Sticky Beef Noodles are a quick and flavorful dish that delivers an explosion of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in every bite. With tender strips of sirloin steak, fresh vegetables, and a glossy, tangy sauce, this dish brings the best of Asian street food into your kitchen in just 20 minutes. It’s the perfect combination of textures, from crispy beef to soft noodles and crunchy veggies, making it an irresistible meal any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sticky Beef Noodles is a dish that’s quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough to serve guests. The crispy beef is perfectly complemented by tender noodles and a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. Whether you’re a fan of Asian cuisine or just looking for a flavorful dinner, this recipe has something for everyone. Plus, it’s highly customizable — you can adjust the heat, add more veggies, or even switch up the protein. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Beef:

• 14 ounces (400 grams) sirloin steak, sliced thinly

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Stir-Frying:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 7 ounces (200 grams) broccoli florets

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons ginger, minced

For the Sauce:

• 6 tablespoons lime juice

• 6 tablespoons dark soy sauce

• 6 tablespoons sugar

• 1–2 red chilies, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)

For the Noodles & Garnish:

• 14 ounces (400 grams) fresh egg noodles

• 4 spring onions, cut into 2 cm pieces (plus more for garnish)

• Chili flakes, chopped chilies, and extra spring onions for garnish

Directions

1. Coat the Steak: Toss the thinly sliced sirloin steak with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until evenly coated. This will help create a crispy texture when the beef is seared.

2. Sear the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the coated beef in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes, turning as needed, until golden and crispy. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, stir-fry the red bell pepper, broccoli florets, garlic, and ginger for 2-3 minutes until just tender and fragrant.

4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine lime juice, dark soy sauce, sugar, and finely chopped red chilies. Pour this sauce mixture into the pan and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.

5. Cook the Noodles: Boil the fresh egg noodles according to the package instructions until tender, then drain well and set aside.

6. Combine Everything: Add the crispy beef, drained noodles, and spring onion pieces into the pan with the sauce and vegetables. Toss everything together, ensuring that the noodles and beef are evenly coated with the sauce. Heat for 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.

7. Garnish and Serve: Serve the noodles in bowls, garnished with chili flakes, chopped chilies, and extra spring onions. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish.

• Add More Veggies: Try adding snap peas, carrots, or baby corn to give the dish more crunch and color.

• Spicy Adjustments: If you love heat, increase the amount of chilies or add chili flakes to the sauce for a stronger kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storing Leftovers: Let the leftovers cool to room temperature and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the dish in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Note that the texture of the noodles may soften after freezing and reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat leftovers on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore the sauce’s consistency, or use the microwave, covered loosely, to prevent drying out. Add fresh spring onions and chilies after reheating for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can substitute sirloin with flank steak, ribeye, or tenderized round. Make sure to slice it thinly for quick stir-frying.

Are Sticky Beef Noodles very spicy?

You can adjust the heat level by using more or fewer chilies. If you prefer a milder version, use only one chili or skip them entirely.

What’s the best way to slice the beef?

Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips. To make slicing easier, partially freeze the steak for about 20 minutes, which helps you get super-thin slices.

Can I make Sticky Beef Noodles gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free noodles (like rice noodles) and ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce to make the dish completely gluten-free.

Can I add other veggies?

Absolutely! You can add sugar snap peas, shredded carrots, or baby corn. Just add firmer vegetables earlier and softer ones later in the stir-fry.

Can I use dried noodles instead of fresh egg noodles?

Yes, you can use dried noodles; just cook them according to the package instructions, and they will work just fine.

What if I don’t have dark soy sauce?

If you don’t have dark soy sauce, you can use regular soy sauce, though it may alter the depth of flavor slightly. You can also mix regular soy sauce with a bit of molasses or honey for a similar effect.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! If you’re feeding a crowd or just love leftovers, you can double the ingredients and follow the same method.

What should I serve with Sticky Beef Noodles?

Sticky Beef Noodles are great on their own, but you can pair them with a crisp cucumber salad, pickled veggies, or sautéed greens like bok choy for a well-rounded meal.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time—slice the beef, chop the veggies, and make the sauce. Just stir-fry and assemble when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

Sticky Beef Noodles are an irresistible combination of crispy beef, tender noodles, and vibrant vegetables all drenched in a sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce. This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights or impressive dinners. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving guests, it’s bound to be a hit. Enjoy every savory bite!