If you’re craving a delicious, comforting meal that comes together quickly with bold flavors and satisfying textures, this Beef Noodle Stir Fry Recipe is going to become your new weeknight champion. Tender strips of velvety beef mingle with tender-crisp snow peas, earthy mushrooms, and springy noodles all tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that truly hits the spot. It’s a perfect balance of juicy meatiness and vibrant veggies, accented by the rich depth of soy and a touch of aromatic sesame. Trust me, once you master this Beef Noodle Stir Fry Recipe, it’s going to be on repeat in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that each play an important role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the tender beef strips to the bright snap of snow peas, every element is thoughtfully chosen to create a dish that’s irresistibly tasty and visually inviting.
- 500 g beef strips: Cut against the grain for maximum tenderness and quick cooking.
- 450 g Hokkien or egg noodles: These noodles absorb sauce beautifully while staying chewy and satisfying.
- 250 g mushrooms: Thick slices add earthiness and nice bite.
- 150 g snow peas or sugar snap peas: Fresh, crisp veggies that add a pop of green and sweetness.
- 1 brown onion: Thick slices bring sweetness and caramelization potential during stir frying.
- 1 spring onion: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and color contrast.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with rich, aromatic depth.
- ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce: Gives a deeper, more robust umami flavor and darker color.
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar: Balances salty and savory with a hint of sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a toasty fragrance that ties all the flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil: Such as canola or sunflower, for high-heat stir frying without interfering with flavors.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked for subtle heat and aromatic lift.
- Velveting beef marinade: A combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, oil, cornstarch, garlic, and black pepper, to keep the beef amazingly tender and flavorful.
How to Make Beef Noodle Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Velvet the Beef
Start by marinating your beef strips in the velveting marinade—a mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, oil, cornstarch, garlic, and black pepper. This technique not only imparts fantastic fragrance and taste but also locks in moisture so your beef stays juicy and tender after stir frying.
Step 2: Prepare the Noodles
Cook your Hokkien or egg noodles until just tender, then drain and set aside. It’s important not to overcook since the noodles will get a quick toss in the pan later, absorbing all those rich flavors without getting mushy.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Heat neutral oil in a hot wok or large pan and add the sliced brown onion and minced garlic. Stir fry until fragrant and onions soften slightly. Then add the mushrooms and snow peas, cooking just until veggies are tender but still have a crisp snap, preserving that vibrant texture.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
Push the veggies to one side, add a little more oil if needed, and quickly sear the marinated beef strips over high heat. The goal is a short, hot cook that seals in juices while developing a rich caramelized edge without overcooking.
Step 5: Combine and Season
Toss the cooked noodles into the pan with everything else. Add dark soy sauce, brown sugar, a drizzle of sesame oil, and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper. Stir everything together briskly to coat every strand of noodle and slice of beef with that irresistible savory sauce.
How to Serve Beef Noodle Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh spring onion cut into 5cm lengths is perfect sprinkled on top, offering a subtle onion punch and an inviting pop of color. For a little extra zing, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few chili flakes can take this stir fry to the next level.
Side Dishes
This dish shines brilliantly on its own, but you can round out your meal with light Asian-inspired sides such as pickled cucumber salad, steamed bok choy, or a simple miso soup to complement the layers of beef and noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this vibrant Beef Noodle Stir Fry Recipe in rustic bowls for a cozy feel, or pile it high on a large platter for sharing family-style. Garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil adds an extra herbaceous freshness that’s nothing short of magical.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the Beef Noodle Stir Fry Recipe just as delightful when reheated for a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
Although best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this stir fry by placing cooled portions in freezer-safe bags. Use within one month for the best texture, but note the noodles might soften slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stir fry gently in a pan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Microwaving is convenient but reheating on the stove preserves the original texture better.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beef cuts in this stir fry?
Absolutely! While tender beef strips cut against the grain work best for quick cooking, you can also try flank steak or sirloin. Just be sure to slice thinly and consistently for even cooking.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Hokkien noodles?
Any egg noodle, such as Singapore noodles or thin egg noodles, works beautifully. Rice noodles are another option, though they have a different texture, so adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Beef Noodle Stir Fry Recipe?
Yes! Simply swap the beef for firm tofu or tempeh. Marinate the tofu similarly, and stir fry with the same veggies and sauce for a satisfying meat-free meal.
How spicy is this Beef Noodle Stir Fry Recipe?
This recipe is mild by default but can easily be adjusted. Add chili flakes, fresh sliced chilies, or a drizzle of chili oil for those who crave more heat.
Why do you use velveting marinade for the beef?
Velveting tenderizes the beef and helps it retain moisture during high-heat cooking. It also adds a lovely glossy finish and depth of flavor, making the beef irresistibly tender and juicy every time.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Noodle Stir Fry Recipe is a true gem in any cook’s repertoire—simple enough for busy nights yet deliciously layered in flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish delivers rich, comforting satisfaction with every mouthful. I encourage you to try it soon and watch it become a beloved classic on your dinner table.
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Beef Noodle Stir Fry Recipe
A flavorful and quick Beef Noodle Stir Fry featuring tender beef strips, savory mushrooms, crisp snow peas, and spring onions tossed with rich soy-based sauces and perfectly cooked egg noodles. This stir fry is a perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavors, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500 g / 1 pound beef strips, cut against the grain
- 450 g / 16 ounces Hokkien noodles or other types of egg noodles (e.g., Singapore or thin egg noodles)
- 250 g / 9 ounces mushrooms, thickly sliced
- 150 g / 5 ounces snow peas or sugar snap peas, stringed and trimmed
- 1 brown onion, thickly sliced
- 1 spring onion / green onion, cut into 5cm / 2″ lengths
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons neutral-tasting oil (e.g., canola, sunflower)
- Black pepper, to taste
Velveting Beef Marinade
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 tablespoon neutral-tasting oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Velveting Marinade: In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, 1 tablespoon neutral oil, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 minced garlic clove, and black pepper. Mix well until the cornstarch is fully incorporated.
- Marinate the Beef: Add the beef strips to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for at least 20 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil or soak your choice of egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, tossing gently with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Heat the Pan and Cook Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced brown onion; stir-fry until fragrant and slightly softened, about 2 minutes.
- Stir-Fry the Beef: Increase heat to high and add the marinated beef strips. Stir-fry quickly until the beef changes color and is almost cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove beef from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the sliced mushrooms and snow peas. Stir-fry until the mushrooms are tender and the peas are crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the beef to the pan. Add the cooked noodles, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors and heat through.
- Finish with Spring Onions: Add the cut spring onions, stir briefly just to combine, and remove from heat.
- Serve: Plate immediately while hot, garnishing with additional black pepper if desired. Enjoy your delicious beef noodle stir fry!
Notes
- Use Shaoxing wine for authentic flavor, but dry sherry can be a substitute.
- Velveting the beef with cornstarch creates a tender texture.
- Choose fresh and firm mushrooms and crisp snow peas for better texture contrast.
- For extra heat, add crushed chili or chili oil while stir-frying.
- Adjust soy sauce quantities based on your preferred saltiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
