Sticky Beef & Noodles {One Pan}

A quick and flavorful one pan dinner of sticky beef and egg noodles with crisp broccoli and snow peas. Ready in about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

This sticky beef and noodles dish has been on repeat in my kitchen ever since I first tested it for a rainy weeknight dinner. I discovered this combination when I wanted something fast, nutritious and big on flavor that would still feel a little special. The sauce is a sweet and savory mix that clings to tender strips of steak and glossy egg noodles, while quick blanched broccoli and crisp snow peas keep each bite bright. It is the kind of meal that smells like home and clears plates fast.
I first made this for a family dinner the week my schedule exploded and everyone was running from one activity to the next. In twenty minutes the pan went from empty to a steaming platter on the table and the kids declared it a new favorite. What makes it special is the balance of textures the sauce creates. The honey and ketchup give a sticky sheen, the dark soy adds depth and the oyster sauce brings umami that makes the dish feel restaurant level with minimal effort. It is a practical, crowd pleasing dish that also travels well to lunches the next day.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish, ideal for busy weeknights or last minute guests.
- One pan preparation means minimal cleanup and the noodles soak while you cook, saving active time.
- Uses accessible pantry staples such as dark soy, honey and ketchup alongside fresh vegetables for a balanced meal.
- High in protein and fiber when you include broccoli and snow peas, making it a satisfying family option.
- Flexible ingredient list allows easy swaps for what you have on hand while maintaining bold flavor.
- Make ahead friendly: leftovers reheat well for lunches and retain most of their texture.
I remember my partner walking in as the sauce hit the pan and commenting it smelled like our favorite takeout. That reaction sealed it. Since then I have made small tweaks for less salt and more brightness, and each time the dish brings the family back to the table quickly and happily.
Ingredients
- Sunflower oil: 1 tablespoon for high heat searing. Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as sunflower or canola so the beef browns without burning.
- Steak: 1 pound frying steak trimmed of fat and sliced thin across the grain. Flank or sirloin are excellent choices and will cook quickly.
- Broccoli: 1 medium head or about 10 ounces, cut into small florets so it softens in the short cook time while staying bright and slightly crisp.
- Snow peas: 6 ounces of snow peas for snap and color. In the US these are often called snow peas or sugar snap peas depending on variety.
- Dried egg noodles: 9 ounces dried. These soften quickly when soaked in boiling water and finish in the pan to pick up the sauce.
- Fresh ginger: 1 tablespoon crushed or finely chopped for aromatic heat. Jarred ginger works in a pinch but fresh is brighter.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, peeled and crushed. Fresh garlic gives the best savory base to the sauce.
- Oyster sauce: 5 tablespoons to add deep umami and a silky texture. If you avoid shellfish see substitutions below.
- Dark soy sauce: 6 tablespoons reduced sodium to control saltiness while lending color and depth.
- Honey: 6 tablespoons for sticky sweetness that balances the soy.
- Tomato ketchup: 6 tablespoons to round the sweetness and acid and give the sauce body.
- Spring onions: 4 scallions trimmed and thinly sliced for a fresh finishing note and color contrast.
Instructions
Make the sauce: Combine 1 tablespoon crushed ginger, 4 cloves crushed garlic, 5 tablespoons oyster sauce, 6 tablespoons dark soy sauce, 6 tablespoons honey and 6 tablespoons tomato ketchup in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and set aside. This lets the flavors marry while you prepare the other components. Soak the noodles: Place 9 ounces dried egg noodles in a heatproof bowl. Pour boiling water over them from the kettle, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover with a plate and allow to soak while you cook. They will soften and need only a quick finish in the pan. Sear the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large frying pan or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the thinly sliced 1 pound steak and stir constantly for 4 to 5 minutes. Look for even browning with some caramelized edges. Avoid crowding the pan to maintain a good sear. Add the vegetables: Stir the soaking noodles with a fork to even their softening. Add the broccoli florets and 6 ounces snow peas to the pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they are tender crisp and bright in color. If the pan is very dry add a splash of water to help steam the broccoli briefly. Finish with noodles and sauce: Drain the noodles thoroughly and add them to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss over medium high heat until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and noodles, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust saltiness if needed. Serve immediately with sliced spring onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if liked.
You Must Know
- Storage: Keeps in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the beef.
- Freezing: Leftovers freeze well for up to three months but note the texture of vegetables may soften on thawing.
- Nutritional notes: This meal is high in protein, moderate in carbohydrates and contains significant sodium from sauces.
- Allergen flags: Contains soy and egg noodles. Oyster sauce contains shellfish and sesame seeds are optional on top.
One of my favorite aspects is how the simple act of letting the noodles soak in boiling water shortens hands on time yet keeps them springy. Family members always comment on how the sauce tastes like a shortcut version of our favorite takeout while still feeling homemade. Every time I make it the scent of ginger and garlic in the kitchen becomes a small celebration.
Storage Tips
Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer into shallow airtight containers so the food cools evenly and quickly. Refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, sprinkle a tablespoon of water over the portion and warm in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until steaming, which prevents the noodles from drying out. For longer storage freeze in individual portions for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating slowly to preserve texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have oyster sauce use 4 tablespoons soy sauce plus 1 tablespoon hoisin for a similar umami effect, or substitute mushroom based vegetarian oyster sauce for a plant based option. Replace dark soy with regular low sodium soy plus 1 teaspoon molasses for color. Swap the egg noodles for rice noodles if you prefer gluten free varieties and check sauce labels for gluten content. Use chicken, pork or firm tofu sliced thinly if you want a different protein while keeping the same timing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this alongside a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar for a refreshing counterpoint. Garnish with sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds for texture. For a heartier meal add a side of steamed white rice or a bowl of miso soup. This dish works well for casual family dinners or plated for guests with an extra wedge of lime for brightness.
Seasonal Adaptations
In spring add a handful of blanched asparagus tips and fresh peas for sweet brightness. In summer swap broccoli for tender summer greens and toss in sliced bell pepper for color. In autumn and winter use roasted root vegetables such as thinly sliced carrot and parsnip which roast quickly before combining with the noodles. For holiday gatherings increase the sauce quantities slightly to make extra glaze and finish the dish with a scattering of toasted nuts for crunch.
Meal Prep Tips
Break the workflow into components. Slice the steak and prepare the sauce the night before. Trim vegetables and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Soak noodles briefly in the morning if you prefer a very fast evening finish. When cooking, start with high heat searing, add vegetables and finish with noodles and sauce so each element retains texture. Pack cooled portions into microwave safe containers for grab and go lunches.
Success Stories
Readers have told me this meal rescued weeknights and became a pantry staple for last minute dinners. One friend served it for a casual dinner party and received requests for the recipe from every guest. Another parent said it was the only way to get their teenager to eat broccoli. These small victories make this dish one I recommend to new cooks looking to build confidence with high heat stir frying.
This dish will become one of your dependable midweek options. It is quick, flexible and reliably delicious which makes sharing it with family and friends a simple pleasure. Try it, make it your own, and enjoy how quickly it brings everyone to the table.
Pro Tips
Slice the steak across the grain to keep it tender and avoid chewy bites.
Soak noodles in boiling water to cut down hands on cooking time and finish them in the pan to absorb sauce.
Use reduced sodium dark soy and taste before adding more salt to prevent over seasoning.
If the pan becomes too dry add a splash of water to help vegetables steam without burning the meat.
This nourishing sticky beef & noodles {one pan} recipe is sure to be a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every moist, high protein slice — it is perfect for breakfast or as a wholesome snack any time.
FAQs about Recipes
Can I make this gluten free?
Yes. Use 9 ounces rice noodles and ensure any soy sauce is gluten free. Omit oyster sauce or use a vegetarian mushroom based substitute.
How do I keep the beef tender?
Slice the steak very thin and against the grain. Marinate briefly if you like, but quick high heat searing is usually enough.
Tags
Sticky Beef & Noodles {One Pan}
This Sticky Beef & Noodles {One Pan} recipe makes perfectly juicy, tender, and flavorful steak every time! Serve with potatoes and a side salad for an unforgettable dinner in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients
Main
Sauce
Instructions
Prepare the sauce
Whisk ginger, garlic, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, honey and ketchup together in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside to let flavors meld.
Soak the noodles
Place dried egg noodles in a heatproof bowl and pour boiling water over them. Cover with a plate and let soak until soft while you cook the rest.
Sear the beef
Heat oil in a large frying pan or wok over high heat and add the thinly sliced beef. Stir and sear for 4 to 5 minutes until browned and caramelized at the edges.
Cook the vegetables
Add broccoli florets and snow peas to the pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until tender crisp. If needed add a splash of water to create steam and avoid burning.
Combine and finish
Drain the noodles and add to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss over medium high heat until the sauce thickens and glazes the ingredients, about 2 minutes. Serve with spring onions.
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Comments (1)
This recipe looks amazing! Can't wait to try it.
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