Sticky Beef Noodles
Sticky Beef Noodles is a quick and satisfying dish featuring tender, slow-marinated beef combined with wide egg noodles and a rich, sticky sauce full of umami, sweetness, and savory flavors. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with simple ingredients and easy steps.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Dairy Free
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb beef chuck or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Sauce Thickener
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water (to make cornstarch slurry)
Noodles & Garnishes
- 8 oz wide egg noodles or fresh wheat noodles
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for tossing noodles)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Optional garnishes: toasted sesame seeds, chopped cilantro
- Marinate the Beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain and place in a bowl. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Toss the beef with this marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to develop deep flavor.
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the noodles according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain well and toss with a splash of sesame oil to prevent sticking and add a delicate toasted aroma.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Stir-fry the marinated beef quickly until browned and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes depending on thickness. Remove the beef and set aside to keep warm.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add a small amount of oil if needed and sauté diced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Pour in the remaining marinade from the beef and stir. Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then add it to the pan. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sauce thickens, becoming glossy and sticky.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked noodles and beef to the pan with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat every noodle and piece of beef with the luscious sticky sauce. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top and give a final gentle toss before serving.
Notes
- Slice beef thinly to ensure quick cooking and tender texture.
- Marinate beef overnight if possible for deeper flavor penetration.
- Undercook noodles slightly to avoid mushiness once tossed with sauce.
- Use high heat when stir-frying to sear beef and keep noodles firm.
- Taste sauce before combining and adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Sticky Beef Noodles, Beef Noodles, Asian Noodles, Stir-fry Beef, Easy Beef Recipe, Weeknight Dinner, Umami Beef Noodles