Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
If you’ve been craving a dish that balances savory, sweet, and a little kick of heat all in one bowl, then you’re going to love this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe. It combines tender strips of sirloin steak, crisp-tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked ramen noodles, all tossed in a luscious homemade sauce that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor. This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into an exciting meal that feels indulgent but comes together in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s where simplicity meets deliciousness. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s building flavor, adding texture, or contributing vibrant color to your stir fry. You’ll see how easy it is to gather everything for this recipe without feeling overwhelmed.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Balances saltiness and umami without overpowering the dish.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a glossy, irresistible texture that clings to every bite.
- Beef broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce base.
- Honey: Delivers a natural sweetness that mellows the savory flavors.
- Hoisin sauce: Brings a subtle hint of sweet and tangy complexity.
- Rice vinegar: Introduces gentle acidity that brightens the entire dish.
- Sesame oil: Infuses a toasty aroma and enhances the overall savory profile.
- Garlic, minced: Punches up flavor with aromatic warmth.
- Grated ginger: Adds a fresh, spicy zing that lifts the dish.
- Cracked red pepper flakes: Provides just the right amount of heat for balance.
- Ramen noodles: The soft, springy base that soaks up all the incredible flavors.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing steak and broccoli for that perfect sear and tender-crisp finish.
- Sirloin steak: The star protein, sliced thinly for quick cooking and juicy results.
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance and elevate all ingredients.
- Fresh broccoli florets: Offers crunch and vibrant green goodness to the dish.
- Sesame seeds for garnish: Adds a subtle nutty crunch and pretty finishing touch.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Start by whisking low-sodium soy sauce and cornstarch together until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. Then mix in beef broth, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of cracked red pepper flakes. This sauce is the backbone of the dish, bringing layers of flavor that will coat every ingredient beautifully, so set it aside and prepare for the next steps.
Step 2: Cook Ramen Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles just until tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process, keeping their perfect springiness. Toss with a teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking—this little touch keeps your noodles delightfully separate in the final dish.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Lightly season the sirloin strips with kosher salt and black pepper, then lay them in the skillet without crowding. Let the steak brown undisturbed for about 3 minutes to develop a flavorful crust, then stir and cook for another 2 minutes until cooked through. Remove the steak and set it aside, draining any excess grease for a cleaner stir fry.
Step 4: Steam the Broccoli
Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet and toss in the broccoli florets. Pour in half a cup of water and cover the skillet immediately to steam the broccoli. After just 2 minutes, your broccoli will be bright green and fork-tender but still crisp—perfect for balancing the richness of the steak and sauce.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked steak to the skillet, then add the drained ramen noodles. Stir your prepared sauce and pour it over everything. Using tongs, toss the mixture around as the sauce thickens slightly and warms through, ensuring every bite is coated in that luscious sauce. Serve piping hot, garnished generously with sesame seeds for a lovely crunch and subtle nutty flavor.
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top to add an appealing texture and a nutty aroma. For an extra pop of color and freshness, finely sliced green onions or a handful of chopped cilantro would be delightful additions that complement the flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a simple side like steamed jasmine rice or a crisp cucumber salad can balance the meal beautifully. For those who love more greens, a light Asian slaw with a tangy dressing also pairs wonderfully with the hearty stir fry.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this stir fry in individual bowls layered with fresh herbs for a vibrant look, or pile it onto a large platter family-style for a shareable dinner. You can even wrap warm tortillas or lettuce leaves around portions for a fun, hand-held twist on this classic beef and broccoli stir fry.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe stays flavorful when reheated and should be eaten within 3 days for the best texture and taste.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh; however, you can freeze it if necessary. Place portions into freezer-safe containers, but note that broccoli may lose some of its crispness after freezing and thawing. For optimal quality, consume frozen leftovers within one month.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving for long periods as noodles can become mushy. Stir frequently to heat evenly and keep the steak tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely! While ramen noodles are perfect for their texture and ability to soak up flavor, you can substitute with udon, soba, or even thin spaghetti in a pinch. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Swap the sirloin steak for firm tofu or seitan, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for the sauce. The broccoli and noodles combined with the savory sauce still make a satisfying, hearty meal.
How spicy is this stir fry?
The recipe includes a small amount of cracked red pepper flakes to add a subtle, warming spice. If you prefer, you can increase or omit the flakes based on your heat tolerance.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Give it a quick whisk before adding it to your stir fry to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
What cut of beef works best for this stir fry?
Sirloin steak is ideal for its tender texture and quick cooking time. Other good choices include flank steak or ribeye, as long as you slice the beef thinly against the grain for the most tender results.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe enough if you’re looking to brighten up your weeknight dinners with a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but comes together in a snap—truly a winner for both new cooks and seasoned chefs. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become one of your go-to dishes to please hungry family and friends alike.
Print
Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender sirloin steak, crisp broccoli florets, and tender ramen noodles tossed in a savory homemade sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, it features a harmonious blend of soy, honey, hoisin, and sesame with a hint of ginger and garlic that brings the classic Asian flavors to your table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 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
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tablespoon grated ginger
- ⅛ 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 ½-inch strips (about ¼-inch thickness)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- ½ cup water
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and cornstarch until smooth with no lumps. Then add the beef broth, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cracked red pepper flakes. Whisk everything thoroughly and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook Ramen Noodles: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop further cooking. Drizzle the noodles with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Cook Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Season the sirloin strips with kosher salt and black pepper, then add to the skillet. Let the steak cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes to develop a nice sear. Stir and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the steak is cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and discard any accumulated grease from the pan.
- Steam Broccoli: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, then add the broccoli florets. Pour in ½ cup of water and cover the skillet with a lid to steam the broccoli for approximately 2 minutes. The broccoli should be bright green and fork-tender but still crisp, not mushy.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked steak to the skillet along with the prepared ramen noodles. Give the sauce a quick stir and pour it evenly over the ingredients in the skillet. Using tongs, gently toss everything together while heating through for 1-2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and coat all components well. Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, slice the steak thinly and against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- If you prefer more spice, increase the amount of cracked red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha.
- Discard ramen seasoning packets as they tend to be high in sodium and not needed with this flavorful sauce.
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter option.
- To make the dish gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- If broccoli isn’t preferred, snap peas or bell peppers can be used as alternate vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian