Description
Sticky Beef Noodles is a flavorful Asian-inspired main course featuring tender stir-fried beef, chewy rice or lo mein noodles, and a savory-sweet sauce made with soy, hoisin, oyster sauce, and honey. This quick and easy stir-fry recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an extra burst of texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 8 oz rice noodles or lo mein noodles
Beef and Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
Sauce and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles: Cook the rice or lo mein noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Marinate the beef: In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. This helps to tenderize the meat and create a slight crust when cooking.
- Cook the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until it is browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger to the same pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar), 2 teaspoons rice vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Stir until well mixed.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the garlic and ginger and bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and thicken slightly.
- Toss noodles and beef: Add the cooked noodles and beef back into the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly and heat through for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra vegetables and texture, stir in sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Slicing beef thinly against the grain ensures tenderness and better bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stirfry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
