If you are craving a dish that bursts with flavor and satisfies every bite, this Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe is an absolute winner to have in your repertoire. Juicy minced beef cooked to perfection in a rich, sticky hoisin sauce, paired with fresh crunchy vegetables and soft rice noodles, creates a dish that feels both comforting and exciting. The delicate balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes will keep you coming back for more. It’s quick to make, incredibly tasty, and ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing friends with a delightful homemade meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but come together to build a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures that define the essence of this dish. Each one adds something special, whether it’s the tender crunch of wombok cabbage or the nutty aroma of sesame oil.
- 200 g (7 oz) wide flat rice noodles: The perfect base that soaks up flavors and adds satisfying texture.
- 1 tsp sesame oil (to toss through the noodles): Adds a subtle nuttiness to keep the noodles from sticking and amplifies the aromatic profile.
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil: Used for cooking the beef and garlic, providing a smooth, rich foundation.
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic: Brings pungent warmth and depth to the dish.
- 2 spring onions (scallions), finely sliced, white and green parts separated: White parts soften and flavor the beef while the green parts garnish for freshness and visual appeal.
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) minced (ground) beef: The star protein that soaks up the sticky hoisin sauce perfectly; pork or chicken can be swapped in too.
- 1 carrot, peeled and julienned or cut into thin batons: Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch.
- ½ wombok cabbage, finely shredded (about 4 cups): Brings a lovely crunch and freshness to balance the rich sauce.
- ¼ cup (60 ml) hoisin sauce: The key to achieving the signature sticky, sweet, and savory flavor.
- 1 tbsp tamari or all-purpose soy sauce: Adds savory umami depth to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce: Provides color and a slightly smoky undertone.
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar (or substitute with white vinegar or lime juice): Introduces brightness and a subtle tang to cut through the richness.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: For that caramelized sweetness which makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Finishing touch that lifts the entire dish with a fragrant nuttiness.
- ¼ cup (40 g) crushed roasted peanuts (optional): Adds crunch and a lovely contrast; crispy shallots work well too.
- Lime wedges: To squeeze over at the end for a fresh citrus kick.
How to Make Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by preparing your rice noodles according to the packet instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the noodles from getting soggy. Toss them lightly with a teaspoon of sesame oil; this simple step ensures they stay separate and add a subtle, nutty aroma that complements the beef beautifully. If you prefer hot noodles, skip rinsing with cold water and cook them after the beef for best results.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the freshly minced garlic and the white parts of the spring onions, cooking for just 30 seconds to release their fragrant oils without burning. Next, add the minced beef and cook while breaking it up with your spoon or spatula. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes and ensures the beef browns evenly, developing incredible depth of flavor that forms the savory backbone of the dish.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Once the beef is beautifully browned, toss in the julienned carrot and shredded wombok cabbage. Give everything a good stir, letting the vegetables soften slightly but still retain a bit of crunch—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step adds color and freshness, along with a delicate sweetness that balances the richness of the beef and sauce.
Step 4: Add the Sauce Ingredients
Pour in the hoisin sauce, tamari (or soy sauce), dark soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, and the remaining teaspoon of sesame oil. Stir everything together, allowing the ingredients to meld and thicken as you cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This is the magic moment when the mixture becomes sticky, glossy, and incredibly flavorful—it’s what makes this Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe stand out from the crowd.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Divide the noodles into four bowls and generously top each serving with the sticky beef mixture. Sprinkle over the crushed roasted peanuts and green parts of the spring onions for that perfect crunch and pop of color. Don’t forget the lime wedges on the side—squeezing fresh lime juice over right before eating adds an irresistible brightness that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Serve Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh and crunchy garnishes elevate your dish. Besides the crushed roasted peanuts and green spring onion tops, consider sprinkling toasted sesame seeds or a few fresh coriander leaves for extra aroma and texture that will impress both eyes and palate alike.
Side Dishes
This dish shines wonderfully on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed bok choy, sautéed Asian greens, or a crisp cucumber salad. These lighter accompaniments bring balance and keep the meal feeling fresh and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Try serving the Sticky Hoisin Beef over steamed jasmine rice, wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves as handheld bites, or even as a filling inside spicy spring rolls. Each approach brings out a different dimension of this versatile dish and keeps your mealtime exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sticky Hoisin Beef keeps really well in the fridge for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. It’s a fantastic option for a quick lunch or dinner on busy days, as the flavors deepen and become even more intense after resting.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked beef mixture separately for up to two months. Make sure to cool it completely before placing into a freezer-safe container. Avoid freezing the noodles, as their texture suffers, but you can always cook fresh noodles when reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the beef gently in a pan over medium heat until piping hot, adding a splash of water or stock if it looks a little dry. Heat the noodles separately in hot water or microwave them briefly with a sprinkle of water to keep them soft and springy.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of beef in this Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe?
Absolutely! Pork or chicken mince work wonderfully as substitutes and create a deliciously sticky dish with slightly different flavor profiles. Just adjust cooking times to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
What can I do if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
While hoisin sauce is key for that signature sticky-sweet flavor, you can try mixing soy sauce with a little honey, garlic, and a dash of five-spice powder as a makeshift alternative, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and make sure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free. Most rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe very adaptable.
How spicy is the Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe?
This recipe is not spicy by default, focusing more on sweet and savory flavors, but you can easily add chili flakes, fresh sliced chilies, or a dash of chili oil if you enjoy some heat.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?
You can definitely prepare the beef mixture a few hours in advance or even the day before. Keep the noodles separate and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines ease, speed, and incredible flavor. It’s a go-to meal for busy nights when you want something fresh, comforting, and absolutely delicious. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see how quickly it becomes one of your all-time favorites too!
Print
Sticky Hoisin Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Sticky Hoisin Beef is a flavorful and quick Asian-inspired dish featuring tender minced beef cooked with vibrant vegetables and a rich, sticky hoisin sauce, served over soft wide flat rice noodles. This recipe is perfect for a delicious weeknight meal, combining savory, sweet, and tangy notes along with a satisfying texture from crunchy peanuts and fresh scallions.
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)
Sauces and Seasonings
- 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
Garnish
- 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 them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the noodles with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to keep them from sticking together. Set aside. Noodles can be served cold or at room temperature for this recipe.
- Cook the beef – Heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large, deep, heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the freshly minced garlic and the white parts of the spring onions and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant and just softened. Add the minced beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add the vegetables – Stir in the julienned carrot and the finely shredded wombok cabbage to the cooked beef. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still retain some crunch.
- Add the sauces and seasonings – Mix in the hoisin sauce, tamari or all-purpose soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring regularly, until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky, coating the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Assemble and serve – Divide the prepared noodles evenly among four bowls. Top the noodles with the sticky hoisin beef mixture. Garnish with the green parts of the spring onions and crushed roasted peanuts (or crispy shallots if preferred). Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.
Notes
- You can substitute minced beef with pork or chicken if preferred.
- If you want hot noodles, cook the noodles after the beef mixture is ready and do not rinse with cold water to retain heat.
- Crushed roasted peanuts add a crunchy texture, but crispy shallots are a great alternative garnish.
- Add more lime juice if you prefer a tangier flavor.
- Use gluten-free tamari to make the dish gluten-free.
