Sticky Beef Noodles
Sticky Beef Noodles feature tender, thinly sliced beef cooked in a rich, savory soy-based sauce that clings to chewy noodles, creating a deliciously sticky and comforting dish. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this recipe balances bold umami flavors with a hint of sweetness and aromatic garlic and ginger. Easy to prepare in one pan, it offers versatility for various noodle types and protein substitutions, making it a beloved comfort food staple.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Beef and Noodles
- 300g sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 200g fresh egg noodles or udon noodles
Sauce and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar or honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or other neutral cooking oil (for searing)
Vegetables and Garnishes (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup snap peas or bok choy, chopped (optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness. Peel and finely mince garlic and ginger. Chop any optional vegetables and green onions. Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a hot pan over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the beef strips for about 2 minutes per side until browned but not overcooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside to rest, keeping the flavorful juices in the pan.
- Build the Sauce: In the same pan, add minced garlic and ginger and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, and a dash of sesame oil. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a sticky consistency, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Return the rested beef to the pan along with the cooked noodles and any optional vegetables. Toss all ingredients together over medium heat so the noodles absorb the sticky sauce evenly and become thoroughly coated.
- Finish with Freshness: Turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped green onions and optional garnishes like toasted sesame seeds or fresh cilantro on top before serving.
Notes
- Beef slicing technique: Slice beef thinly and against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Cook noodles al dente: Prevent overcooking to maintain texture with the sauce.
- Rest the beef: Allow cooked beef to rest so juices redistribute for juicier meat.
- Sauce consistency: Simmer gently to thicken sauce without burning or bitterness.
- Heat control: Use medium heat when combining noodles to avoid drying out.
- Gluten-free tip: Use tamari in place of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of water or broth to refresh sauce and prevent sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Sticky Beef Noodles, beef stir-fry, Asian noodles, quick dinner, savory noodles, one-pot meal, comfort food