A short story about the recipe
I first discovered Hoisin beef noodles when I was experimenting with ways to bring bold flavor into a quick weeknight dinner. I love how hoisin sauce has that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory—it transforms even the simplest dish into something mouthwatering.
One evening, I had leftover beef strips in the fridge, a half-empty bottle of hoisin sauce in the door, and a bag of noodles that had been sitting in the pantry for a few weeks. I threw everything together with some garlic and green onions, and the result was one of the best meals I’ve ever cooked in under 30 minutes. Since then, this dish has become a family favorite.
What makes it so special is that it feels like takeout but is way healthier and cheaper. It’s also endlessly adaptable. Whether I’m using rice noodles or egg noodles, bell peppers or carrots, the sauce brings it all together beautifully. And the best part? It’s so easy that I can whip it up even on the busiest nights.
Now, I make this dish almost weekly—especially when I want something satisfying but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. Every bite is loaded with flavor, and there’s never any leftover. Everyone always goes back for seconds.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
Versatile
Use any kind of noodles—egg noodles, ramen, rice noodles, even spaghetti in a pinch. You can also switch up the vegetables or adjust the spice level.
Budget-friendly
The main ingredients are pantry staples. A small amount of beef goes a long way, and the sauce uses items you probably already have.
Ingredients for the recipe
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8 oz (225 g) egg noodles or rice noodles
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
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1/2 cup hoisin sauce
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2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
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1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 cup sliced green onions
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1 cup shredded carrots (optional)
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1 cup sliced bell peppers (optional)
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1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
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Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How to make this recipe
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the noodles
Begin by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss lightly with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Slice and season the beef
Slice the beef thinly across the grain. This ensures it stays tender. Season the strips lightly with pepper. You don’t need salt here—the hoisin and soy sauce provide enough.
Step 3: Make the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and black pepper. Set this aside. It’s the heart of the dish and comes together in seconds.
Step 4: Sauté the aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir quickly for about 30 seconds. Don’t let it burn—it should just release its aroma.
Step 5: Cook the beef
Add the sliced beef to the pan. Spread it out in a single layer. Let it sear without moving it for about 1–2 minutes, then stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until just cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
Step 6: Stir-fry the vegetables (optional)
If using vegetables, add the carrots and bell peppers to the same pan. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still crisp. They add color and crunch to the dish.
Step 7: Combine everything
Reduce the heat to medium. Return the beef to the pan. Add the cooked noodles and pour in the sauce. Toss everything together using tongs or two spoons, ensuring the noodles are well coated and everything is heated through.
Step 8: Finish and serve
Drizzle with sesame oil if using. Add the green onions and toss again. Serve hot, sprinkled with sesame seeds for a little texture.
Quick and easy
This entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes. While the noodles cook, you can prep the sauce and beef. One pan, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor.
Customizable
You can swap beef with chicken, turkey strips, or tofu. Prefer spicy? Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce. Want it low-carb? Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead.
Perfect for guests
The glossy noodles, colorful vegetables, and rich sauce make this dish feel like something special. It’s crowd-pleasing, easy to scale up, and looks fantastic in a big serving bowl.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes. Rice noodles, udon, soba, or even spaghetti can be used. Choose what you have available. Just avoid overcooking them so they stay firm.
What cut of beef works best?
Sirloin, flank steak, or even leftover roast beef slices are ideal. The beef should be tender and sliced thinly across the grain for best texture.
How spicy is this dish?
The base recipe isn’t spicy. If you enjoy heat, add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha. You control the spice level completely.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the noodles and sauce separate until reheating. This prevents sogginess. Reheat everything together in a pan with a splash of water or broth.
Is hoisin sauce very sweet?
Hoisin sauce is sweet, but also rich and savory. If it tastes too sweet to you, add a dash of soy sauce or a little lime juice to balance the flavor.