If you are craving a quick, satisfying meal that bursts with flavor, you will absolutely love this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe. Combining tender strips of sirloin steak with crunchy broccoli florets and silky ramen noodles, all coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, this dish is an effortless weeknight winner. The blend of classic Asian-inspired ingredients and familiar ramen noodles takes your usual stir fry to an exciting new level that will have everyone asking for seconds. Best of all, the recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for both busy nights and casual dinners with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe shines because of its simple yet impactful ingredients. Each one brings essential flavor, texture, or color, making the dish vibrant and well-balanced without any fuss.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Adds deep, salty umami flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to cling beautifully to the noodles and beef.
- â…“ cup beef broth: Provides a rich foundation that enhances the meatiness of the dish.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Adds a gentle sweetness to balance the savory elements.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Brings a complex, slightly tangy and sweet depth.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Introduces a subtle acidity to brighten the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses a nutty, aromatic quality into the stir fry.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides sharp, fragrant pungency that wakes up the palate.
- ½ tablespoon grated ginger: Adds warmth and a touch of zing.
- â…› teaspoon cracked red pepper flakes: Delivers a mild spicy kick without overwhelming heat.
- 2 (3 ounce) packages ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded: The tender noodles soak up sauce perfectly and add wonderful texture.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for noodles): Keeps cooked noodles from sticking and adds flavor.
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided: Used to sear the steak and lightly cook the broccoli.
- 1 pound sirloin steak, trimmed and sliced into 1 ½-inch strips: Ensures every bite is juicy and tender.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Simple seasoning for the steak to enhance all the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds basic spice and complexity to the beef.
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets: Brings a fresh, crunchy contrast and a vibrant pop of green.
- ½ cup water: Used for steaming the broccoli gently, preserving its bright color.
- Sesame seeds, for garnish: Adds a lovely crunch and visual appeal at the finish.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Start by combining your sauce ingredients which will make this dish truly unforgettable. Whisk the low-sodium soy sauce and cornstarch in a medium bowl until smooth and no lumps remain. Then add the beef broth, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, grated ginger, and cracked red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until fully incorporated and set the sauce aside. This luscious sauce will thicken and coat all your ingredients, packing each bite with umami-rich flavor.
Step 2: Cook Ramen Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and carefully cook the ramen noodles for just 2 to 3 minutes until tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to stop further cooking—a crucial step to prevent mushiness. Toss the noodles with a teaspoon of sesame oil right away to keep them from sticking together while you move on to the other components.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season your sirloin steak strips evenly with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Add the beef to the hot skillet and allow it to sear without stirring for about 3 minutes so it develops a beautiful browned crust. Then stir and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the steak is cooked through but still juicy. Remove the steak from the skillet and discard any excess grease to keep the dish light.
Step 4: Steam Broccoli
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then add the broccoli florets. Pour in ½ cup of water and cover the skillet tightly. Let the broccoli steam for about 2 minutes—just long enough to become bright green and fork-tender while still retaining a satisfying crunch. This quick steam keeps the broccoli fresh and crisp, balancing perfectly with the tender beef and noodles.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the broccoli, then add the prepared ramen noodles. Stir the sauce one more time and pour it over the ingredients in the skillet. Using tongs, toss everything gently but thoroughly so the sauce coats every bit of steak, broccoli, and noodle. Cook for another minute or two until everything is heated through and your kitchen is filled with an irresistible aroma. Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds on top.
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and visual contrast that make the dish look as good as it tastes. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of sliced green onions or a drizzle of sriracha can bring a fresh and spicy twist to your presentation. These little touches turn your stir fry from everyday dinner into a feast.
Side Dishes
This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider serving it alongside a crisp cucumber salad or steamed edamame. These light, fresh sides won’t overwhelm the main dish but will enhance your dining experience with additional textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the stir fry in individual shallow bowls for a cozy sit-down meal or in large family-style platters where everyone can help themselves. Garnish each plate with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to introduce a garden-fresh note and brighten the presentation. Adding a wedge of lime on the side provides an optional zesty squeeze that pairs beautifully with the richness of the beef.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stir fry keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it promptly after cooking to preserve the texture of the broccoli and the tenderness of the beef. Refrigerated leftovers make for a perfect quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
While fresh is always best for this dish, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place the stir fry in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that upon thawing, the broccoli may lose some of its original crispness, but the flavors will remain delicious.
Reheating
To reheat your Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as stovetop reheating better preserves the texture of the noodles and broccoli. Stir continuously until heated through and ready to enjoy once again.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir fry?
Absolutely! While sirloin is tender and cooks quickly, flank steak or skirt steak would also work wonderfully because they absorb marinades well and develop a great sear. Just be sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Is it necessary to discard the ramen seasoning packets?
Yes, discarding the seasoning packets is recommended because they often contain a lot of sodium and artificial flavors that could overpower the fresh sauce we make from scratch. Using plain ramen noodles allows the homemade sauce to shine.
Can I substitute fresh broccoli with frozen broccoli?
You can use frozen broccoli in a pinch, but fresh broccoli provides the best texture and color. If using frozen, thaw and drain it well before cooking and steam just until warmed to avoid sogginess.
How spicy is this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe?
The recipe includes just a touch of cracked red pepper flakes for mild heat that complements the other flavors without overwhelming the dish. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste by adding more or less.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the beef for firm tofu or another plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The flavorful sauce and vibrant broccoli still deliver a delicious vegetarian-friendly meal.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe is pure comfort packed with flavor and texture that makes every bite an absolute joy. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and brings a restaurant-quality meal right to your table. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll quickly see why it’s become a beloved go-to dish for easy, tasty dinners. Happy cooking!
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, crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked ramen noodles all tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a satisfying weeknight meal with an Asian-inspired twist that brings comfort and deliciousness to your table.
Ingredients
Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- â…“ 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
- â…› teaspoon cracked red pepper flakes
Noodles
- 2 (3 ounce) packages ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Stir Fry
- 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 and lump-free. Add the beef broth, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cracked red pepper flakes. Whisk thoroughly to combine all ingredients well. Set the sauce mixture aside.
- Cook Ramen Noodles: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook until just tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process. Drizzle the noodles with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking and toss gently.
- Cook Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season the sirloin strips with kosher salt and black pepper. Add the steak to the skillet in a single layer and cook without stirring for about 3 minutes to achieve a good sear. Then stir and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the steak is cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Steam Broccoli: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the broccoli florets and pour in ½ cup of water. Cover the skillet to steam the broccoli for about 2 minutes until the florets are bright green and fork-tender but still crisp. Remove the lid carefully to avoid steam burns.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked steak to the skillet along with the prepared ramen noodles. Stir the sauce again, then pour it over the contents in the skillet. Using tongs, toss everything together as the sauce thickens and coats the noodles, beef, and broccoli evenly. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to heat through before removing from heat. Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Discard the seasoning packets from the ramen noodles as they contain high sodium and artificial flavors, which are unnecessary with the homemade sauce.
- To prevent overcooking the broccoli, steam just until bright green and fork tender for optimal texture and nutrient retention.
- You can substitute sirloin steak with flank steak or ribeye if preferred, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of cracked red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Serve this dish immediately after cooking to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
