Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry
Beef and broccoli ramen stir fry is a guaranteed weeknight favorite! When you toss saucy noodles with tender beef and crisp broccoli—magic happens. It’s quick, easy, and better than takeout.
Your family will love this tasty stir fry topped with sesame seeds or fresh chives, and you’ll love how simple it was to whip up this delicious dinner.
For Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Beef – Thinly sliced flank steak or top sirloin both work wonderfully. Choose flank steak for tenderness or sirloin for extra flavor.
- Broccoli – Fresh broccoli florets add color, crunch, and a nutritious boost.
- Instant Ramen Noodles – Quick-cooking and easy. Discard the seasoning packets as we’re using a homemade sauce!
- Olive Oil – Used for sautéing; adds richness without overpowering the flavors.
- Sesame Seeds & Chives (optional) – Great finishing touches, adding texture, flavor, and visual appeal.
For the Stir Fry Sauce
- Soy Sauce – Low-sodium is best, allowing you to control saltiness and enhance the umami flavor.
- Brown Sugar – Adds just enough sweetness to balance the savory notes.
- Garlic & Ginger – Essential aromatics that give the sauce depth and warmth.
- Cornstarch – Helps the sauce thicken, perfectly coating each noodle and piece of beef.
- Sesame Oil – Adds an authentic, nutty flavor that completes the Asian-inspired taste.
- Black Pepper – A touch of spice to round out the flavors without overpowering the dish.
Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry
Notes
Ingredients:
For Stir Fry:
- 6 oz instant ramen noodles (two 3-oz packages), seasoning packets discarded
- 1 lb broccoli florets (approximately 6 cups)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 lb flank steak or top sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (optional garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional garnish)
For Stir Fry Sauce:
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 3 garlic cloves, grated (about 2 tsp)
- 6 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup warm water
- 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Cook Ramen Noodles:
Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add ramen noodles and cook for about 3 minutes, breaking them apart gently. Drain noodles, rinse with cold water, and set aside. - Make the Sauce:
In a bowl or measuring cup, combine ginger, garlic, soy sauce, warm water, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to dissolve the sugar and set aside. - Cook Broccoli:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, broccoli florets, and 2 tablespoons water. Cover and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until broccoli is tender-crisp. Transfer broccoli to a plate and set aside. - Cook Beef:
Increase heat to medium-high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place sliced beef into the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes per side, until just cooked through. Reduce heat to medium-low. - Combine and Serve:
Stir the sauce again to recombine if needed, then pour it into the skillet with the beef. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens. Return broccoli and cooked ramen noodles to the skillet. Toss to coat noodles evenly with sauce. If sauce becomes too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons water to thin. Serve garnished with sesame seeds and chives, if desired.
Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 1025mg | Potassium: 782mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g
Vitamin A: 1208IU | Vitamin C: 135mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 4mg
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw and drain it well before adding to the skillet to prevent excess moisture.
2. What cut of beef is best for this stir fry?
Flank steak or top sirloin are ideal due to their tenderness and flavor. Ensure the beef is thinly sliced against the grain for optimal tenderness.
3. How can I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?
Cook the ramen noodles for 3 minutes or according to package instructions, then immediately drain and rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps maintain their texture.
4. Is there a substitute for sesame oil in the sauce?
While sesame oil imparts a distinct flavor, you can use peanut oil or leave it out if necessary. However, the dish may lack some of the traditional depth of flavor.
5. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! Preparing the stir fry sauce ahead of time and storing it in the refrigerator can streamline your cooking process. Just give it a good stir before adding it to the stir fry
