Craving a takeout-style dinner but don’t want to wait for delivery? These Sticky Beef Noodles come together in just 15 minutes, packed with bold flavors and a rich, glossy sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and umami—all made right in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
- Packed with Flavor: A balance of sweet, savory, and umami in every bite.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different vegetables and proteins.
Have you ever had one of those evenings where you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly how I stumbled upon these Sticky Beef Noodles—a dish that’s become my go-to for a stress-free dinner that tastes like takeout but is way better (and healthier!).
This recipe is inspired by classic Asian stir-fry dishes but with a caramelized, savory sauce that coats every strand of noodle perfectly. If you love beef hoisin stir fry or beef fried noodles, you’re in for a treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Noodles & Beef:
- Thin egg noodles – Springy and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Olive oil – For sautéing and adding a slight richness.
- Fresh garlic, minced – Brings out a deep, aromatic flavor.
- Fresh ginger, minced – Adds a warm, slightly spicy kick.
- Ground beef – Lean or fatty, depending on preference, for a rich, meaty bite.
For the Sauce:
- Sweet chili sauce – Balances heat and sweetness for a sticky glaze.
- Brown sugar – Enhances the caramelization and deepens the flavor.
- Tamari or all-purpose soy sauce – Brings a deep umami taste to the dish.
- Dark soy sauce – Adds a rich color and extra depth to the sauce.
- Rice wine vinegar – Provides acidity to cut through the richness.
Extras:
- Mixed frozen vegetables – A blend of broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots for texture and color.
- Water – Helps loosen and evenly distribute the sauce.
- Cornflour (cornstarch) – Thickens the sauce, giving it that signature glossy finish.
- Spring onions, finely sliced – Adds freshness and a mild oniony bite.
- Chili oil (optional) – For an extra kick of heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the noodles as per package instructions, reducing the cook time by 1 minute to keep them slightly firm. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, tamari, dark soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar. Let the sauce thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in the frozen vegetables, cover, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix water and cornflour until smooth, then add it to the pan. Stir for 1-2 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy.
- Combine & Serve: Add the cooked noodles and spring onions (save some for garnish). Toss everything together and cook for 1 more minute until heated through.
- Garnish & Enjoy: Serve topped with extra spring onions and a drizzle of chili oil, if desired.

Recipe Tips & Variations
Variation | How to Customize |
---|---|
Make it Spicy | Add more chili oil or a dash of sriracha. |
Use Different Protein | Swap beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu. |
Healthier Option | Use whole grain pasta for added fiber (see why it’s a great choice). |
Side Dish Ideas
Pair your Sticky Beef Noodles with a crispy snack like Tapioca Chips for the ultimate texture contrast!
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as noodles may become mushy upon thawing.
More Dinner Inspiration
Looking for more easy and different dinner recipes? Check these out:
- Quick Chicken Stir-Fry – Another fast and delicious stir-fry dish.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers – A hearty beef dish for variation.
- 10 Good Dinner Foods – Get more dinner ideas to keep things interesting.
How to make sticky beef?
Sticky beef is made by cooking beef in a caramelized sauce with ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, and sweet chili sauce until thick and glossy.
What is a beef noodle dish called?
There are many types, but popular ones include Lo Mein, Beef Chow Fun, and Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup.
How to make crispy beef noodles?
To make crispy beef noodles, fry cooked noodles in a pan until golden and crunchy, then top with stir-fried beef and sauce.
Why is beef noodle soup famous in Taiwan?
Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup is famous for its rich, slow-cooked broth infused with spices, tender beef, and chewy noodles, making it a comfort food staple.
Is beef noodle soup healthy?
Yes, it can be, as it’s packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, but the sodium and fat content depend on the ingredients used.
What is Taiwan’s national dish?
Taiwan’s national dish is Beef Noodle Soup, loved for its flavorful broth and satisfying combination of noodles and beef.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for supper ideas Asian-style, these Sticky Beef Noodles are a must-try. The balance of sweet, savory, and umami makes this dish absolutely irresistible. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up whatever veggies you have on hand!
Print
Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
Sticky Beef Noodles are a flavorful and quick weeknight meal, with savory beef, aromatic garlic, ginger, and a rich, caramelized sauce that coats each noodle perfectly. This dish is customizable and can easily be made spicy or with different proteins like chicken or tofu.
Ingredients
For the Noodles & Beef:
-
- 250g (9 oz) thin egg noodles
-
- 2 tbsp olive oil
-
- 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
-
- 1 tsp freshly minced ginger
-
- 500g (1 lb 2 oz) ground beef
For the Sauce:
-
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) sweet chili sauce
-
- 1 tsp brown sugar
-
- 3 tbsp tamari or all-purpose soy sauce
-
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
-
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
Extras:
-
- 2 cups frozen vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots work well)
-
- ½ cup (125 ml) water
-
- 1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
-
- 2 spring onions, finely sliced
-
- Chili oil, to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 1 minute to keep them slightly firm. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned (2-3 minutes).
- Stir in sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, tamari, dark soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar. Let the sauce thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Add frozen vegetables, cover, and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
- In a small bowl, mix water and cornflour until smooth, then add to the pan. Stir until the sauce becomes glossy (1-2 minutes).
- Add cooked noodles and sliced spring onions. Toss everything together, cooking for another minute until heated through.
- Serve with extra spring onions and a drizzle of chili oil, if desired.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite veggies or protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- For a spicier dish, add more chili oil or sriracha.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 of the recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: sticky beef noodles, quick dinner, stir-fry, beef stir fry, easy weeknight meal
