Description
Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re like me—juggling work, family, and the occasional attempt at self-care—you might find yourself staring blankly at your fridge, wondering what to whip up for dinner. Well, let me introduce you to a dish that is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavors that will make your taste buds dance: Sticky Beef Noodles!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces rice noodles
- 1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Start by boiling the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re cooked, drain them and set them aside like you’re giving them a little timeout.
- Prep the Beef: In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with cornstarch. This gives it that nice crispy exterior. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and let it sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until beautifully browned. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- Stir-Fry the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and broccoli florets. Stir-fry these vibrant veggies for about 4-5 minutes until they’re tender-crisp—think bright colors and delicious fragrance wafting through your kitchen.
- Add Aromatics: Add the green onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. If only I could bottle that aroma!
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling a little spicy.
- Bring It All Together: Return the beef to the skillet with the veggies, add the cooked noodles, and pour that sticky sauce over everything. Toss it all together to ensure the noodles and beef are coated in that glorious sauce.
- Serve: Dish the noodles into bowls and garnish with extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Don’t forget to admire your culinary masterpiece before diving in!
Notes
- Don’t worry if your sauce looks a little lumpy—it’s all part of the magic! A little lump here and there means more flavor!
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked beef or leftover steak. You’ll still get that mouthwatering result.
- Feel free to swap the broccoli or bell pepper with whatever veggies you have on hand! Zucchini and snap peas work wonderfully too.