Name: Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 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; 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)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 9 reviews

I absolutely adore this Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe because it nails that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and just a hint of tangy goodness in every bite. The tender, marinated beef combined with tender-crisp veggies and those silky noodles creates a comforting meal that feels both special and incredibly satisfying. Whenever I crave something quick yet full of flavor, this dish is my go-to, and it never fails to impress whether I’m making it for myself or sharing it with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe

What makes this recipe stand out for me is the incredible flavor profile. The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, and a touch of brown sugar creates this luscious, sticky sauce that clings perfectly to each strand of noodle and piece of beef. I love how the ginger and garlic add that fresh, aromatic kick which elevates the dish without overpowering it. This harmony of flavors always keeps me coming back for more, and it’s incredibly satisfying to enjoy something so rich yet well-balanced.

Besides the taste, what I appreciate the most is how easy this recipe is to put together. Even on hectic weeknights, I can whip this up in about 25 minutes from start to finish. The ingredients are straightforward, the cooking technique is a simple stir-fry, and the cleanup is minimal. Whether I’m serving it up for a casual family dinner or a small gathering with friends, this dish feels special but never fussy. It’s just the kind of dish I love having in my recipe arsenal!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with three layers: at the bottom are thick, yellowish-brown noodles, on top of the noodles are dark brown strips of cooked beef mixed with small pieces of red bell pepper and bright green broccoli florets, and scattered green onion slices are placed on the beef layer. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some green onion slices and red chili flakes scattered around. A pair of light wooden chopsticks rest on the rim of the bowl, and fresh green herbs are blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe plays a key role, from the tender flank steak to the crunchy veggies and the luscious sauce that ties everything together. The simplicity is part of the charm; every component adds essential flavor, texture, or color, resulting in a vibrant and satisfying meal.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Flank steak: Thinly sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness and quick cooking.
Soy sauce: Provides that salty, umami backbone to both the beef marinade and sauce.
Cornstarch: Helps create a silky coating on the beef, giving it a lovely stickiness and sealing in juices.
Vegetable oil: The perfect neutral oil for stir-frying at high heat.
Oyster sauce: Adds a deep, savory richness to the sauce for layered flavor complexity.
Hoisin sauce: Brings a touch of sweet and tangy depth that I find irresistible.
Brown sugar: Balances the saltiness with subtle sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
Rice vinegar: Adds a hint of brightness and acidity to cut through the richness.
Sesame oil: Infuses that toasty, nutty aroma that makes the dish truly authentic.
Garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics that amp up the flavor and freshness.
Egg noodles: Cooked just right to soak up all that sticky sauce perfectly.
Bell pepper, onion, snap peas: Crunchy, colorful veggies for texture and freshness.
Sesame seeds and green onions: Optional garnishes that add visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Start by marinating the beef. In a small bowl, toss the thinly sliced flank steak with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until every piece is evenly coated. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes so the beef can soak in all that flavor and develop a tender texture.

Step 2: While the beef marinates, prepare the sauce. 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, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger in a separate bowl. Set this flavorful sauce mixture aside to let the ingredients meld.

Step 3: Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them well and set aside so they don’t get mushy when combined later with the stir-fry.

Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef to the hot pan and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is browned on the outside and just about cooked through. You want a nice caramelized surface without overcooking.

Step 5: Toss in the thinly sliced bell pepper, onion, and snap peas. Stir-fry everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp but still bright and fresh.

Step 6: Add the cooked noodles and pour the prepared sauce over the stir-fry. Toss everything thoroughly so the noodles and beef are coated in that sticky, flavorful sauce. Heat it through for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is piping hot and combined.

Step 7: Finish the dish by garnishing with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy that irresistible blend of textures and flavors.

Servings and Timing

This Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe serves 4 generous portions, making it perfect for a family meal or a small dinner party. The prep time is delightfully short at about 10 minutes, which includes slicing the beef and preparing the sauce. The cooking time is approximately 15 minutes, mostly stir-frying and noodle preparation, so you can have it on your table within 25 minutes total. No resting or cooling time is needed, which is wonderful for a quick weeknight dinner but still impressive for guests.

