If you are searching for a comforting yet exciting dinner that combines bold flavors with satisfying textures, look no further than this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe. It brings together tender strips of sirloin, crisp vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked ramen noodles all coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce that strikes the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a little kick of heat. This dish is not only quick and straightforward to make, but it’s also endlessly delicious—a true weeknight hero that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe is built from simple yet essential ingredients, each one playing a vital role in creating its incredible taste and texture. From the rich umami of soy sauce and hoisin to the fresh warmth of ginger and garlic, every component adds depth and color, making this dish a feast for both your eyes and palate.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides a savory, salty base for the stir fry sauce without overwhelming saltiness.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce, giving it that glossy, irresistible coating we all love.
- Beef broth: Adds a rich, meaty depth that complements the sirloin perfectly.
- Honey: Balances savory with a touch of natural sweetness for complexity.
- Hoisin sauce: Brings a fragrant, slightly sweet, and tangy flavor twist.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a gentle acidity to brighten the sauce.
- Sesame oil: Offers a toasty, nutty aroma essential for authentic stir fry.
- Garlic and grated ginger: Fresh aromatics that build the foundational flavors.
- Cracked red pepper flakes: Provide just the right amount of heat to enliven the dish.
- Ramen noodles (without seasoning packets): Soft, chewy noodles that soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Used for searing the steak to a perfect caramelized finish.
- Sirloin steak: Tender and lean, sliced thin for quick cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the beef.
- Fresh broccoli florets: Crisp and bright, adding a fresh veggie crunch to the dish.
- Sesame seeds: Nutty garnish that adds a slight crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together soy sauce and cornstarch in a medium bowl until smooth. Then add beef broth, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. This sauce will be the magic that ties all your ingredients together with flavor and lush texture, so set it aside while you get the rest ready.
Step 2: Cook the Ramen Noodles
Boil water in a pot and cook the ramen noodles for 2 to 3 minutes just until tender but still springy. Drain the noodles and quickly rinse under cold water to stop them from overcooking. Then toss them gently with a teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking and add another layer of that wonderful toasted flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat one tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your sirloin strips with kosher salt and black pepper, then sear them in the hot oil until they develop a rich brown crust. This step locks in juices and builds flavor through caramelization. Once browned, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Steam the Broccoli
In the same skillet, add half a cup of water and toss in fresh broccoli florets. Cover and steam until the broccoli is vibrant green and just tender—about 3 to 4 minutes. This method keeps the florets crisp but tender enough to soak up the sauce later.
Step 5: Combine Steak, Broccoli, and Noodles
Return the seared steak to the skillet along with the steamed broccoli and cooked ramen noodles. This is where your dish starts coming together and looks as inviting as it tastes.
Step 6: Add the Sauce and Finish Cooking
Pour the prepared sauce over everything and gently toss to coat all the ingredients. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens, clings luxuriously to the beef and vegetables, and everything is heated through. The aroma now filling your kitchen will be irresistible.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy!
Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for a final touch of nuttiness and crunch. Now, sit down and indulge in this flavorful Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe that tastes like a takeout classic recreated at home with love.
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds texture and a delicate nuttiness that perfectly complements the savory components of the dish. For an extra pop of color and freshness, finely chopped scallions or a drizzle of sriracha can make it even more inviting and personalized.
Side Dishes
This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe stands well on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a light cucumber salad or a simple miso soup would balance the hearty flavors beautifully. Steamed jasmine rice also makes a great companion for soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this stir fry in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots on top for added crunch. For a fun twist, try plating it on a bed of crunchy lettuce leaves or alongside pickled vegetables to introduce refreshing contrasts in both texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftover stir fry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. The beef and broccoli will continue to absorb the sauce, enhancing flavor over time.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze without the garnish. When reheated, the texture might soften slightly but the flavors remain delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts until warmed through. If needed, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and revive the noodles.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles besides ramen?
Absolutely! While ramen noodles work perfectly for their chewy texture and quick cooking time, you can substitute with udon, soba, or even thin rice noodles depending on what you have on hand or prefer.
Is sirloin steak the best cut for this recipe?
Sirloin is a great choice because it’s lean yet tender and cooks quickly. You could also use flank steak or ribeye strips if you want a richer flavor, but avoid cuts that are overly fatty or tough, as they won’t cook as evenly or absorb the sauce well.
How spicy is this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe?
The heat level is mild with a subtle kick from the cracked red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more flakes or tossing in some chili paste if you prefer a bolder fiery flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the beef for firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Make sure your hoisin sauce is vegan-friendly, and the result will be just as satisfying and flavorful.
What’s the best way to cook broccoli for stir fry?
Steaming broccoli as described in this recipe ensures it stays bright and tender without becoming mushy. Alternatively, you can blanch the florets in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then shock them in ice water before stir frying for a crisp-tender texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting about this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe that makes it a go-to for busy nights when you want something quick but truly satisfying. With its layered flavors and easy preparation, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and discover how effortlessly delicious weeknight cooking can be!
Print
Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender sirloin steak, crisp broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked ramen noodles all tossed in a savory homemade sauce. This recipe offers a delightful fusion of Asian-inspired flavors with the comforting ease of a stir fry, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
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
Beef and Vegetables
- 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
Garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and cornstarch until smooth. Then add the beef broth, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cracked red pepper flakes. Mix well and set aside to let flavors meld.
- Cook the Ramen Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles for 2 to 3 minutes until just tender. Drain the noodles thoroughly and rinse them under cold water to stop cooking. Toss with 1 teaspoon sesame oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Cook the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sirloin steak strips with kosher salt and black pepper. Add the steak to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Steam the Broccoli: Add the 1/2 cup water to the skillet, then add the broccoli florets. Cover and steam until bright green and tender, around 3 to 4 minutes. Be careful not to overcook so the broccoli retains a slight crunch.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked steak strips to the skillet with the steamed broccoli. Add the cooked ramen noodles to the pan as well.
- Add the Sauce and Finish Cooking: Pour the prepared sauce over the steak, broccoli, and noodles. Stir everything together to evenly coat with the sauce and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the stir fry before serving. Enjoy your flavorful and hearty beef and broccoli ramen stir fry immediately.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content.
- Trim the steak well to avoid excess fat which can cause flare-ups during cooking.
- Rinse noodles after cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy in the stir fry.
- If you prefer extra spice, increase the red pepper flakes.
- Can be served with a side of steamed rice or extra vegetables for a bigger meal.
