Here's the recipe for One Pan Sticky Beef Noodles, along with some tips and suggestions for making variations:
**Ingredients:**
For the beef:
* 1 pound beef strips (such as ribeye or sirloin), sliced into thin strips
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon grated ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
* Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the noodles:
* 1 cup Chinese egg noodles (or rice noodles or udon noodles, as substitute)
For the sauce:
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons water
* 1/4 cup beef broth
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon grated ginger
**Optional ingredients:**
* Chopped scallions and/or sesame seeds for garnish
* Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or bok choy for added flavor and texture
* Crushed peanuts or cashews for added crunch
* Lemon wedges for serving
**Tips and techniques:**
1. **Choose the right cut of beef**: Opt for a thinly sliced beef, such as ribeye or sirloin, to ensure it cooks evenly and quickly.
2. **Brown the beef**: To achieve a nice caramelized crust on the beef, make sure to cook it over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. **Don't overcook the noodles**: Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, but drain them when they're still slightly undercooked. This will help them absorb the flavors of the sauce.
4. **Add aromatics**: Sauteing the garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) before adding the beef will add depth and complexity to the dish.
5. **Adjust the sauce**: Taste and adjust the sauce as needed, adding more soy sauce, honey, or vinegar to achieve the desired balance of flavors.
**One Pan Sticky Beef Noodles Recipe:**
**Step 1: Prepare the beef**
In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the sliced beef and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
**Step 2: Cook the noodles**
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles when they're still slightly undercooked.
**Step 3: Cook the beef**
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Remove the beef from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Cook the beef for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
**Step 4: Make the sauce**
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water. Add the beef broth and whisk until smooth. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
**Step 5: Combine the beef and noodles**
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Add the cooked beef back into the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles and beef are well coated.
**Step 6: Serve**
Divide the One Pan Sticky Beef Noodles among plates. Garnish with chopped scallions and/or sesame seeds, if desired. Serve with lemon wedges and crushed peanuts or cashews, if using.
**Variations:**
* **Korean-style**: Add some Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) to the marinade for an extra kick of heat. Serve with pickled ginger and kimchi.
* **Thai-inspired**: Substitute Thai fish sauce for some of the soy sauce and add chopped cilantro for a fresh and herby flavor.
* **Vegetarian**: Replace the beef with sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, and/or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
* **Spicy**: Add more red pepper flakes to the marinade or sauce for an extra kick of heat.
* **Gluten-free**: Substitute gluten-free soy sauce and rice vinegar, and use gluten-free noodles.
I hope you enjoy this recipe!