Nothing beats the smoky, savory-sweet flavors of BBQ beef paired with slurp-worthy noodles. This dish brings together tender, marinated beef coated in a rich barbecue sauce with chewy noodles for a comforting yet bold meal. Whether you're craving a weeknight dinner with minimal effort or an indulgent twist on classic stir-fry, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and umami goodness.
Classic BBQ Beef Noodles
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
For the Beef Marinade
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp oil for cooking
For the BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup barbecue sauce your favorite brand or homemade
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili flakes optional, for heat
For the Noodles
- 8 oz noodles lo mein, udon, or spaghetti
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion sliced
- 1 bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 green onions chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cornstarch. Add the thinly sliced beef and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Prepare the BBQ Sauce
In a small bowl, mix barbecue sauce, soy sauce, honey, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Set aside.
Cook the Noodles
Boil noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Sauté the Beef
Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Veggies
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté garlic, onion, bell pepper, and broccoli until slightly tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine Everything
Return the beef to the pan and pour in the BBQ sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Add the Noodles
Toss in the cooked noodles and mix everything together until the sauce evenly coats them. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Serve
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pairings
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp, refreshing coleslaw to balance the smoky flavors
- A side of garlic butter corn on the cob
- A cold glass of iced tea or a smoky bourbon cocktail
FAQs
1. What type of beef works best?
Flank steak or sirloin works well since they cook quickly and absorb marinades easily. If you prefer extra tenderness, you can use ribeye.
2. Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely! Lo mein, udon, rice noodles, or even spaghetti all work great. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
3. Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Yes! Add extra chili flakes, sriracha, or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a fiery kick.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can marinate the beef and prep the veggies in advance. The dish tastes best fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.