Name: Vietnamese Beef and Garlic Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Ingredients: 400g Ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes; 5 tbsp soy sauce; 5 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp fish sauce; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp sugar; 2 tbsp meat velvet (cornstarch slurry for tenderizing); 2 tbsp water; 4 tbsp butter; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 2 servings egg noodles; ½ tsp chicken powder; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp soy sauce; ½ tsp yum yum sauce; Chopped bell peppers (red and green) – about 1 cup total; ½ onion, sliced; 4 tbsp oil, divided (2 tbsp for stir-frying beef, 2 tbsp for noodles and vegetables)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 21 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold, savory flavors and satisfies your noodle love, let me introduce you to the magic of the Vietnamese Beef and Garlic Noodles Recipe. This dish perfectly marries tender, juicy ribeye that’s been soaked in a rich, umami-packed shaking beef marinade with buttery, garlicky noodles stir-fried to silky perfection. The crispness of fresh bell peppers and onions adds a delicate crunch, making every bite a harmonious dance of textures and tastes you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or impressing friends, this recipe delivers a spectacular flavor journey straight to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image shows pieces of cooked brown meat with slightly charred edges in a dark black wok, mixed with chunks of green and red bell peppers and white onion pieces, all being sprinkled with black pepper by a woman's hand holding a pepper mill above. The vegetables and meat pieces are roughly cut into medium-sized chunks, sitting together in the wok with visible steam rising. A golden ladle rests on the side of the wok, and the cooking surface underneath shows small white spots and a clean stovetop. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is simpler than you think, and each one plays a starring role in creating those unforgettable flavors and textures. From the quality of the ribeye steak to the fragrant garlic and delicate noodles, here’s everything that makes this dish shine.

Ribeye steak (400g): The star protein, packed with marbling for juicy, tender beef in every bite.
Soy sauce (5 tbsp): Adds deep umami and a subtle saltiness to the beef and noodles.
Oyster sauce (7 tbsp total): Brings a slightly sweet, savory richness that ties everything together.
Fish sauce (1 tbsp): Infuses the dish with authentic Vietnamese depth and complexity.
Garlic (10 cloves total, minced): A fragrant punch that elevates both the beef marinade and buttery noodles.
Sugar (2 tsp): Balances out salty and savory with a touch of sweetness.
Meat velvet (2 tbsp): A secret weapon that tenderizes the beef while keeping it juicy and velvety.
Water (2 tbsp): Helps the marinade coat the beef evenly for maximum flavor absorption.
Butter (4 tbsp): Essential for those rich, silky garlic noodles that melt in your mouth.
Egg noodles (2 servings): The perfect texture to soak up all the garlic butter and sauces.
Chicken powder (½ tsp): Adds a subtle savory note enhancing the noodle stir-fry.
Yum yum seasoning (½ tsp): A delightful twist to heighten flavor complexity on the noodles.
Bell peppers (red and green, chopped): Bright color and crisp sweetness to balance the rich elements.
Onion (½, chopped): Adds aromatic sweetness and depth when stir-fried with the veggies.
Oil (4 tbsp): Separated for stir-frying beef and noodles, ensures perfect searing and sautéing.

How to Make Vietnamese Beef and Garlic Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Beef

Begin by slicing your ribeye steak into bite-sized cubes. Combining soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, minced garlic, sugar, meat velvet, and water will create a luscious marinade. Coat the beef thoroughly and let it sit for at least 20 minutes. This time lets the flavors seep in deeply and the meat tenderize beautifully, giving you those melt-in-your-mouth moments everyone raves about.

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a hot skillet or wok until shimmering. Add the marinated beef and sear it on high heat until it’s beautifully caramelized on the outside but still juicy and tender inside. The trick here is to avoid overcrowding the pan; stir-fry in batches if needed to keep that perfect sear and prevent steaming.

Step 3: Cook the Garlic Noodles

While the beef rests, boil your egg noodles according to package instructions until just al dente, then drain. In the same wok, melt butter with 6 cloves of minced garlic until fragrant and golden but not burnt. This garlic butter acts as the soul of the noodles. Toss the drained noodles into the garlic butter along with chicken powder, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and yum yum seasoning. Stir everything together until the noodles are silky, flavorful, and perfectly coated.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

In a separate pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and quickly stir-fry the chopped bell peppers and onions until they retain a slight crunch and their natural sweetness shines. These veggies add a refreshing bite and beautiful pops of color that brighten the whole dish.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Finally, return the beef to the garlic noodles pan and gently fold in the sautéed vegetables. Give it a quick toss to blend the flavors and distribute the juicy beef evenly. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if you want a bit more salt or sweetness. Now your Vietnamese Beef and Garlic Noodles Recipe is ready to delight your senses.

How to Serve Vietnamese Beef and Garlic Noodles Recipe

Inside a large cooking pan, there is one layer of light brown cooked noodles spread out evenly. On top of the noodles, near the center, lies a thick square piece of pale yellow butter with a smooth texture. Dark brown sauce is drizzled over the butter and partly on the noodles around it, creating a glossy contrast on the matte surface of the butter and noodles. The pan has a shiny metallic surface reflecting light. The image background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or Thai basil lift this dish with vibrant, aromatic freshness. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced scallions adds texture and a subtle nuttiness that complements the rich noodles. For a kick, offer sliced fresh chili or a drizzle of chili oil on the side to personalize each plate’s heat level.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides such as a simple cucumber salad dressed with lime and fish sauce or fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp and herbs. Clear broth soups like Vietnamese pho or a refreshing watermelon salad also balance the hearty, flavorful noodles beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the noodles in individual bowls topped with a perfectly fried egg, creating a luscious yolk sauce that mingles with the garlic butter. Or arrange the beef and veggies on a platter surrounded by noodles for a communal dining experience your guests will love. Wrapping a mouthful in rice paper with fresh herbs is another fun way to share this fantastic Vietnamese Beef and Garlic Noodles Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but be aware the noodles may absorb some sauce and become a bit less saucy.

Freezing

While freezing this dish isn’t ideal because of the noodles’ texture, you can freeze the cooked marinated beef separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before stir-frying fresh noodles and veggies.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a small splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles as needed. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the noodles gummy. Stir frequently to warm the beef through without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use another cut of beef instead of ribeye?

Absolutely! Ribeye is preferred for its marbling and tenderness, but sirloin or flank steak can work well too. Just slice thinly against the grain and adjust cooking time to avoid toughness.

What if I don’t have meat velvet?

Meat velvet helps tenderize beef, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with a bit of cornstarch mixed with water or simply marinate longer to help soften the meat.

Are there vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?

Definitely! Swap the ribeye for firm tofu or seitan, and use vegetarian oyster sauce and soy sauce. Add extra garlic and veggies to boost flavor and maintain the dish’s heartiness.

What is yum yum seasoning?

Yum yum seasoning is a flavorful blend often used in Japanese and Asian cuisine, combining garlic, onion, paprika, and other spices for umami richness. It’s optional but adds a delicious depth to the noodles.

Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives, and ensure your noodles are rice-based or certified gluten-free. This way you can still enjoy all those amazing flavors safely.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting and joyful about twirling up garlicky noodles with tender, flavorful beef in every forkful, and this Vietnamese Beef and Garlic Noodles Recipe captures that feeling perfectly. It’s a dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet special enough to share with loved ones on any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own kitchen favorite too!