Name: 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Korean
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; 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 13 reviews

If you love bold flavors that come together in a flash, you need to try this 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles Recipe. It’s a vibrant, satisfying dish where tender beef, nutty sesame, and a punchy sauce meet perfectly chewy noodles and fresh vegetables—making weeknight dinners genuinely exciting. With just a handful of accessible ingredients and a speedy preparation, this recipe turns your kitchen into a haven of Korean-inspired deliciousness before you know it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many thin, raw red meat strips with white fat marbling, spread out on a wooden cutting board. Mixed in and around the meat are fresh green and purple basil leaves and small purple flowers on stems. On the right side of the board lies a shiny knife with a patterned blade. The whole scene is lit brightly, highlighting the meat's glossy texture and the fresh herbs' vibrant colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Keeping it simple yet flavorful is the magic here. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s the umami boost from tamari or the fresh zing of ginger, bringing balanced textures and colors that make this dish a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

4 cloves garlic, chopped: Adds a sharp, aromatic base that infuses the whole dish with savory depth.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger: Provides a bright, slightly spicy note that livens up the sauce.
1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce: Delivers that essential salty umami flavor signature to Korean cuisine.
1/4 cup honey: Balances the savory with a touch of natural sweetness for perfect harmony.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Brings acidity to brighten and cut through the richness.
2-3 tablespoons hot sauce: Customizable heat that adds a welcome kick to the dish.
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: Imparts a toasty, nutty aroma that’s absolutely addictive.
8 ounces brown rice noodles: A wholesome, chewy noodle that soaks up every bit of sauce.
2 tablespoons sesame oil: Used for stir-frying to enhance the nuttiness with every sizzle.
3 cups mixed stir-fry vegetables: Brings freshness, crunch, and vibrant colors to the plate.
3 shallots, sliced: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity when caramelized with the beef.
1 pound flank steak or chicken breast, sliced thin: The protein star that servings of Korean beef sesame noodles rely on.
1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds: A final sprinkle that delivers satisfying texture and a visual pop.
1/2 cup fresh basil: Elevates the dish with fragrant herbal brightness to finish it off beautifully.

How to Make 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Flavor-Packed Sauce

Start by combining garlic, ginger, tamari (or soy sauce), honey, rice vinegar, hot sauce, and toasted sesame oil in a glass jar. Shake or whisk everything together until perfectly blended. This sauce is the heart of your dish, delivering a balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and nutty flavors in every bite.

Step 2: Cook and Cool the Noodles

Following package instructions, cook the brown rice noodles until tender but still chewy. Once cooked, drain them well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them from sticking together. This step ensures your noodles stay perfectly textured when tossed with the sauce and beef later.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables to Crisp-Tender Perfection

In a large skillet heated over high heat with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, stir-fry your mixed vegetables for 2 to 3 minutes until just wilted but still vibrant. Then pour in 2 tablespoons of your prepared sauce, cooking until it nicely coats the veggies. This quick cooking locks in freshness and flavor, making the vegetables a delightful highlight.

Step 4: Cook Shallots and Sear the Beef

Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon of sesame oil and toss in the sliced shallots. Cook for about 2 minutes until they become deeply softened and golden, adding rich sweetness. Next, add the thinly sliced beef, letting it sear undisturbed for about 2 minutes to get a nice crust. Toss lightly, then pour in the remaining sauce and let it simmer for a minute, allowing the beef to soak up all that incredible flavor.

Step 5: Combine Noodles, Beef, and Vegetables

Now for the fun part: stir in the cooked noodles and the sautéed vegetables back into the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. Toss everything together and let it cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce fully coats the noodles and each element becomes gloriously intertwined with flavor.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Sesame Seeds

Remove the skillet from heat, then quickly stir in fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These final touches bring bright herbal notes and an irresistible crunch that perfectly complement the bold Korean-inspired flavors of the dish.

How to Serve 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles Recipe

A bowl filled with dark brown stir-fried noodles mixed with pieces of cooked meat and strips of red bell pepper, topped with scattered sesame seeds and fresh green basil leaves, all inside a light brown ceramic bowl. The noodles are glossy and twisted around the meat and vegetables, with some green leafy herbs throughout. Black chopsticks rest on the side of the bowl, and the bowl sits on a white marbled surface decorated with white square plates and green leaves beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make each serving feel extra special, pile on some crunchy toasted sesame seeds and fresh basil leaves right before serving. A quick drizzle of more toasted sesame oil or a handful of sliced green onions can also add a burst of color and flavor, turning this dish into a true crowd-pleaser every time.

Side Dishes

Pair your noodles with light, refreshing sides like a crisp cucumber salad or steamed edamame to balance the rich, savory beef. A bowl of kimchi is also a fantastic accompaniment, lending a spicy, fermented tang that complements the noodles’ sweet and savory profile beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish in individual bowls layered with extra fresh herbs and maybe even a soft boiled egg on top for texture contrast. For an impressive twist, plate the noodles nestled inside a carved-out bell pepper or alongside grilled vegetables for a colorful, festive presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Korean beef sesame noodles keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, so it’s perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners. Just be sure to keep the fresh basil separate until serving to preserve its vibrant taste.

Freezing

This dish freezes best without the fresh herbs. Store cooled noodles and beef mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain the sauce’s texture and the beef’s tenderness.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra sesame oil to loosen up the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure the noodles heat evenly. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the noodles and beef.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of protein for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is traditional, thinly sliced chicken breast or even tofu are fantastic alternatives that work well with the sauce and maintain the dish’s flavor profile.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce and verify that your hot sauce is gluten-free. The brown rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy swap for those with dietary restrictions.

How spicy is the 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles Recipe?

The heat level depends on how much hot sauce you add. The recipe suggests 2 to 3 tablespoons, but you can adjust to your preference, from mild to fiery, without losing the essential balance of flavors.

Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

To make it vegetarian or vegan, swap the beef for tofu or tempeh and use vegan-friendly honey alternatives like maple syrup. Ensure your hot sauce and tamari don’t contain animal products for a fully plant-based version.

What vegetables work best in this recipe?

Mixed stir-fry vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, and broccoli are wonderful here. Choose crunchy, colorful veggies that cook quickly to maintain texture and freshness in the final dish.

Final Thoughts

This 20 Minute Korean Beef Sesame Noodles Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites for fast, flavorful dinners. It’s packed with layers of bold tastes and textures, yet so simple to make, perfect for sharing with friends and family whenever you want something special without the fuss. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how something so quick can taste so incredible!