How to Serve This Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe

A black bowl filled with a base of thin white noodles at the bottom, topped with a thick layer of dark brown sauce-covered beef pieces mixed with chopped green onions. A pair of black chopsticks held by a woman's hand is lifting some beef from the bowl. In the background, there is a glass jar with dark sauce and a white marbled surface under the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this dish hot and fresh straight from the pan because the sticky sauce tastes best when it’s warm and clinging to every noodle. One of my favorite accompaniments is a crisp, simple cucumber salad dressed lightly with rice vinegar and sesame oil to contrast the richness. Steamed or sautéed greens like bok choy or broccoli also make wonderful side dishes that add a vibrant green element and boost the nutrition.

For garnish, I always opt for a scatter of sesame seeds and chopped green onions because they add a lovely nutty crunch and freshness that brighten the overall dish visually and flavor-wise. Serving portions are perfect when plated with a good handful of noodles topped with the beef and veggies, ensuring everyone gets a hearty plateful without overdoing it.

When it comes to beverages, I enjoy pairing Sticky Beef Noodles with a chilled glass of jasmine tea or a light, fruity white wine like Riesling. For a casual crowd, even a cold Asian lager complements the meal beautifully. This dish works wonderfully for weeknight dinners when you crave comfort but don’t want to spend hours cooking, but it’s just as fitting for a relaxed weekend gathering where the food can be the star of the show.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe is how flexible it is. If flank steak isn’t your favorite, it’s just as delicious with thinly sliced chicken breast, shrimp, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times slightly depending on your protein choice. For tofu, pressing it well to remove excess moisture helps keep that great texture and lets the sauce stick beautifully.

If you need a gluten-free option, I recommend swapping the soy and oyster sauces for tamari and gluten-free hoisin, both of which maintain the rich umami flavors. You can also switch out egg noodles for rice noodles or even spiralized veggies for a lower-carb alternative. Adding extra vegetables like shredded carrots, broccoli florets, or baby corn can bring more color, texture, and nutrition, tailoring this dish exactly to what you love.

For a little heat, I sometimes mix in chili oil or toss red pepper flakes into the sauce before cooking. Another delicious twist is to finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a handful of chopped fresh cilantro to brighten the whole dish and add a fresh herbal note. Different cooking methods like grilling the beef separately and tossing everything together at the end can add a smoky flavor that’s just irresistible. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to make this dish your own!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they keep well for up to 3 days. I find that glass containers are great for preserving flavor and making reheating easier. It’s best to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing to avoid extra condensation, which can make the noodles a bit soggy.

Freezing

This Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe can be frozen, although I recommend freezing the beef and veggies separately from the noodles if possible. Use freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and try to remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. Stored properly, it should keep well for up to 2 months. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer gently warming the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to help loosen up the sauce and prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving straight from frozen if possible, as uneven heating can dry out the beef or make noodles rubbery. Stirring frequently while reheating helps restore the dish’s original sticky, glossy texture and ensures everything heats thoroughly and evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking, you can use skirt steak, sirloin, or even ribeye thinly sliced against the grain. Just adjust cooking times to avoid toughness.

What type of noodles work best for Sticky Beef Noodles?

Egg noodles are my favorite because they absorb the sauce well and have a nice chew. But you can use rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti in a pinch, depending on what you have on hand.

Is this recipe spicy? How can I make it spicy?

This particular recipe is mild and balanced in flavor. To add some heat, I often drizzle chili oil over the finished dish or toss red pepper flakes into the sauce before cooking. Both add a pleasant kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Can I prepare any parts of this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can marinate the beef up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. The sauce can also be mixed in advance. Just cook the noodles and stir-fry just before serving for the freshest texture.

How can I make this dish vegan?

To make this vegan, swap out the beef for firm tofu or tempeh and replace oyster sauce with a mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce alternative. Use tamari instead of soy sauce if you want to avoid gluten. Double up on the veggies and enjoy a plant-powered version that’s equally delicious!

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels special yet is so simple to make. The rich, sticky sauce paired with tender beef and crunchy veggies creates a meal that’s bursting with flavor and satisfaction. It’s perfect for any night when you want something comforting, quick, and downright delicious. Trust me, once you make it, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes, just like it is for me!