Beef Pan-Fried Noodles

Beef Pan-Fried Noodles is a classic Chinese-American dish that delivers a perfect balance of crispy noodles, tender beef, and a savory sauce loaded with umami flavor. It’s a satisfying and quick stir-fry meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers the perfect fusion of texture and taste: the noodles are crispy on the outside yet tender inside, while the beef is juicy and flavorful. The rich, savory sauce ties everything together with just the right amount of garlic and soy. It’s easy to customize with vegetables or spice and comes together in less than 30 minutes—making it faster and tastier than takeout.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Cornstarch
• Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Egg noodles (or chow mein noodles)
• Vegetable oil
• Green onions
• Water or beef broth
• Optional vegetables: bok choy, bell pepper, carrots, mushrooms

directions

this recipe

1. In a bowl, marinate the sliced beef with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and a bit of oil. Let it sit for at least 10–15 minutes.
2. Boil the noodles according to package directions until just tender. Drain and let them dry slightly.
3. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add oil and pan-fry the noodles in batches until crispy on both sides. Set aside.
4. In the same pan, add more oil and stir-fry the marinated beef until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
5. Add garlic, ginger, and any vegetables you’re using to the pan. Stir-fry until slightly tender.
6. Return the beef to the pan. Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, and a splash of water or broth. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
7. Place the crispy noodles back in the pan and pour the beef mixture over the top.
8. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of beef for different protein options.
• Add heat with chili paste or red pepper flakes.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter version.
• Try different vegetables like snap peas or baby corn for added crunch.
• Use hoisin sauce in place of oyster sauce for a sweeter flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles from drying out. Microwave reheating is also possible, but the noodles may lose their crisp texture. Freezing is not recommended as it affects the noodle quality.

FAQs

What type of noodles should I use for pan-frying?

Egg noodles or fresh chow mein noodles work best. They crisp up nicely when pan-fried.

Can I make this recipe with pre-cooked beef?

Yes, just skip the marinating step and heat the pre-cooked beef with the vegetables and sauce.

How do I make the noodles extra crispy?

Make sure they are well-drained and dry before pan-frying. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan and use enough oil.

Can I use rice noodles?

Rice noodles are not ideal for this recipe since they don’t crisp up in the same way as egg noodles.

Is oyster sauce necessary?

It adds a deep umami flavor, but you can substitute with hoisin sauce or mushroom stir-fry sauce.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles, and be sure to use a gluten-free oyster sauce alternative.

Why are my noodles soggy?

They may not have been drained or dried properly before pan-frying, or the pan wasn’t hot enough.

Can I add more sauce?

Absolutely. Just double the sauce ingredients if you prefer a saucier dish.

What’s the best cut of beef to use?

Flank steak or sirloin works well because they’re tender and absorb flavor quickly.

How do I cut the beef for stir-frying?

Slice it thinly against the grain to ensure it stays tender when cooked.

Conclusion

Beef Pan-Fried Noodles is a satisfying, quick-cooking meal that delivers crispy texture, tender meat, and bold, savory flavor in every bite. Whether you’re craving takeout-style comfort or a homemade stir-fry dinner, this dish offers the perfect balance of ease and taste. Customizable and crowd-pleasing, it’s a must-try recipe for any noodle lover.

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