If you are craving an easy yet incredibly flavorful dish that combines savory beef, vibrant broccoli, and satisfyingly slurpable noodles, look no further than this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe. It brings the comforting essence of classic stir fry together with the fun, quick-cooking ramen noodles for a 30-minute meal that feels special without demanding your whole evening. Each bite delivers tender steak, crisp-tender broccoli, and a glossy sauce that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and a hint of spice. If you love dishes that come together with straightforward ingredients yet pack amazing taste, this recipe is an absolute keeper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this ingredient list fool you; every item plays a vital role—building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the rich umami of low-sodium soy sauce to the fresh punch of minced garlic and ginger, these components come together effortlessly to make this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe sing.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Adds depth and saltiness without overpowering the dish.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the sauce for that luscious coating on beef and veggies.
- Beef broth (1/3 cup): Enhances savory notes with a rich, meaty undertone.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Brings a touch of natural sweetness to balance the tang and spice.
- Hoisin sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds complex sweetness and a hint of smokiness.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Offers brightness and a subtle tang.
- Sesame oil (2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon): Imparts aromatic nutty flavor that elevates the stir fry.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Fresh garlic infuses the dish with essential savory punch.
- Grated ginger (1/2 tablespoon): Delivers mild heat and freshness.
- Cracked red pepper flakes (1/8 teaspoon): Adds just a whisper of heat to awaken your palate.
- Ramen noodles (2 packages, seasoning packets discarded): The star carbohydrate: quick to cook with a satisfying chewy texture.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Perfect for searing steak and lightly cooking broccoli.
- Sirloin steak (1 pound), trimmed and sliced: Tender and lean, slices cook quickly and absorb the sauce well.
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all flavors evenly.
- Ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds mellow heat and complexity.
- Broccoli florets (3 cups): Brings vibrant green color and satisfying crunch.
- Water (1/2 cup): Used to steam broccoli until perfectly tender.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Adds delightful crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the sauce
Start by combining the low-sodium soy sauce and cornstarch in a medium bowl, whisking until smooth. Add beef broth, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cracked red pepper flakes. Give it a good mix to marry all those flavors. Setting this sauce aside allows the ingredients to meld while you prepare the other components.
Step 2: Cook the ramen noodles
Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the ramen noodles for 2 to 3 minutes—just until tender but not mushy. Once drained, rinse them briefly under cold water to stop cooking, then toss with a teaspoon of sesame oil. This simple step prevents clumping and infuses them with a subtle nuttiness that complements the stir fry beautifully.
Step 3: Sear the steak
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sirloin strips with kosher salt and black pepper, then sear them in the hot oil until browned on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per batch depending on thickness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to retain its juices while you cook the vegetables.
Step 4: Cook the broccoli
To achieve the perfect tender-crisp texture, add the broccoli florets and half a cup of water to the skillet. Cover and steam the broccoli for 3 to 4 minutes until vibrant green and just tender. This method locks in color and nutrients while preventing sogginess.
Step 5: Combine everything
Return the seared steak to the skillet with the broccoli, then add the cooked ramen noodles. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over everything. Stir gently to coat all ingredients with the sauce, let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and thicken slightly. The magic of this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe comes alive in these final moments when all the flavors marry beautifully.
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds to add a delicate crunch and nutty aroma that complements the dish’s flavors perfectly. You can also add finely sliced green onions for a pop of fresh color and mild bite, which always brings a lovely brightness to the plate.
Side Dishes
This dish stands wonderfully on its own but pairs exceptionally well with steamed jasmine rice if you want extra carbs, or a crisp Asian cucumber salad for cooling contrast. A light miso soup also makes a wonderful multi-course dinner partner, keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe in individual small bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg or crispy fried garlic chips to add texture and richness. You could even try wrapping some of the stir fry in lettuce leaves for handheld bites that feel special and fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce coated on the noodles and toppings helps preserve moisture and flavor, so everything tastes just as delicious when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze this stir fry for longer storage by placing it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. For best quality, consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, or microwave in short bursts stirring in between. This will help keep the beef tender and noodles from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ramen noodles are quick and convenient, you can substitute with udon, soba, or even thin spaghetti to suit what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Is sirloin steak the best cut for this stir fry?
Sirloin is great because it’s tender and cooks quickly, but flank or skirt steak also work beautifully if sliced thinly against the grain. Avoid tougher cuts unless you marinate them longer.
How spicy is this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe?
The recipe calls for just a small amount of cracked red pepper flakes, providing a gentle warmth without overpowering the flavors. You can always add more if you like things on the spicier side!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the beef for firm tofu or seitan and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The sauce and cooking method still bring fantastic flavor and texture.
What’s the best way to slice the steak?
Slicing the steak thinly against the grain is key to tender bites. Aim for strips about 1 1/2 inches long and a quarter-inch thick for the perfect chewy and juicy texture in this stir fry.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both familiar and exciting with each bite. It’s fast enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough to make your taste buds sing. Give it a try and enjoy the unbeatable combo of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and slippery noodles all coated in a rich, flavorful sauce that will have you coming back for seconds and thirds.
Print
Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender sirloin steak, fresh broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked ramen noodles all tossed in a savory homemade sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe offers a delightful fusion of Asian-inspired flavors perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/3 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon cracked red pepper flakes
Noodles
- 2 (3 ounce) packages ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 pound sirloin steak, trimmed of fat and sliced into 1 1/2-inch strips (about 1/4-inch thickness)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup water
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and cornstarch until combined. Then add beef broth, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cracked red pepper flakes. Set the sauce mixture aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the ramen noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until just tender. Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Toss the noodles with one teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Sear the steak: Heat one tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced sirloin steak with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Add the steak strips to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the broccoli: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and pour in 1/2 cup water. Add the broccoli florets and steam them by covering the skillet. Cook until the broccoli is tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the lid after steaming to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
- Combine ingredients: Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the steamed broccoli. Add the cooked ramen noodles as well, gently tossing everything together to combine.
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture in the skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients evenly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer the beef and broccoli ramen stir fry to serving plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade stir fry!
Notes
- Discard the seasoning packets from ramen noodles to avoid excess sodium and unwanted flavors.
- For extra heat, increase the amount of cracked red pepper flakes or add chili sauce.
- You can substitute sirloin steak with flank steak or ribeye for different textures.
- If fresh broccoli is unavailable, frozen broccoli florets can be used; adjust steaming time accordingly.
- Cooking times may vary depending on stovetop heat and equipment; monitor carefully to avoid overcooking.
- To make the meal gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and confirm beef broth is gluten-free.
