Stir-Fried Beef Noodles: Quick and Easy

Written By Eva Postlewait

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality stir-fry at home, this Beef Noodle Stir-Fry is the perfect dish. Tender, marinated beef combined with chewy rice noodles, fragrant onions, and a rich umami sauce makes for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Beef Marinade:

  • 450 g (1 lb) rump, sirloin, or flank steak, thinly sliced (4 mm/1/4 inch thick)

  • 2 tbsp freshly minced garlic

  • 1Tbsp ginger

  • 2 tbsp Mirin

  • 2 tbsp light soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp cornflour or sourdough

  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda, not baking powder)

  • 2 tbsp cooking oil (avocado oil works best)

Stir-Fry:

  • 400 g (28 oz) dried flat rice noodles

  • 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive

  • 1 small brown onion, finely sliced or diced

  • 6 spring onions cut into 6 cm

  • 2 tbsp dark soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or substitute with light / tamari sauce for a milder flavor)

  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce

  • 250 g bean sprouts

  • 2 tbsp sesame oil (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Place the thinly sliced beef in a medium bowl. Add all marinade ingredients, mix well, and let it rest for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors. (Ten minutes is the minimum)

Step 2: Prepare the Noodles

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the dried flat rice noodles and cook them for 2-3 minutes, or until just pliable. (This is typically 3-4 minutes less than the package instructions.) Rinse under cold running water and drain well. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Heat a large, heavy-based pan (ideally cast iron) over high heat. Once hot, add the cooking oil, then the marinated beef, including any residual marinade. Cook in batches for 2-3 minutes until just cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Aromatics

In the same pan, add the sliced onions and spring onions. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.

Step 5: Combine the Ingredients

Toss the cooked noodles into the pan along with the dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and light soy sauce. Use tongs to mix everything together, ensuring the noodles absorb the flavors evenly.

Step 6: Add the Final Touches

Return the cooked beef (and any juices on the plate) to the pan. Add the bean sprouts and stir-fry for another minute until the beef is warmed through.

Turn off the heat, drizzle with sesame oil, and serve immediately.

Tips for Success:

  • Slice the beef thinly: Cutting the beef against the grain into thin slices ensures it remains tender when cooked.

  • Undercook the noodles slightly: They will continue cooking when stir-fried with the sauce.

  • Use high heat: Stir-frying requires a hot pan to sear the ingredients quickly and lock in flavor.

This Beef Noodle Stir-Fry is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings the taste of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen. Enjoy!

Did you try this recipe? Let me know how it turned out in the comments!

Eva Postlewait