A plate of Sticky Beef Noodles with tender beef slices, glossy sticky sauce, and garnished with cilantro and sesame seeds, served with chopsticks.

Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe – Quick, Sweet, and Savory Meal

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Introduction

If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying meal that combines sweet, savory flavors with tender beef and noodles, look no further than Sticky Beef Noodles. This dish is the perfect balance of deliciously sticky sauce, succulent beef, and perfectly cooked noodles, all coming together in just under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining friends, Sticky Beef Noodles is sure to become a go-to recipe that everyone will love.

Sticky Beef Noodles is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The rich, sweet, and savory sauce clings to tender strips of beef and slippery noodles, making every bite a delight. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both easy and delicious, this is the one for you.

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Recipe Name: Sticky Beef Noodles
Description: This Sticky Beef Noodles recipe combines savory beef with a sweet, sticky sauce, all tossed with noodles for an incredibly flavorful, satisfying meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 350 per serving

Ingredients list:

  • 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 8 oz (225g) noodles (egg noodles or rice noodles work well)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1-2 teaspoons chili flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the noodles: Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and stir-fry until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Make the sauce: In the same pan, add the sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and chili flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
  4. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the pan and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Combine everything: Return the cooked beef to the pan and add the noodles. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
  6. Garnish and serve: Serve the sticky beef noodles hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds.

Notes:

  • For a vegetarian version, use tofu or tempeh in place of the beef.
  • You can also substitute rice noodles for a gluten-free option.

Nutrition information (per serving):

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 850mg

Why You’ll Love This Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe

  1. Simple and Quick: Sticky Beef Noodles takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
  2. Sweet and Savory: The combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a sticky, sweet sauce that perfectly complements the beef and noodles.
  3. Budget-Friendly: With only a handful of ingredients, this dish is both affordable and satisfying, without sacrificing flavor.
  4. Customizable: You can easily swap out the beef for chicken, pork, or tofu, or add more vegetables to make it your own.
  5. One-pan Wonder: No need to dirty multiple pots and pans — this recipe can be made in just one skillet or wok.

Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe ingredients and Substitutions

Beef: The beef is the star of this dish, and flank steak or sirloin are ideal for their tenderness. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you can also use skirt steak or beef chuck, though these cuts may need a little longer to cook.

Noodles: Egg noodles are the traditional choice, but you can swap in rice noodles, soba noodles, or even spaghetti in a pinch. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, go for rice noodles or a gluten-free noodle brand.

Sauce Base: The sauce is a balance of salty, sweet, and savory flavors. Hoisin sauce and soy sauce give the base flavor, while the brown sugar adds sweetness. If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can use a combination of soy sauce, sugar, and a dash of five-spice powder.

Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the sauce to that signature sticky consistency. If you’re out of cornstarch, arrowroot powder or potato starch can be used as substitutes.

How to Make Sticky Beef Noodles (Step-by-Step)

  1. Prepare the Noodles: Start by boiling the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them well and set them aside. If you’re using rice noodles, be sure to rinse them with cold water after cooking to prevent them from sticking together.
  2. Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef slices in a single layer. Let them cook for a couple of minutes on each side, allowing the beef to sear and get that beautiful golden color. This should only take about 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove the beef and set it aside.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir-fry them for 1 minute or until fragrant. This will infuse the oil with wonderful aromatic flavors. Now, add the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: To give the sauce its sticky texture, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Within 2-3 minutes, you should notice the sauce thickening to a glossy, sticky consistency.
  5. Combine Everything: Once the sauce is ready, return the beef to the pan along with the cooked noodles. Toss everything together to coat the noodles and beef in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is hot and well-combined.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Sticky Beef Noodles to serving plates and garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately for the best experience!

Expert Tips for Success Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe

  1. Searing the Beef: Be sure to cook the beef in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan will cause the beef to steam instead of sear, which can affect the flavor and texture.
  2. Use Fresh Noodles: If you can, opt for fresh noodles. They tend to have a better texture and absorb the sauce more easily than dried noodles.
  3. Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the sweetness of the sauce. Add more brown sugar for a sweeter dish or cut back for a more savory flavor.
  4. Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: Cornstarch is what makes this dish “sticky.” Without it, the sauce won’t have that beautiful, glossy, clingy texture that makes this recipe special.

Variations and Customizations for Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe

  • Vegetarian Option: Swap out the beef for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of these Sticky Beef Noodles. Just be sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking.
  • Extra Veggies: Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or bok choy to the stir-fry for extra color and nutrients.
  • Spicy Version: If you like heat, add more chili flakes or even a chopped fresh chili to the sauce for a kick.

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe

  • Storing: Leftover Sticky Beef Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover the dish to prevent it from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Sticky Beef Noodles with a side of crispy spring rolls or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside some steamed vegetables or a simple miso soup to balance out the richness of the noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I make Sticky Beef Noodles less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the brown sugar or skip it entirely. Alternatively, you can add more soy sauce for a more savory flavor.

Can I use a different meat for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or even shrimp, depending on your preference.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and use rice noodles.

Related Recipes

  • Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry: A savory and quick stir-fry that pairs well with Sticky Beef Noodles.
  • Sweet and Sour Chicken: A tangy, sweet dish that makes for an excellent side to the noodles.
  • Honey Garlic Shrimp: A sweet and savory shrimp dish that complements the richness of Sticky Beef Noodles.

Conclusion

There you have it! This Sticky Beef Noodles recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, this dish will quickly become a weeknight favorite. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients and try it out today — you won’t regret it!

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