There’s nothing like a good stir fry when you’re craving something fast, flavorful, and seriously satisfying. This Beef Stir Fry with Noodles and Sticky Sauce is the ultimate weeknight dinner. Packed with tender beef, crisp vegetables, and chewy noodles coated in a sweet and savory sticky sauce, it comes together in just one pan—and tastes better than takeout!
I first tried a version of this dish at a tiny noodle shop while traveling through Southeast Asia. The combination of textures and that glossy, rich sauce had me hooked. When I got home, I couldn’t wait to recreate it—and after many tweaks, this version became a family favorite. It’s quick, versatile, and loaded with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: On the table in under 30 minutes.
- Full of texture: Juicy beef, al dente noodles, and crunchy vegetables.
- Sticky-sweet sauce: A perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami.
- Customizable: Use your favorite noodles and swap in seasonal veggies.
- Great for leftovers: Just as delicious the next day!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Beef:
- 1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Stir Fry:
- 8 oz (225 g) noodles (egg noodles, udon, or rice noodles)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 cups (200 g) broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Optional Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Toss until evenly coated and let it marinate for 10–15 minutes. This not only tenderizes the meat but also helps it develop a beautiful sear.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, water, and cornstarch. This sauce will thicken as it cooks to create that glossy, sticky finish.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes until browned. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove and set aside.
Step 5: Stir Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir fry for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften but still have a slight crunch. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 6: Combine with Sauce and Beef
Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the stir fry and stir well. Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to bubble and thicken, coating all the ingredients beautifully.
Step 7: Add the Noodles
Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated and heated through.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a touch of freshness and crunch.
Tips for Success
- Slice beef thinly: Cutting against the grain ensures tenderness.
- Use high heat: Stir frying is all about quick cooking at high temps.
- Prep everything first: Stir fries move fast, so have ingredients ready before you start.
- Swap the noodles: Udon, ramen, or rice noodles all work beautifully.
- Adjust spice level: Add a dash of chili paste or crushed red pepper for heat.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
This recipe also works great for meal prep—just pack into containers and enjoy a delicious lunch all week long.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Stir Fry with Noodles and Sticky Sauce delivers big flavor in minimal time. Whether you’re looking for a speedy weeknight dinner or a new twist on your takeout favorites, this recipe ticks all the boxes. It’s colorful, nourishing, and endlessly customizable—everything we love in a stir fry.
Once you try it, it’ll quickly earn a spot in your dinner rotation. It’s just too good not to make again and again!
Beef Stir Fry with Noodles and Sticky Sauce
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 lb 450 g beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup 60 ml soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup 60 ml water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Stir Fry:
- 8 oz 225 g noodles (egg noodles, udon, or rice noodles)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
- 2 cups 200 g broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 carrot julienned
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Optional Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Toss until evenly coated and let it marinate for 10–15 minutes. This not only tenderizes the meat but also helps it develop a beautiful sear.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, water, and cornstarch. This sauce will thicken as it cooks to create that glossy, sticky finish.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes until browned. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove and set aside.
Step 5: Stir Fry the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir fry for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften but still have a slight crunch. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 6: Combine with Sauce and Beef
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the stir fry and stir well. Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to bubble and thicken, coating all the ingredients beautifully.
Step 7: Add the Noodles
- Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated and heated through.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a touch of freshness and crunch.
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