Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry

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If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal that combines the beloved flavors of a Chinese takeout classic with the comforting appeal of ramen noodles, look no further than this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry. It’s a delicious 30-minute recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights but packed with all the rich, savory flavors you love. The combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and hearty ramen noodles tossed in a savory sauce is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

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The traditional beef and broccoli stir fry is a staple in Chinese cuisine, typically served with a savory soy-based sauce over steamed rice. But what makes this dish stand out is the creative twist of adding ramen noodles, giving it an extra boost of flavor and texture. Whether you’re craving something familiar or looking to try a fun, fresh take on a classic, this recipe delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry

• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 15 minutes, this dish is ideal for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast.
• Savory and Flavorful: The sauce brings together umami-rich soy sauce, sweet honey, tangy rice vinegar, and a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes, creating a balanced and irresistible flavor profile.
• Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to your liking, adding more veggies or changing the type of beef. It’s a flexible dish that suits a variety of tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

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 (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
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce and cornstarch until smooth and no lumps remain. Add the beef broth, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir until everything is well combined, and set the sauce aside for later.

2. Cook the Ramen Noodles

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the ramen noodles and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until just tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to soften once mixed with the sauce. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle the noodles with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together.

3. Cook the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, season the sliced sirloin steak with kosher salt and black pepper. Add the beef to the skillet in a single layer and let it sear for about 3 minutes without stirring. This will allow the beef to brown nicely on one side. Once browned, stir the beef and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, or until it’s cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside, draining off any excess grease.

4. Cook the Broccoli

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the broccoli florets and sauté for a minute. Pour in 1/2 cup of water, cover the skillet, and steam the broccoli for about 2 minutes. The broccoli should be bright green and fork-tender, but still crisp, not mushy.

5. Combine Everything

Once the broccoli is ready, return the cooked beef to the skillet, along with the cooked ramen noodles. Stir the sauce one more time and pour it into the skillet. Using tongs, toss everything together, making sure the noodles, beef, and broccoli are all coated in the sauce. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the ingredients.

6. Serve and Garnish

Transfer the Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry to serving plates. Garnish with sesame seeds for a bit of extra crunch and a touch of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures!

Flavor and Texture Breakdown

This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry is an explosion of flavors in every bite. The beef provides a rich, savory umami flavor, which is complemented by the sweet and tangy sauce. The honey adds a touch of sweetness, balancing out the saltiness of the soy sauce, while the hoisin sauce imparts a deep, slightly smoky flavor. The ginger and garlic bring warmth and aromatic depth, while the red pepper flakes provide just enough heat to keep things interesting without overwhelming the other flavors.

The texture contrast is equally satisfying: tender strips of beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and soft, slightly chewy ramen noodles create the perfect bite. The sesame oil adds a smooth, nutty richness that enhances the overall dish, while the sesame seeds sprinkled on top provide a delightful crunch to finish off each bite.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Beef: While sirloin steak is a great choice for this dish, you can use other cuts of beef like flank steak, ribeye, or even ground beef. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of beef you choose.
• Noodles: If you’re not a fan of ramen noodles, you can substitute with other types of noodles, such as udon or soba noodles. Just be sure to cook them according to the package instructions and toss them with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the stir fry, such as bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots. These can be added along with the broccoli to give the dish even more color and variety.
• Sauce Adjustments: For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of honey or add a touch of brown sugar.

Serving Suggestions

This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry can be served on its own as a complete meal, or paired with a side dish to create a more elaborate dinner. Consider serving it with steamed dumplings, spring rolls, or a side of garlic bread for a comforting meal that will surely impress your guests.

For a more vibrant and refreshing contrast, pair the stir fry with a simple cucumber salad or a bowl of miso soup. The coolness of the salad or the warmth of the soup will complement the savory, hearty stir fry beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry brings together the best of both worlds—classic beef and broccoli stir fry flavors with the fun and satisfying addition of ramen noodles. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this dish is sure to be a hit. Try it tonight, and savor every delicious bite!