Description
This quick and flavorful Korean Beef Sesame Noodles recipe features tender flank steak or chicken tossed with stir-fried vegetables and brown rice noodles in a savory, slightly spicy sesame sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner packed with umami, fresh basil, and toasted sesame seeds for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces brown rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
- 3 cups mixed stir fry vegetables (e.g. bell peppers, snap peas, carrots)
- 3 shallots, sliced
- 1 pound flank steak or chicken breast, sliced thin
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Make the sauce: Combine garlic, ginger, tamari or soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hot sauce, and toasted sesame oil in a glass jar. Shake well or whisk until fully combined to create the flavorful Korean-inspired sauce.
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the brown rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking and set aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the mixed stir-fry vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes until just wilted. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the prepared sauce, coating the vegetables evenly, then remove them from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the shallots and beef: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Add sliced shallots and cook for about 2 minutes, until they are deeply softened. Add the thinly sliced flank steak or chicken breast in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to achieve a sear. Toss the meat and pour in the remaining sauce. Let simmer for 1 minute to infuse flavor.
- Combine noodles, vegetables, and meat: Add the cooked noodles and previously cooked vegetables back into the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the noodles well.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in fresh basil leaves and toasted sesame seeds for added aroma and texture. Serve immediately, garnished with more basil if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast with flank steak as preferred.
- Adjust the hot sauce amount to your desired spice level.
- Use tamari for a gluten-free option instead of soy sauce.
- Mixed stir fry vegetables can include bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or broccoli.
- Leftover noodles should be stored separately from the sauce to prevent sogginess.
- Fresh basil adds a bright herbal note—do not substitute with dried basil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
