Some days, you just need a bowl of something warm, savory, and deeply satisfying. That’s where saucy sesame beef noodles come in.
This dish combines the best of Asian-inspired flavors with the ease of a one-pan meal. Perfectly tender beef, a rich umami sauce, and hearty noodles make it an irresistible option for busy weeknights or cozy evenings at home.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This easy recipe shines because it’s packed with bold flavors while remaining simple to prepare. The combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, and sriracha creates a deeply flavorful sauce that clings to the noodles, ensuring every bite is full of richness.
The thinly sliced beef cooks quickly, making this dish a fast and satisfying option when time is short.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can switch up the protein, add more vegetables, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
The sauce develops even more depth as the dish sits, making leftovers just as delicious—if not better—the next day.
Choosing the Right Noodles
While spaghetti is used in this recipe, you can swap it out for other long noodles like rice noodles, udon, or even soba. Each type of noodle absorbs the sauce differently, giving you a chance to experiment with texture and flavor.
If you prefer a more traditional Asian noodle dish, try using fresh lo mein or ramen noodles for an extra chewy bite.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Beef
The key to tender beef in this easy recipe is slicing it thinly. Using a cut like sirloin or ribeye ensures the meat stays juicy and flavorful. Freezing the beef for about 15 minutes before slicing can help achieve those ultra-thin pieces.
Also, be sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking. High heat and quick searing will give the beef the perfect caramelization while keeping it tender.
The Secret to a Great Sauce
One of the best tricks in this recipe is making the sauce directly in the pan. Instead of dirtying another bowl, the ingredients are added straight into the skillet, making cleanup easier while allowing the flavors to develop naturally.
This method ensures that every element—onions, beef, and garlic—soaks up the sauce perfectly, creating a cohesive dish with minimal effort.
Making It Gluten-Free or Low-Carb
For a gluten-free version of this recipe, simply swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos and use gluten-free noodles. If you’re looking to cut back on carbs, zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles make a great substitute while still soaking up the delicious sesame sauce.
Why This Dish Is Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the best things about this easy recipe is how well it keeps in the fridge. The flavors continue to meld, making leftovers even tastier.
If you want to meal prep, cook the noodles and sauce separately, then combine them just before serving. This prevents the noodles from soaking up too much liquid and keeps everything tasting fresh.
Bringing It All Together
Saucy sesame beef noodles are the ultimate comfort food, combining bold flavors, tender meat, and perfectly coated noodles in one satisfying bowl.
With simple ingredients and a quick cooking process, this easy recipe is ideal for any night of the week. Whether you’re making it for yourself, family, or friends, it’s a dish that will leave everyone coming back for more.
Easy Saucy Sesame Beef Noodles Recipe
Ingredients
- Kosher salt
- 1 pound spaghetti or any long noodle of choice
- 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
- 1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 4 tablespoons sesame oil divided
- 1 pound shaved beef or 1 pound sirloin/ribeye steak, sliced as thinly as possible
- 1 10-ounce bag shredded carrots
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons sriracha, sambal oelek, or gochujang
- 1½ tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped fresh cilantro and/or basil
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped peanuts
- Extra sriracha
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Before draining, set aside 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then return the drained pasta to the pot.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the aromatics and vegetables. Thinly slice the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced onion and sauté, stirring frequently, until softened (about 4 minutes). Pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and add the shaved beef. Let it sear briefly before stirring. Add the shredded carrots, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir everything together and cook until the beef is nearly done but still slightly pink, about 3 to 4 minutes. Push everything to one side of the skillet.
- In the open space of the skillet, pour in ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, then add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, tahini, sriracha, honey, and fish sauce. Stir everything together until the sauce starts to blend, then mix it with the beef and vegetables. Let it simmer for another minute until slightly thickened.
- Transfer the beef mixture into the pot with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding small splashes of the reserved pasta water as needed to coat the noodles in a glossy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
- Serve the noodles in bowls and garnish with any of the optional toppings for added texture and flavor. Enjoy!
Notes
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.