If you’re craving a dish that’s vibrant, packed with flavor, and comes together quickly, then this Beef Stir Fry with Noodles Recipe is about to become your new kitchen hero. It’s the perfect harmony of tender beef, crisp veggies, and silky noodles all coated in a delightfully savory and slightly sweet sauce. Each bite delivers that satisfying combination of textures and tastes, turning a simple weeknight dinner into a mouthwatering experience you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Beef Stir Fry with Noodles Recipe has a purpose, whether it is for flavor depth, texture contrast, or that vibrant pop of color. These simple staples come together beautifully, proving just how straightforward it is to create a restaurant-worthy meal right at home.
- Garlic salt, celery salt, onion powder (1/2 teaspoon each): These seasonings build a flavorful base, enhancing the beef’s natural richness and balancing the dish.
- Black pepper and salt (1/4 teaspoon black pepper, salt to taste): Basic but essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors.
- Chili powder (1/8 teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat that lifts the dish without overpowering it.
- Cornstarch (3 tablespoons) + cold water (3 tablespoons): This mix is your thickening agent, giving the sauce that perfect glossy finish.
- Beef broth (1 cup) and chicken broth (1/2 cup): Combining these makes the sauce rich and savory with a rounded depth.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Brings salty umami and that classic stir fry flavor we all crave.
- Honey (3 tablespoons): Balances the soy sauce with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses aromatic flavor throughout the dish.
- Hot sauce (1 teaspoon): For a gentle kick that wakes up the taste buds.
- Ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a warm, spicy note that complements the beef and vegetables.
- Strip steak (1 1/4 lb., or flank/top sirloin): The star protein, sliced thin to cook quickly and stay tender.
- Peanut oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for high-heat cooking and adding a subtle nutty flavor.
- Dry white wine (1/3 cup): Helps tenderize the beef and adds complexity to the sauce (optional but recommended).
- Broccoli florets (3 cups): Provide crunch and vibrant green color.
- Carrots (3/4 cup, julienned): For sweetness and bright orange contrast.
- Yellow onion (1, sliced): Adds a mildly sweet depth when lightly cooked.
- Snap peas (1 cup): Bring fresh sweetness and crisp texture.
- Mushrooms (8 oz., sliced): Earthy flavor and meaty texture enhance the stir fry richness.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds color and a juicy crunch.
- Ramen noodles (3 oz.): The perfect quick-cooking noodle to soak up all that delicious sauce.
How to Make Beef Stir Fry with Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Beef
Start by slicing your strip steak thinly against the grain for tenderness. In a bowl, mix the garlic salt, celery salt, onion powder, black pepper, and a pinch of chili powder, then toss the beef slices in this blend to season them evenly. This simple seasoning sets the foundation for bold, juicy beef in every bite.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, hot sauce, and ground ginger. Mix the cornstarch into cold water until smooth and stir it into the liquid. This sauce will thicken beautifully as the stir fry cooks, coating every ingredient with a shiny, flavorful glaze.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat the peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the beef slices in a single layer—work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding—and sear them just until browned but not fully cooked. This quick sear locks in the juices and gives you a lovely caramelized crust.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, toss in the broccoli florets, julienned carrots, sliced onion, snap peas, mushrooms, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry these vibrant veggies for about 4 to 5 minutes until they are crisp-tender, keeping their colors bright and textures lively.
Step 5: Combine Everything and Simmer
Return the seared beef to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and add the white wine. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and the beef finishes cooking to tender perfection.
Step 6: Cook the Noodles
While your stir fry simmers, prepare the ramen noodles according to package instructions, usually a quick boil for just a few minutes. Drain and set aside, ready to nestle under or mix through your flavorful beef and veggie stir fry.
Step 7: Bring It All Together
Plate your cooked noodles first, then generously spoon the sizzling beef, vegetables, and luscious sauce over the top. The noodles absorb the sauce, making every forkful an equally saucy, satisfying bite.
How to Serve Beef Stir Fry with Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions for a fresh bite and a touch of visual appeal. A few fresh cilantro leaves or a wedge of lime on the side can brighten the dish wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This Beef Stir Fry with Noodles Recipe stands robustly on its own, but if you want to add depth, consider serving with a light cucumber salad or simple steamed edamame for some extra vibrancy and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your stir fry in crispy wonton cups or over a bed of sautéed kale or spinach for an added nutrient boost. You can also plate it family-style in a large bowl to encourage sharing — it’s a great way to gather everyone around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef Stir Fry with Noodles Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more, making your next meal just as enjoyable.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the stir fry, separate the noodles from the beef and vegetables first. Freeze them in separate airtight containers for up to 2 months. This helps preserve texture and keeps everything tasting fresh once reheated.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir often to heat evenly and prevent sticking. For best results, avoid the microwave to keep vegetables crisp and beef tender.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles in this Beef Stir Fry with Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap ramen noodles for rice noodles, udon, or even soba depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Each will offer a slightly different texture but work well with the sauce.
Is there a substitute for peanut oil?
Yes, you can easily substitute peanut oil with olive oil or vegetable oil. Peanut oil is preferred for its high smoke point and subtle flavor, but other neutral oils will also yield great results.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of beef and chicken broth. Load up on the veggies and you’ll have a delicious plant-based stir fry that doesn’t miss a beat.
How spicy is this Beef Stir Fry with Noodles Recipe?
This recipe has a mild spice level thanks to the small amount of chili powder and hot sauce. You can easily adjust the heat up or down by adding more hot sauce or skipping it entirely.
What type of wine should I use?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works beautifully here. It adds acidity and complexity, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, just substitute with a splash of extra broth or a bit of apple cider vinegar.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Beef Stir Fry with Noodles Recipe enough if you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. It’s one of those dishes that feels special without demanding hours in the kitchen. Once you try it, you might find yourself reaching for it whenever you want something comforting, fresh, and utterly delicious.
Print
Beef Stir Fry with Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Beef Stir Fry with Noodles is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender strips of beef are cooked with colorful vegetables and a savory, slightly sweet sauce made with soy sauce, honey, and a touch of hot sauce. Served over tender ramen noodles, this stir fry delivers a satisfying balance of textures and flavors in just about 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Sauces and Liquids
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
Vegetables
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3/4 cup julienned carrots
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 8 oz mushrooms, rinsed and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
Protein
- 1 1/4 pounds strip steak (or flank steak or top sirloin), thinly sliced
Other Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (can substitute olive or vegetable oil)
- 3 oz Ramen noodles
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce Mixture. In a bowl, combine the garlic salt, celery salt, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and chili powder. In a separate small bowl, dissolve 3 tablespoons of cornstarch in 3 tablespoons of cold water, and set aside. In a larger bowl, mix the beef broth, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, hot sauce, ground ginger, and white wine to create the stir fry sauce.
- Marinate and Cook the Beef. Toss the thinly sliced strip steak with half of the mixed spices to season. Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and stir fry for about 3-4 minutes until it’s browned but not fully cooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, broccoli florets, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, and red bell pepper. Stir fry for around 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Combine and Thicken the Sauce. Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir the cornstarch slurry again and add it to the sauce mixture. Pour the combined sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
- Prepare the Noodles. In a separate pot, cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, usually boiling for 3 minutes until tender. Drain the noodles.
- Serve. Plate the cooked ramen noodles and top them with the beef and vegetable stir fry. Serve hot for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- For beef, flank steak or top sirloin are great substitutes and cook well in stir fry dishes.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can replace the white wine with additional chicken broth or water.
- Use fresh or dried ramen noodles; dried noodles usually require boiling before adding to the dish.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your spice preference.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
