Savory, saucy, and bursting with bold flavor, these Sticky Beef Noodles are a quick and satisfying stir-fry dish you’ll want to make again and again. Tender strips of beef are cooked in a rich, glossy sauce that clings to every noodle, delivering sweet, salty, and umami notes in every bite. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, better-than-takeout nights, or meal prepping ahead of a busy week.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
Sticky & Delicious – A bold sauce that coats every bite.
Family-Friendly – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Customizable – Use your favorite noodles and veggies.
Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef:
1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil for cooking)
For the Sticky Sauce:
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
2 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
For the Noodles:
8 oz (225g) egg noodles, rice noodles, or soba noodles
1 tbsp sesame oil (or any neutral oil)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 green onions, chopped
Sesame seeds & fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet or wok
Mixing bowls
Tongs or spatula
Pot for cooking noodles
Knife & cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Beef
Toss sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes while prepping sauce and veggies.
Step 2: Make the Sticky Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.
Mix the cornstarch and water separately to make a slurry and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tbsp sesame or vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned and just cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Veggies
In the same pan, add carrots and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just tender.
Add green onions and sauté for 1 more minute.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked beef to the pan with the veggies.
Pour in the sticky sauce and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
Step 7: Add Noodles & Toss
Add cooked noodles to the pan and toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
Step 8: Serve
Plate the noodles and garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot!
Tips for the Best Sticky Beef Noodles
Slice Beef Thinly – Cutting against the grain ensures tender bites.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook beef in batches for better browning.
Adjust Sauce Sweetness – Add more or less honey to taste.
Use Fresh Garlic & Ginger – Brings authentic depth of flavor.
Add a Crunch – Toss in snow peas, bean sprouts, or chopped peanuts.
Serving Suggestions
Quick Weeknight Dinner – Serve with steamed broccoli or a side salad.
Lunch Box Favorite – Perfect for next-day leftovers.
Spicy Lovers – Add sriracha or fresh chili for heat.
Vegetarian Option – Swap beef for tofu or mushrooms.
Asian-Inspired Feast – Pair with spring rolls, edamame, or cucumber salad.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Freeze in portioned containers for up to 1 month. Thaw in fridge overnight.
Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
Microwave: Heat in 60-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use ground beef instead?
Yes! Brown it first, then add the sauce and follow the rest of the recipe. - What noodles are best?
Egg noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti work well. - Can I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles. - Is this spicy?
Only if you add chili flakes or hot sauce—totally optional. - Can I prep it ahead of time?
Yes! Make the sauce and marinate the beef ahead to save time.
Final Thoughts
Sticky Beef Noodles deliver everything you love about takeout—savory beef, tender noodles, and a glossy, irresistible sauce—but made fresh at home in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving something bold for dinner or meal prepping for the week, this easy stir-fry will hit the spot every time.
Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the first sticky, saucy bite!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Fusion
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 of 4):
Calories: 470 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Sodium: 750mg
Sticky Beef Noodles
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Savory, saucy, and bursting with bold flavor, these Sticky Beef Noodles are a quick and satisfying stir-fry dish you’ll want to make again and again. Tender strips of beef are cooked in a rich, glossy sauce that clings to every noodle, delivering sweet, salty, and umami notes in every bite. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, better-than-takeout nights, or meal prepping ahead of a busy week.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest quick and flavor-packed dishes you’ll love.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil for cooking)
For the Sticky Sauce:
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
2 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
For the Noodles:
8 oz (225g) egg noodles, rice noodles, or soba noodles
1 tbsp sesame oil (or any neutral oil)
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 green onions, chopped
Sesame seeds & fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Beef
Toss sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes while prepping sauce and veggies.
Step 2: Make the Sticky Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.
Mix the cornstarch and water separately to make a slurry and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tbsp sesame or vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned and just cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Veggies
In the same pan, add carrots and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just tender.
Add green onions and sauté for 1 more minute.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked beef to the pan with the veggies.
Pour in the sticky sauce and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
Step 7: Add Noodles & Toss
Add cooked noodles to the pan and toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
Step 8: Serve
Plate the noodles and garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot!
Notes
Slice Beef Thinly – Cutting against the grain ensures tender bites.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook beef in batches for better browning.
Adjust Sauce Sweetness – Add more or less honey to taste.
Use Fresh Garlic & Ginger – Brings authentic depth of flavor.
Add a Crunch – Toss in snow peas, bean sprouts, or chopped peanuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Fusion
