1. Marinate the Beef

Begin by marinating the beef to enhance its tenderness and flavor. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Add the thinly sliced beef to the bowl and toss to coat. Let the beef marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This will help tenderize the beef and give it a great flavor when stir-fried.

2. Prepare the Noodles

While the beef is marinating, cook the noodles according to the package instructions. If you’re using dried egg noodles or chow mein noodles, boil them in salted water for about 3-5 minutes or until tender but still slightly firm. Drain the noodles and set them aside. If you’re using fresh noodles, they may only need 1-2 minutes to cook, so be sure to keep an eye on them.

To prevent the noodles from sticking together, toss them with a small amount of sesame oil or vegetable oil once they’re drained.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and snow peas to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, or until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch. The key is to cook the vegetables just enough to preserve their vibrant colors and texture.

Add the minced garlic to the vegetables and stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside.

4. Cook the Beef

In the same pan or wok, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and browned on the edges. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the beef to steam rather than sear. If needed, cook the beef in batches.

Once the beef is cooked, return the vegetables to the pan along with the beef.

5. Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), rice vinegar (if using), sugar, and chicken or beef broth. Stir to combine. This sauce will provide the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Pour the sauce into the pan with the beef and vegetables. Stir to coat everything evenly. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Combine the Noodles

Add the cooked noodles to the pan with the beef and vegetables. Toss everything together to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until everything is well combined and the noodles are heated through.

At this point, the noodles should have absorbed the sauce, and the beef and vegetables should be coated in a glossy, flavorful stir-fry sauce.

7. Garnish and Serve

Transfer the Beef Pan-Fried Noodles to serving plates. Garnish with chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a dash of chili flakes (if you like it spicy). Serve immediately while hot.