Name: Beef Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry- Quick & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 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 fresh ginger, grated; 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 packages (3 ounces each) ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded; 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for noodles); 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 1 pound sirloin steak, trimmed and sliced into 1½-inch strips (about ¼-inch thick); 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry has officially taken over my kitchen, and I suspect it’s about to conquer yours too! There’s something incredibly satisfying about the combination of tender, savory beef, crisp-tender broccoli florets, and those perfectly chewy ramen noodles, all coated in a rich, umami-packed sauce. It’s the kind of meal that hits all the right notes – it’s fast enough for a weeknight but feels utterly special enough for a weekend treat. What makes this particular Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry so addictive? It’s the effortless balance of textures and flavors, where the satisfying slurp of the noodles mingles with the satisfying crunch of the vegetables and the robust taste of the beef. Get ready to fall head over heels for this comforting, yet exciting, noodle creation!

Ingredients:

¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
⅓ cup beef broth
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil (for sauce)
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 packages (3 ounces each) ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded
1 teaspoon sesame oil (for noodles)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 pound sirloin steak, trimmed and sliced into 1½-inch strips (about ¼-inch thick)
½ teaspoon kosher salt

Preparing the Star Ingredients

The foundation of our delicious Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry starts with perfectly tender beef and flavorful ramen noodles. We’ll begin by prepping the steak for its fiery dance in the wok. Take your trimmed sirloin steak and slice it against the grain into strips about ¼-inch thick and 1½-inches long. This is crucial for ensuring maximum tenderness. Once sliced, place the steak in a medium bowl and sprinkle it evenly with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Give it a gentle toss to ensure the salt adheres to all the pieces. Set this aside; the salt will help to draw out some moisture and create a better sear.

Next, we’ll tackle the ramen noodles. Open the two packages of ramen noodles and carefully discard the seasoning packets; we’re building our own flavor profile here! You’ll want to cook these just until they are pliable, not mushy. Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook according to package directions, but aim for about 1-2 minutes less than the suggested time. They will finish cooking in the stir fry, so slightly undercooking them now is key to preventing a gummy texture. Once they’re cooked to your desired al dente stage, drain them thoroughly in a colander. Immediately toss the drained noodles with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. This step is vital for preventing the noodles from clumping together and adds a subtle nutty aroma. Set the noodles aside.

Crafting the Flavorful Sauce

Now, let’s create the savory sauce that will bring everything together. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of low-sodium soy sauce, ⅓ cup of beef broth, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce. The honey will provide a touch of sweetness to balance the salty soy sauce and rich hoisin, while the beef broth adds depth. Next, add 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar to the mixture. The rice vinegar contributes a pleasant tanginess that cuts through the richness and brightens the overall flavor profile. Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. This adds a wonderful, characteristic nutty flavor to our stir-fry sauce. Make sure everything is well combined. In a separate tiny bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with about 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. This slurry will be used at the end to thicken our sauce, giving it that perfect glossy consistency. Set both the sauce mixture and the cornstarch slurry aside.

The Searing and Stir-Frying Process

With all our components prepped, it’s time to bring this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry to life! Heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large wok or a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This high heat is essential for achieving a good sear on the steak. Add the seasoned steak strips in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will steam the meat instead of searing it, resulting in a less flavorful and tougher texture. Cook the steak for 1-2 minutes per side, until it’s beautifully browned and just cooked through. Don’t overcook it at this stage, as it will cook a little more with the sauce. Remove the seared steak from the wok and set it aside on a clean plate.

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil to the same wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. The aroma of garlic and ginger sizzling in the hot oil is a sign that deliciousness is imminent! Immediately add the ⅛ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. These add a gentle warmth that complements the other flavors without being overpowering. Stir for another few seconds to distribute the heat.

Now, pour the prepared sauce mixture into the wok. Bring it to a simmer, stirring constantly. Once the sauce is simmering, slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to stir the sauce as it thickens, which should only take about 1-2 minutes. You’re looking for a glossy, slightly syrupy consistency that will coat the back of a spoon. This is the point where all the individual flavors meld together into a cohesive and mouthwatering sauce.

Return the seared steak to the wok with the thickened sauce. Add the cooked ramen noodles to the wok as well. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure that the steak and noodles are evenly coated in the luscious sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the steak is heated through and the noodles have absorbed some of the sauce. The key here is to warm everything through without overcooking the noodles or the steak. The final stir-fry should have everything beautifully coated and glistening. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Your delicious and satisfying Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry is ready to be devoured. We’ve walked through creating a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a hearty weekend treat. The tender beef, crisp broccoli, and springy ramen noodles coated in our savory sauce come together in a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for more. This recipe is incredibly versatile, so don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own.

For serving suggestions, I love pairing this stir fry with a side of steamed edamame or a light Asian-inspired slaw. You can also top it with toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.

When it comes to variations, feel free to swap out the beef for chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to boost the nutrient content and add more complexity to the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick!

I truly hope you enjoy making and eating this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry as much as I do. It’s a fantastic way to bring restaurant-quality flavors right into your own kitchen. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture, you can prepare the components separately. Cook the beef and broccoli, and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, cook the ramen noodles and then combine everything with the sauce and stir fry for a few minutes. This will prevent the noodles from getting mushy.

What kind of beef is best for this stir fry?

For the most tender results, I recommend using thinly sliced cuts like flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak. These cuts cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully. Make sure to slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.