If you’re craving a dish that perfectly blends tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and the comforting chew of ramen noodles, then you’re in for a real treat with this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe. It’s a beautiful harmony of savory, slightly sweet, and umami-packed flavors wrapped up in a quick and satisfying meal that feels downright special but comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for something for a busy weeknight or a fantastic way to jazz up your usual stir fry, this recipe hits all the right notes with fresh ingredients and a luscious sauce that clings to every strand of noodle and bite of beef.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe keeps things straightforward while packing incredible flavor. Each component plays an important role in balancing taste, texture, and color, making the dish truly irresistible.
- 6 oz instant Ramen noodles: Two 3 oz packages will do just fine—discard the seasoning to let your homemade sauce shine.
- 1 lb broccoli: Cut into about 6 cups of florets, giving a lovely crunch and vibrant green color.
- 2 Tbsp olive oil: Divided for sautéing both the broccoli and beef, providing a healthy fat base.
- 1 lb flank steak: Or top sirloin, thinly sliced to cook quickly and stay tender.
- 2 tsp sesame seeds (optional garnish): Adds a delightful nutty crunch to finish the dish.
- 2 Tbsp chives (optional garnish): Brings a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger: Peeled and grated, it gives a subtle zing that brightens the whole dish.
- 3 cloves garlic: Grated or minced about 2 teaspoons, contributing savory depth.
- 6 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce: The savory backbone of your stir fry sauce.
- 1/2 cup warm water: Helps to dissolve the sugar and balance the sauce consistency.
- 3 Tbsp light brown sugar: Packed, for a gentle sweetness that complements the soy.
- 1 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch: For thickening the sauce to a luscious, clingy finish.
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil: Adds a toasty, aromatic richness that makes the dish irresistible.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Gives a gentle hint of warmth without overwhelming.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ramen
Start by cooking your ramen noodles so they’re ready when the stir fry comes together. Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil, then add the ramen noodles. Cook for about 3 minutes, breaking them apart gently with a spatula so they don’t stick. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop cooking and set aside. This quick prep keeps your noodles perfectly chewy in the final dish.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a large measuring cup or bowl, combine all your sauce ingredients—the soy sauce, warm water, light brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, black pepper, grated ginger, and garlic. Stir everything until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. This homemade sauce is what brings all the flavors of the Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe to life.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Heat a large heavy skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the broccoli florets along with 2 tablespoons of water, then cover the pan with a lid to steam and sauté them for about 4 minutes. Stir occasionally; you want the broccoli crisp-tender with a bright green pop, not too soft. Once done, transfer the broccoli to a separate dish to keep warm.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Spread the thinly sliced beef in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes per side until just cooked through and nicely browned. Then reduce the heat to medium-low to prepare for the sauce.
Step 5: Simmer with Sauce and Combine
Give the sauce a quick stir if it has separated, then pour it into your skillet with the beef. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally so the sauce thickens and coats the beef beautifully. Return the broccoli and cooked noodles to the pan; toss everything together gently so every bite is gloriously saucy and well combined. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out just right.
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh chives not only adds a gorgeous finishing touch but also layers in wonderful texture and brightness. These little details elevate the dish from simple stir fry to restaurant-quality dinner you’ll want to make again and again.
Side Dishes
This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe works beautifully on its own, but you can serve it alongside a crisp Asian cucumber salad, steamed dumplings, or even a bowl of miso soup for a fuller meal experience that impresses without fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving the stir fry in individual hot stone bowls or rustic cast iron skillets straight from stovetop to table. Adding a wedge of lime or a drizzle of chili oil can add a zesty or spicy kick, perfect if you want to personalize your bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
Although you can freeze this stir fry, it’s best to separate the noodles from the beef and broccoli before freezing to maintain texture. Freeze components in separate containers for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the noodles and beef tender and succulent.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ramen noodles work beautifully thanks to their springy texture, you can swap them for udon, soba, or even rice noodles depending on what you have and prefer.
What cut of beef is best for this stir fry?
Flank steak or top sirloin are ideal because they are lean, quick-cooking, and develop great flavor when sliced thin. Just be sure to slice against the grain for the most tender bites.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the beef with tofu or your favorite mushrooms, and swap the soy sauce for tamari if gluten-free. You’ll still get all the delicious sauce and texture.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be whisked together up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before using as some separation is normal.
How spicy is this stir fry?
This recipe is not spicy by default, but you can easily add heat with a drizzle of chili oil, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce when serving.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe as I am to share it. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying. Once you master the simple steps and homemade sauce, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner combining tender flank steak, crisp broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked ramen noodles tossed in a savory sesame-soy sauce. The dish features a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and noodles with a delightful blend of ginger, garlic, and brown sugar for a sweet and umami-packed sauce. Garnished with sesame seeds and fresh chives, it’s an easy skillet stir fry that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Noodles and Vegetables
- 6 oz instant Ramen noodles (two 3 oz packages, seasoning discarded)
- 1 lb broccoli (cut into 6 cups florets)
Meat
- 1 lb flank steak (or top sirloin, thinly sliced)
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp sesame seeds (optional garnish)
- 2 Tbsp chives (optional garnish)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Sauce
- 6 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 3 Tbsp light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp corn starch
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (peeled and grated)
- 3 cloves garlic (grated, about 2 tsp)
Instructions
- Cook the ramen noodles: Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Add ramen noodles and cook for 3 minutes, breaking them up with a spatula to separate. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large measuring cup or bowl, combine the low sodium soy sauce, warm water, light brown sugar, grated ginger, grated garlic, corn starch, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir well until the brown sugar and corn starch are completely dissolved.
- Sauté the broccoli: Heat a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the broccoli florets, and 2 tablespoons of water. Cover with a lid and sauté for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is crisp-tender. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside on a separate plate.
- Cook the beef: Increase the skillet heat to medium-high and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced flank steak in a single layer. Sauté the beef for about 2 minutes per side, or just until cooked through. Reduce the heat to medium-low once the beef is cooked.
- Simmer the sauce and combine: Stir the prepared sauce again if any separation occurred and pour it into the skillet with the beef. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Return the sautéed broccoli to the pan, then add the cooked ramen noodles. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the noodles in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to thin it to your desired consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the stir fry hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped fresh chives if desired. Enjoy your delicious beef and broccoli ramen stir fry!
Notes
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
- The starch in the sauce helps thicken it to coat the noodles and veggies well.
- Thinly slicing the flank steak ensures quick cooking and tender bite-sized pieces.
- Ginger and garlic add fresh, aromatic flavor balancing the sweetness of brown sugar.
- Feel free to substitute broccoli with other crunchy vegetables like snap peas or bell pepper for variation.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce.
