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Sticky Beef & Noodles

Sticky Beef & Noodles

Sticky Beef & Noodles is a flavorful and comforting Asian-inspired dish featuring tender, caramelized beef and chewy egg noodles coated in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce. Quick to prepare and made with simple pantry staples, this recipe delivers bold, sticky textures and rich umami flavors that make it perfect for weeknight dinners or sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Protein

  • 8 oz flank or sirloin steak, thinly sliced across the grain

Noodles

  • 8 oz egg noodles
  • 1 tsp vegetable oil (for tossing noodles)

Sauce

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free option)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp water (for sauce)
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (plus extra for beef coating)

Cooking Oils and Garnishes

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for searing beef)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Beef: Slice the beef thinly across the grain to ensure tenderness. Toss the sliced beef with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to give it a light coating which helps with searing and thickening the sauce later.
  2. Cooking the Noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions, but remove them one minute early for a firmer texture. Drain and toss with 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Creating the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, 2 tablespoons water, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch to make a sweet-savory glaze that will coat the beef and noodles beautifully.
  4. Stir-Frying the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over high heat. Quickly sear the beef until browned and slightly crispy on the edges to build flavor, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Combining Everything: Reduce heat to medium, add the prepared sauce to the beef and cook until it thickens and turns glossy. Then toss in the cooked noodles, coating them thoroughly in the sauce. Finish by stirring in sesame oil and sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

  • Marinate beef briefly with soy sauce and cornstarch for 10 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor absorption.
  • Use high heat for searing the beef to achieve a nice crust while keeping it juicy inside.
  • Do not overcook the noodles; slightly undercooked noodles finish cooking in the pan and better absorb the sauce.
  • Toss noodles thoroughly in the sauce to maximize sticky, flavorful bites.
  • Use fresh garlic, ginger, and green onions for the best aromatic flavor.
  • The sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • To store leftovers, keep in an airtight container with a splash of water or broth in the fridge for up to three days.
  • Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to two months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: Sticky Beef, Beef Noodles, Asian Beef Recipe, Quick Dinner, Sticky Sauce, Comfort Food