If you’re craving a dinner that’s bursting with flavor, packed with texture, and comes together in just about 20 minutes, you need to try this Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe. It blends tender minced beef glazed in a rich, sticky hoisin sauce with fresh vegetables and slippery rice noodles for a dish that’s satisfyingly comforting yet vibrant. The combination of sweet, salty, and tangy elements will have you reaching for seconds, and it’s one of those meals that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe will quickly become a favorite go-to for any busy night craving an easy Asian-inspired feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients ready for this recipe is refreshingly straightforward, yet each component plays a crucial role in creating that iconic balance of flavors and textures. From the silky rice noodles to the punchy aromatics, every item is essential to building that amazing sticky hoisin beef experience.
- 200 g wide flat rice noodles: These noodles soak up the sauce perfectly and provide a silky base for the beef mix.
- 1 tsp sesame oil (to toss through the noodles): Adds a subtle, nutty aroma and stops the noodles from sticking.
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil: For a smooth cooking medium to soften the garlic and spring onions.
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic: Injects a deep, fragrant foundation to the dish.
- 2 spring onions, finely sliced (white and green parts separated): The white parts provide savoriness while the green parts add fresh, crisp garnishing.
- 500 g minced beef: The hearty protein that turns tender and sticky with all the sauces.
- 1 carrot, peeled and julienned: Adds crunch and a pop of sweetness and color.
- ½ wombok (Chinese cabbage), finely shredded: Brings lightness and leafy freshness to balance out the richness.
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce: The sweet, smoky heart of this sticky hoisin beef recipe.
- 1 tbsp tamari or all-purpose soy sauce: Lends savory depth and umami.
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce: Adds intense color and a richer, caramelized flavor.
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar: Brings a sharp tang to balance the sweet notes; white vinegar or lime juice works as substitutes.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: Enhances the sticky sweetness that coats every bite.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Added near the end for an aromatic finish.
- ¼ cup crushed roasted peanuts (optional): For an irresistible crunchy texture; crispy shallots also work beautifully here.
- Lime wedges: A zesty wedge to squeeze over the final dish for a fresh burst of citrus.
How to Make Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Begin by preparing your rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them from sticking. Toss gently with a teaspoon of sesame oil to maintain that perfect slippery texture. You can serve them chilled or, if you prefer warm noodles, hold off rinsing with cold water and prepare them fresh after the beef is cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and the white parts of the chopped spring onions, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant and softened. Now, add the minced beef, breaking it up with your spatula, and cook until it’s thoroughly browned and cooked through—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Next, stir in the julienned carrot and shredded wombok cabbage. Cook everything together for 2 to 3 minutes until the veggies soften slightly but still retain a pleasant crunch. This gives your dish a fresh and vibrant bite, balancing against the rich meat.
Step 4: Add the Sauces and Flavorings
Pour in the hoisin sauce, tamari or soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, and the final teaspoon of sesame oil. Stir continuously and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce mixture to thicken and become irresistibly sticky, coating every morsel of beef and veggies in a flavorful glaze.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Divide the prepared noodles among four bowls, then generously top with the sticky hoisin beef mixture. Sprinkle the crushed roasted peanuts (or crispy shallots) and the green parts of the spring onions over the top. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over and brightening every bite.
How to Serve Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate this dish perfectly. Crushed roasted peanuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor contrast, while fresh spring onion greens contribute a mild oniony freshness that lightens the dish. Don’t skip the lime wedges; a spritz of lime juice just before eating cuts through the richness and offers a refreshing zing.
Side Dishes
This Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe shines on its own with noodles, but you can add steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli on the side to complement its textures. A small bowl of pickled cucumbers or a crunchy Asian slaw also pairs beautifully, adding brightness and acidity that refreshes the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the sticky hoisin beef in lettuce cups instead of over noodles for a low-carb approach. You can also transform it into a tasty rice box by spooning the beef and veggies over fragrant jasmine rice. Wrapping the beef mixture in warm, soft tortillas or flatbreads transforms it into an exciting fusion meal that’s perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover sticky hoisin beef and noodles together or separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping the noodles and beef separate helps preserve their individual textures better.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to batch cook. Cool the beef mixture completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to two months. The noodles are best cooked fresh but can be frozen if wrapped tightly, though they may lose a bit of their silky texture.
Reheating
Reheat the beef gently in a pan over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if necessary to loosen the sauce. For the noodles, a quick toss in boiling water or a brief microwave session helps refresh them. Combine everything before serving, and add fresh garnishes to revive the dish’s original charm.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat in this Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, pork or chicken minced meat works beautifully as well. Just adjust cooking time to ensure your meat is fully cooked and tender.
Is there a vegetarian alternative?
You can swap the minced beef for textured vegetable protein or finely chopped mushrooms to keep that meaty texture and still enjoy the rich flavors of the sauce.
What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
Hoisin sauce is central to this recipe’s unique flavor. However, you can create a quick substitute by mixing soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, and a little Chinese five-spice to mimic the sweetness and depth.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free (there are several brands available). Also, rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, making this meal a great option.
How do I get the sauce extra sticky?
Cooking the sauce down slowly and including the brown sugar helps create that luscious sticky coating. Don’t rush the final minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken properly.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe is one of those fantastic meals that makes weeknight cooking exciting without hours in the kitchen. It’s full of delicious flavor, satisfying textures, and bright finishing touches that keep every bite interesting. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy it as much as I do—it’s perfect for sharing around the table or just indulging when you crave something special yet simple. Happy cooking!
Print
Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A flavorful and quick Sticky Hoisin Beef recipe featuring tender ground beef cooked with fresh vegetables and coated in a rich, sticky hoisin sauce. Served over wide flat rice noodles and topped with crunchy peanuts and fresh spring onions, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 200 g (7 oz) wide flat rice noodles
- 1 tsp sesame oil (to toss through the noodles)
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
- 2 spring onions (scallions), finely sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) minced (ground) beef (pork or chicken would also work)
- 1 carrot, peeled and julienned or cut into thin batons
- ½ wombok cabbage, finely shredded (roughly 4 cups)
Sauce and Garnishes
- ¼ cup (60 ml) hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp tamari or all-purpose soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar (can be substituted with white vinegar or lime juice)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ¼ cup (40 g) crushed roasted peanuts (optional, can be substituted with crispy shallots)
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Cook the noodles – Prepare the rice noodles according to the packet instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Toss with 1 tsp sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside. The noodles can be served hot or cold depending on preference.
- Cook the beef – Heat 1 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil in a large, deep, heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and the white parts of the sliced spring onion. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant and slightly softened. Add 500 g minced beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned thoroughly.
- Add the veggies – Add the julienned carrot and finely shredded wombok cabbage to the pan. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are softened but still retain some crunch.
- Add the remaining ingredients – Pour in ¼ cup hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Stir continuously and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the mixture to become sticky and caramelized to intensify the flavors.
- Assemble and serve – Divide the prepared noodles among four serving bowls. Top each with the hot sticky beef mixture. Garnish with crushed roasted peanuts and the green parts of the spring onion. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the top to add brightness.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, ensure to use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
- You can substitute the beef with ground pork or chicken depending on preference.
- If you prefer hot noodles, cook the noodles again after preparing the beef and do not rinse them with cold water.
- Crushed roasted peanuts can be replaced with crispy shallots for added texture.
- Adjust the brown sugar and soy sauce amounts based on how sweet or salty you want the dish.
