Name: Sticky Beef Noodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb beef (flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin), thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (plus extra for marinade); 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 8 oz cooked noodles (rice noodles, lo mein, or egg noodles); 2 green onions, sliced; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)

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Sticky Beef Noodles is a rich, savory, and slightly sweet stir-fry that’s packed with tender beef, glossy noodles, and bold Asian-inspired flavor. I love how quick it is to throw together and how it delivers that perfect sticky-salty-sweet combo I crave when I’m in the mood for serious comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s fast, satisfying, and incredibly versatile. The beef is cooked until caramelized and coated in a sticky sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of noodle. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that tastes like takeout—but better, fresher, and made just the way I like it. Sticky Beef Noodles

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Beef (thinly sliced flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin)
Soy sauce
Hoisin sauce
Brown sugar or honey
Garlic, minced
Fresh ginger, grated
Sesame oil
Cornstarch
Cooked noodles (rice noodles, lo mein, or egg noodles)
Green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds (optional)
Vegetable oil (for cooking)

Directions

I toss the thinly sliced beef in cornstarch and a splash of soy sauce. I let it sit for 10–15 minutes to tenderize and build flavor.
I whisk together the sauce: soy sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a drizzle of sesame oil.
In a hot skillet or wok, I add a bit of oil and sear the beef in batches until browned and slightly crispy. I remove it from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, I pour in the sauce and let it bubble for a minute until it starts to thicken.
I add the cooked noodles and toss to coat, then return the beef to the pan and stir until everything is glossy and well combined.
I finish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 3 to 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: About 30 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra color and crunch. I’ve swapped the beef for chicken or tofu when I want a lighter option. For spice, I stir in some chili garlic sauce or a dash of red pepper flakes. When I want it extra rich, I use oyster sauce in place of hoisin.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles. It also microwaves well, though the texture is best when reheated on the stove.

FAQs

What type of noodles work best?

I usually use wide rice noodles or lo mein, but spaghetti or ramen noodles work in a pinch too. I just avoid anything too soft or overcooked.

Can I use pre-cooked beef?

Yes, if I have leftover steak or roast beef, I slice it thin and toss it in at the end to warm through in the sauce.

How do I keep the beef tender?

I slice it thinly against the grain and coat it in cornstarch. Cooking it quickly over high heat helps it stay juicy and tender.

Can I make this ahead?

The sauce and sliced beef can be prepped ahead. I cook it fresh when ready to serve for the best texture, especially with the noodles.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default, but I add chili oil, sriracha, or crushed red pepper when I want a kick of heat.

Conclusion

Sticky Beef Noodles is a fast, flavorful dish that brings bold flavor and serious satisfaction to the table. The combination of tender beef, chewy noodles, and sticky-sweet sauce makes this one of my favorite stir-fry recipes. Whether I’m cooking for a busy weeknight or just craving something comforting, it always hits the spot.