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Sweet & Savory Beef Stir Fry with Tender Noodles and a Glossy Garlic-Soy Glaze Recipe

4.6 from 65 reviews

A flavorful Sweet & Savory Beef Stir Fry featuring tender rice or egg noodles tossed with thinly sliced beef and crisp vegetables, all coated in a glossy garlic-soy glaze. This quick and easy stir fry combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors with a delightful texture, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 oz (225g) rice noodles or egg noodles
  • 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 2 carrots, julienned
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

Sticky Sauce

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup water

Garnish (Optional)

  • Sesame seeds
  • Fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Cook the noodles: Prepare the rice or egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the beef: Toss the thinly sliced beef sirloin or flank steak with cornstarch until evenly coated. This will help achieve a velvety texture and help the sauce cling to the meat.
  3. Sear the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Working in batches, sear the beef for 1 to 2 minutes per side until nicely browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef and set aside to keep warm.
  4. Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Quickly sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  5. Cook vegetables: Add the sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrots to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp.
  6. Combine beef and noodles: Return the seared beef to the pan along with the cooked noodles and sliced green onions. Toss everything together gently to combine.
  7. Prepare and add sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and water in a bowl. Pour this sticky sauce over the stir fry mixture.
  8. Toss and finish cooking: Toss all ingredients continuously over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze, everything is heated through, and flavors meld beautifully.
  9. Garnish and serve: Transfer the stir fry to serving plates and garnish with optional sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. Serve hot for a deliciously satisfying meal.

Notes

  • To ensure even cooking, slice the beef thinly against the grain.
  • Use rice noodles for a gluten-free option or egg noodles for more traditional flavor.
  • If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey or brown sugar amount slightly.
  • Oyster sauce is optional but adds a richer umami flavor; omit to keep it vegetarian-friendly, replacing soy sauce accordingly.
  • Leftovers keep well and reheat quickly in a skillet or microwave.

Keywords: Beef stir fry, garlic soy glaze, rice noodles, Asian stir fry, quick dinner, healthy beef recipe, vegetable stir fry, hoisin sauce, easy weeknight meal