Name: Sticky Beef Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 3 tbsp soy sauce (divided); 2 tbsp hoisin sauce; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice; 1/2 tsp chili flakes or 1 fresh chili, sliced (optional); 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil; 8 oz egg noodles or rice noodles; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional); 1 cup steamed broccoli or snap peas (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Sticky Beef Noodles are one of those quick and flavorful dishes I keep coming back to. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried and coated in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce that clings beautifully to every noodle. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish with just the right balance of umami, heat, and a hint of sweetness. Whether I’m cooking for myself or feeding a crowd, this recipe always delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how fast and fuss-free Sticky Beef Noodles are. It’s a one-pan meal with a sauce that’s perfectly sticky and rich, coating every bite of noodle and beef. The ingredients are easy to find, and the recipe is flexible enough to adjust to what I have on hand. It also reheats well, making it great for leftovers or meal prep. Plus, the flavors taste just like something I’d order from my favorite takeout spot — but fresher and homemade.

Ingredients

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

Beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
Soy sauce
Hoisin sauce
Oyster sauce
Brown sugar or honey
Garlic, minced
Ginger, grated
Cornstarch
Vegetable oil or sesame oil
Rice vinegar or lime juice
Chili flakes or fresh chili (optional)
Egg noodles or rice noodles
Green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
Steamed broccoli or snap peas (optional for added veg)

Directions

I start by tossing the sliced beef with cornstarch and a splash of soy sauce, then let it marinate for 10–15 minutes.
In a bowl, I mix together hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and chili flakes to make the sticky sauce.
I cook the noodles according to package instructions, drain them, and set them aside.
In a hot wok or large skillet, I heat oil and quickly sear the beef in batches until browned and just cooked through, then remove it from the pan.
I pour the sauce into the pan, bring it to a simmer, and let it bubble until slightly thickened and glossy.
I return the beef to the pan along with the cooked noodles, tossing everything together until the noodles are coated and the beef is sticky and glazed.
I finish it off with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, then serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes around 30 minutes total — about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes to cook. It’s ideal for busy nights when I want a fast, flavorful meal that feels like a treat.

Variations

I swap the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu when I want a different protein.
I sometimes add stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for more texture and nutrition.
For extra heat, I use sriracha or fresh red chili slices.
Udon or soba noodles also work well in place of egg noodles.
I reduce the sugar slightly if I want a more savory version of the sauce.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce and stir everything gently until heated through. Microwaving also works, but I find the stovetop keeps the texture of the noodles better. I avoid freezing this dish, as the noodles can get mushy after thawing.

FAQs

What kind of beef should I use for Sticky Beef Noodles?

I like using flank steak or sirloin because they cook quickly and stay tender. The key is to slice the beef very thinly against the grain for the best texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep the beef and sauce ahead of time, then just cook everything fresh when I’m ready to eat. It makes weeknight cooking even faster.

What noodles work best?

I prefer egg noodles or lo mein noodles, but rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti will work in a pinch. I just make sure they’re cooked al dente so they don’t turn mushy.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default, but I can easily make it spicy by adding chili flakes, fresh chili, or a spoonful of chili paste to the sauce.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce, and pair them with rice noodles to make it fully gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion

Sticky Beef Noodles are one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something quick, comforting, and packed with flavor. The rich, sticky sauce and tender beef make every bite addictive, and the noodles soak up all that goodness perfectly. It’s a satisfying meal that feels indulgent but is easy enough to make any day of the week.