Tangy Sesame Beef Noodles: A Flavorful Weeknight Hero

Tangy Sesame Beef Noodles are your new weeknight favorite, blending tender beef, chewy noodles, and a tangy sesame-soy sauce that hits all the right notes. The dish is quick to whip up, but the complex flavors will make everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen. Perfect for those nights when you’re craving takeout but want to make something fresh and delicious at home.

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Tangy Sesame Beef Noodles

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese, Korean

Servings 4

Equipment

• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Large skillet or wok
• Pot for boiling noodles
• Tongs or a spatula

Ingredients

  

For the Beef and Marinade

• 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp grated ginger

For the Sauce

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 2 tsp chili garlic sauce optional, for heat
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 tbsp water

For the Noodles and Toppings

• 8 oz dried noodles like lo mein, udon, or spaghetti
• 1 tbsp sesame oil for tossing the noodles
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 green onions thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro or Thai basil for garnish

Instructions

 

Marinate the Beef

1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and ginger. Add the sliced beef, toss to coat, and let it marinate for 10–15 minutes.
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Cook the Noodles

1. Boil the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, honey, chili garlic sauce, ginger, and water. Set aside.
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Stir-Fry the Beef

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Cook the Veggies

1. In the same skillet, add garlic, bell peppers, and carrots. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.

Combine and Toss

1. Return the beef to the skillet. Add the cooked noodles and the prepared sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are coated and heated through, about 2 minutes.

Garnish and Serve

1. Top with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh herbs. Serve immediately and enjoy the tangy, nutty flavors!

Pairings

Tangy Sesame Beef Noodles pair beautifully with:

• A crisp cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing.
• Steamed or roasted broccoli for extra greens.
• A refreshing jasmine or green tea to balance the tangy and savory flavors.

FAQs

1. What kind of beef works best?

Sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye are great options. Slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

2. Can I use different noodles?

Absolutely! Lo mein, udon, rice noodles, or even spaghetti work well in this dish.

3. Is it okay to skip the veggies?

While the veggies add a nice crunch and balance, you can focus on just the noodles and beef for a simpler version.

4. What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?

You can substitute it with a mix of soy sauce, a touch of brown sugar, and a pinch of five-spice powder for a similar flavor.