A vibrant and speedy stir-fry combining lean beef, whole-wheat noodles, crisp green vegetables and a sweet-savory sesame-honey sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels take-out-worthy but comes together in about 25 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 30 minutes—ideal for a busy evening.
• Balanced flavor: sweet honey, nutty sesame seeds, and savory soy sauce.
• Packed with vegetables for color, crunch, and nutrition.
• Uses lean rump steak and whole-wheat noodles for a healthy twist.
• Easily halved or doubled to suit one or four servings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 100 g whole-wheat noodles
• 2 teaspoons sunflower oil
• 125 g purple sprouting broccoli (or Tenderstem broccoli), cut into short lengths
• 100 g sugar-snap peas, halved
• 4 spring onions, cut into short lengths
• 2 tablespoons reduced-salt soy sauce
• 175 g lean rump steak, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons clear honey

Directions

1. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the whole-wheat noodles until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Heat half the sunflower oil in a non-stick wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli, sugar-snap peas, and about 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and steam-fry for 3 minutes.
3. Remove the lid, add the spring onions, and stir-fry for another 2 minutes. Add the cooked noodles and half the soy sauce, then toss everything together with the vegetables. Divide between two bowls and keep warm.
4. Wipe out the wok, then heat the remaining oil until nearly smoking. Add the sliced rump steak and stir-fry for about 2 minutes over high heat, avoiding too much movement at the start so the meat fries rather than stews.
5. Add the sesame seeds and cook for another minute. Stir in the honey, toss to coat the beef well, add the remaining soy sauce, and let it bubble briefly until the sauce is glossy.
6. Spoon the beef over the vegetable noodles and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 2 people
• Preparation time: approximately 10 minutes
• Cooking time: approximately 15 minutes

Variations

• Swap the beef for thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh if you prefer poultry.
• Use other vegetables such as red pepper strips, baby corn, or bok choy for a different texture.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari) and gluten-free noodles.
• Increase the sesame flavor by adding a drizzle of sesame oil at the end or using toasted sesame seeds.
• For more heat, toss in a pinch of chili flakes or some fresh sliced chilies just before serving.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or wok over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the noodles have stuck together.
• Avoid freezing, as the noodles may lose their texture once thawed.

FAQs

What type of noodles should I use?

Whole-wheat noodles work best, but you can use egg or rice noodles if you prefer.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the vegetables and slice the beef in advance, but cook it fresh to preserve the texture.

How do I keep the beef tender?

Slice it thinly across the grain and cook it quickly over high heat to sear rather than stew.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes. Sirloin or flank steak both work well as long as they’re lean and sliced thinly.

Is the dish very sweet?

The honey adds sweetness, but the soy sauce balances it nicely. Reduce the honey slightly if you prefer a more savory taste.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely. Try red peppers, mushrooms, or baby corn for added variety and nutrition.

What’s a vegetarian alternative?

Use firm tofu or tempeh instead of beef, and replace the honey with maple syrup for a vegan version.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes, simply double all the ingredients to serve four people. Use a large wok to avoid overcrowding.

How can I reduce the sodium content?

Stick with reduced-salt soy sauce and avoid adding extra salt.

What garnishes go well with this dish?

Top with extra sesame seeds, sliced spring onions, or a sprinkle of fresh coriander for a bright finish.

Conclusion

This Honey & Sesame Beef Noodles recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors in a quick, wholesome meal. With lean beef, vibrant vegetables, and a glossy sesame-honey glaze, it’s a dish that feels both comforting and fresh. Ideal for busy evenings, it’s proof that healthy can be hearty and delicious at the same time.

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