Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry
The Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry is an exciting twist on a classic dish that combines tender beef, fresh broccoli, and flavorful ramen noodles into one delicious meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe stands out for its quick preparation time and bold flavors. In just 30 minutes, you can create a satisfying dinner that your whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, hoisin, and sesame oil creates a rich sauce that elevates the dish.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite vegetables or protein to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required since everything is cooked in one skillet.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy slurping up the ramen noodles and tender beef.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet
- Medium pot
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick Skillet: Prevents food from sticking, making cooking and cleanup easier.
- Medium Pot: Ideal for boiling ramen noodles without overcrowding them.
- Mixing Bowl: Necessary for combining ingredients to make the sauce effectively.
- Whisk: Helps to mix sauces smoothly, ensuring no lumps remain.
Ingredients
The popular Chinese restaurant Beef and Broccoli stir fry gets a delicious twist with ramen noodles, in this fantastic easy 30-minute meal recipe!
For the 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
For the Stir Fry
- 2 (3 ounce) packages ramen noodles (seasoning packets discarded)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
- 1 pound sirloin steak (trimmed of fat and sliced into 1 1/2-inch strips)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup water
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry
Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and cornstarch until well combined with no lumps. Add in the beef broth, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and cracked red pepper. Whisk again until everything is fully incorporated. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ramen Noodles
Bring a medium pot of water to boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook until just tender for about 2-3 minutes. Drain them well and rinse under cold water to stop further cooking. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Sauté the Steak
In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil until glistening hot. Season the steak with salt and pepper before adding it to the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes without moving it to allow browning on one side. Stir and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until cooked through. Remove from skillet and drain any grease.
Step 4: Steam the Broccoli
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet along with the broccoli florets. Pour in 1/2 cup of water and cover with a lid to steam for about 2 minutes until bright green and fork-tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked steak back into the skillet along with prepared ramen noodles.
Step 6: Add Sauce & Finish Cooking
Give the sauce a good stir before pouring it into the skillet. Using tongs, mix all ingredients together as they cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is evenly coated in sauce and heated through.
Step 7: Serve & Garnish
Serve immediately while hot, garnished with sesame seeds for added crunch!
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry
Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
Serve with Fresh Herbs
- Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Green Onions: Thinly slice green onions for added crunch and a mild onion taste.
Pair with Rice
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Serve alongside fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the savory sauce.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, pair with cauliflower rice for a healthy twist.
Add Extra Protein
- Fried Egg: Top your stir fry with a fried egg for richness and additional protein.
- Tofu: For a vegetarian option, add pan-fried tofu cubes for extra texture.
Garnish Creatively
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add an appealing crunch and nutty flavor.
- Chili Oil: Drizzle some chili oil for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat.
How to Perfect Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry
To ensure your Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use High-Quality Beef: Start with tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak for the best texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Steam just until vibrant green to keep it crisp and nutritious.
- Customize Your Sauce: Adjust sweetness or spice levels by adding more honey or red pepper flakes as desired.
- Prep Ingredients Ahead of Time: Chop vegetables and measure sauces before cooking for a smoother cooking process.
- Use Fresh Noodles if Possible: Fresh ramen noodles offer superior taste and texture compared to dried ones.
- Toss Thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well-coated in the sauce by tossing them thoroughly in the skillet.
Best Side Dishes for Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry
Pairing side dishes with Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables make for a delightful crunchy contrast.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements the flavors of your stir fry nicely.
- Edamame: Lightly salted edamame pods provide a nutritious snack that pairs well with Asian dishes.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad adds crunch and balances the richness of the stir fry.
- Potstickers: Steamed or pan-fried potstickers filled with meat or veggies offer another tasty bite alongside your main dish.
- Asian Slaw: A tangy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing brings freshness to the table.
- Fried Rice: Flavorful fried rice can serve as a hearty accompaniment, allowing you to soak up all the sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry can seem easy, but small errors can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Skipping the sauce preparation: If you don’t whisk the sauce ingredients well, lumps can form, affecting the final taste. Always mix until smooth.
- Overcooking the broccoli: Cooking broccoli too long makes it mushy. Aim for bright green and fork-tender by steaming for just a couple of minutes.
- Not seasoning the steak properly: Forgetting to season the beef before cooking can result in bland meat. Season generously with salt and pepper for better flavor.
- Using high-sodium soy sauce: Using regular soy sauce can make your dish too salty. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to maintain balanced flavors.
- Ignoring noodle cooking time: Cooking ramen noodles too long can lead to a mushy texture. Follow package instructions closely for perfect noodles.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry lasts up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry
- Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months; however, noodles may become softer upon reheating.
Reheating Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking, warming until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry.
Can I use other vegetables in Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry?
Yes! Feel free to add peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry, use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles instead of ramen.
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
Sirloin is ideal due to its tenderness and flavor. However, flank steak or ribeye also works well.
Can I meal prep Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep as it stores well in the refrigerator or freezer.
How spicy is this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry?
The heat mainly comes from cracked red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference or omit it entirely.
Final Thoughts
Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry offers an incredible twist on a classic dish that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare. It’s versatile enough for any weeknight dinner, allowing room for customization with different vegetables or proteins. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry is a delightful fusion of classic flavors and modern convenience, perfect for busy weeknights. This quick and easy dish features tender slices of beef, vibrant broccoli, and savory ramen noodles in a rich sauce made from soy sauce, hoisin, and sesame oil. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying dinner that your whole family will love. With its one-pan preparation, minimal cleanup, and customizable options, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry will become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sirloin steak
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 packages ramen noodles
- 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
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup water
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce and cornstarch; add beef broth, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Boil water in a pot and cook ramen noodles for 2-3 minutes; drain and drizzle with sesame oil.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet; season steak with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on both sides; remove from the skillet.
- Sauté broccoli in the same skillet with water until bright green.
- Add steak back to the skillet along with ramen noodles; pour sauce over everything and mix well for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot garnished with sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
