as tasty.

How can I make this dish spicier?

For some extra heat, toss in a thinly sliced chili, a small drizzle of chili oil, or sprinkle in red pepper flakes with the sauce. Adjust until your Sticky Beef Noodles have that just-right kick.

Final Thoughts

If ever there was a dish guaranteed to disappear in minutes, it’s these Sticky Beef Noodles. Give them a try and delight in the sweet, savory, utterly addictive tangle of flavors—weeknight dinners will never be the same!