Spicy Beef Noodles

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances heat, savory richness, and satisfying noodles, look no further than these Spicy Beef Noodles. Tender slices of top sirloin steak mingle with a vibrant sauce that has just the right kick of chili garlic, all tossed with crisp vegetables and your choice of flat rice or wheat noodles. This recipe is a fantastic weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together quickly. Whether you’re a noodle lover or a fan of bold flavors, these Spicy Beef Noodles are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish nails it because of the perfect combination of technique and ingredients. First, marinating the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil ensures the meat stays tender and flavorful. Adding baking soda is an optional but smart hack that breaks down muscle fibers for extra tenderness. The sauce layers depth with oyster, hoisin, and chili garlic sauces, creating a complex umami flavor with a spicy punch. Cooking the noodles just right and stir-frying vegetables with aromatics like garlic, ginger, and red chili keeps everything fresh and vibrant. The final touch of sesame seeds and green onions adds texture and a fresh bite. Altogether, these factors make these Spicy Beef Noodles irresistibly delicious.

What Goes Into Spicy Beef Noodles

• 1 pound top sirloin steak (or flank steak, thinly sliced) – the star protein, tender and flavorful
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium) – for marinating the beef
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – to give the beef a velvety texture
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil – adds a nutty aroma to the marinade
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (optional) – tenderizes the beef further
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – for cooking the beef
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium) – base of the sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce – adds umami depth
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce – a touch of sweetness and complexity
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce – adjust to your heat preference for spice
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional) – enhances color and richness
• 1 teaspoon sugar – balances the savory and spicy flavors
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil – finishing oil for flavor
• 12 ounces flat noodles (rice or wheat noodles) – the perfect base for soaking up sauce
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided) – for stir-frying
• 3 cloves garlic (minced) – aromatic punch
• 1 tablespoon ginger (minced) – warmth and freshness
• 1 red chili (thinly sliced) – vibrant heat and color
• 2 medium bell peppers (cut into 1 inch pieces) – crisp texture and sweetness
• 3 green onions (sliced, plus extra for garnish) – freshness and crunch
• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional) – nutty crunch and visual appeal

Hardware & Gadgets

• Sharp knife and cutting board: For slicing beef and vegetables thinly and uniformly.
• Large wok or skillet: Ideal for quick stir-frying and tossing noodles.
• Mixing bowls: For marinating beef and combining sauce ingredients.
• Pot for boiling noodles: To cook noodles until just tender.
• Colander or strainer: To drain noodles after boiling.
• Measuring spoons: For precise sauce measurements.

Make Spicy Beef Noodles: A Simple Method

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and the optional 1 teaspoon baking soda. Add the thinly sliced top sirloin steak and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. The baking soda helps break down the meat fibers, resulting in extra tender beef.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust heat to taste), 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional for color), 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Set aside so the flavors can meld.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the flat noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 3-5 minutes). Drain well and toss with a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry until browned but still tender, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.

Step 5: Cook the Vegetables & Aromatics

In the same wok, add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Add minced garlic, minced ginger, and sliced red chili. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Toss in the sliced green onions and cook for another minute.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked beef to the wok. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together until well coated and heated through. Add the cooked noodles and gently toss to combine, ensuring every strand is coated with that flavorful sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the Spicy Beef Noodles to serving plates. Garnish with extra sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the beautiful balance of spice, savory beef, and fresh vegetables.

Allergy-Friendly Substitutes

• Soy Sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
• Oyster Sauce: Substitute with mushroom stir-fry sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: Swap with a milder chili sauce or omit for no spice.
• Noodles: Use gluten-free rice noodles or spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

Things That Go Wrong

• Beef is tough: This usually means the beef wasn’t sliced thinly enough or the baking soda step was skipped. Also, avoid overcooking the beef to keep it tender.
• Noodles stick together: Toss cooked noodles with a little oil immediately after draining to prevent clumping.
• Sauce is too salty or bland: Adjust soy sauce and sugar to taste. Remember, the sauces vary in saltiness by brand.
• Vegetables are mushy: Stir-fry on high heat and don’t overcook; they should remain crisp.

Save It for Later

Leftover Spicy Beef Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to keep the noodles from drying out. This dish also freezes well, though texture is best preserved with fresh noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes! Flank steak works wonderfully as a substitute because it’s lean and flavorful. Just be sure to slice it thinly against the grain to keep it tender.

How spicy are these noodles and can I make them milder?

The heat level depends on the amount of chili garlic sauce you add. Start with less if you prefer mild spice, and adjust to your taste. You can also remove the seeds from the red chili to lessen heat.

What kind of noodles work best?

Flat rice noodles or wheat noodles are both excellent choices. Rice noodles give a lighter, slightly chewy texture, while wheat noodles offer a heartier bite. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Absolutely! Swap the beef for firm tofu or seitan and replace oyster sauce with a vegetarian mushroom sauce or extra soy sauce. The technique remains the same and it’s just as delicious.

More from the Kitchen

• Craving more spicy noodle dishes? Try the Spicy Peanut Chicken Noodles for a creamy, nutty twist.
• If you love pickled flavors, the Spicy Pickled Cucumber Ramen Noodles offer a refreshing and tangy bite.
• For a fragrant and herby dinner option, don’t miss the Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken With Vermicelli Noodles.

Let’s Eat

Enjoy your bowl of Spicy Beef Noodles hot from the wok, bursting with bold flavors and satisfying textures. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, this recipe brings a deliciously spicy and savory meal to your table in minutes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend dinner, these noodles hit the spot every time. Don’t forget to garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds for that final touch of freshness and crunch. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Share on Pinterest