If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect mix of tender beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and slurp-worthy ramen noodles, all tossed in a rich, savory, slightly sweet, and garlicky sauce. Best of all? It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in just 30 minutes!
There’s something so comforting about a bowl of stir-fried noodles, especially when they’re coated in a sticky, umami-packed sauce that clings to every strand. It reminds me of those nights when I crave takeout but want something homemade that’s just as good (if not better!). The secret to making this dish taste like it came from your favorite Asian restaurant? A perfectly balanced sauce, high-heat searing, and the right cut of beef.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick but don’t want to sacrifice flavor. Plus, it’s super customizable—swap the beef for chicken, load it up with extra veggies, or make it completely vegetarian. No matter how you tweak it, this beef and broccoli ramen stir fry is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This entire dish comes together in just 30 minutes—faster than ordering takeout!
- One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup means more time to relax after dinner.
- Bold Asian Flavors: The sauce is a perfect mix of salty, sweet, garlicky, and slightly spicy.
- Customizable: Swap out the protein, use different veggies, or even make it vegetarian.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the slurpable noodles, and adults will appreciate the restaurant-quality taste.
Preparation Time & Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry:
- 1 lb sirloin steak or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- ½ cup water (for steaming the broccoli)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
For the Sauce:
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce and cornstarch until smooth. This ensures there are no lumps when thickening the sauce. Then, add in beef broth, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and set it aside. This sauce is the flavor powerhouse of the dish!
2. Cook the Ramen
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the ramen noodles for just 2–3 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from getting mushy. Toss them with a teaspoon of sesame oil to keep them from sticking together.
3. Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced beef in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for about 2–3 minutes to develop a nice brown crust, then stir and cook for another 2 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
4. Steam the Broccoli
In the same skillet, add another 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the broccoli florets. Pour in ½ cup of water, cover the skillet, and steam the broccoli for 2 minutes until it turns bright green and is tender-crisp. Remove the lid and let any excess water evaporate.
5. Bring It All Together
Return the cooked beef to the skillet, then add the cooked ramen noodles. Pour in the prepared sauce, tossing everything together over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats every bite.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer the stir fry to bowls and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a final touch. Serve immediately while everything is hot and flavorful.
Recipe Variations & Customizations
- Chicken Substitute: Swap the beef for diced boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast. Increase the cook time slightly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the beef and use extra-firm tofu or mushrooms. Swap beef broth for vegetable broth.
- Spicy Kick: Add sriracha, chili paste, or extra red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
- Different Noodles: Udon or rice noodles work great if you don’t have ramen on hand.
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry
- As-Is: This dish is already a complete meal on its own!
- With a Side of Egg Rolls: Pair it with homemade or frozen egg rolls for a takeout-style feast.
- With a Side Salad: A light cucumber salad or Asian slaw balances out the richness of the dish.
Tips for the Best Stir Fry
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and broccoli bring out the best flavors.
- Slice the Beef Thinly: Cutting against the grain ensures a tender bite every time.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Since they’ll cook a bit more in the sauce, slightly undercook them during boiling.
- Cook on High Heat: A hot pan helps sear the beef quickly and keeps everything crisp, not soggy.
- Prep Everything First: Stir fry moves fast, so have everything chopped and ready before you start cooking.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish doesn’t freeze well because of the noodles, which can become mushy when thawed.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long, as it can make the beef chewy.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 428 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 19g
- Sodium: 1585mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! While sirloin and flank steak are ideal because they’re tender and cook quickly, you can also use ribeye, strip steak, or even ground beef if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for the best texture.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare components in advance to make cooking easier:
- Slice the beef and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Make the sauce and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Cook the noodles and toss them in sesame oil to prevent sticking. When ready to serve, quickly stir-fry everything together.
3. What if I don’t have fresh broccoli?
No problem! Frozen broccoli works well too—just thaw it first and pat it dry to prevent excess moisture from watering down the sauce. You can also use broccolini or substitute with other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the following ingredients:
- Use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Choose gluten-free ramen or rice noodles.
- Make sure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free (or omit it).
Final Thoughts
If you love easy, flavorful, and satisfying meals, this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry will be your new go-to dinner. It’s a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and garlicky goodness wrapped around slurpable noodles and tender beef. Plus, it’s super versatile—feel free to make it your own with different proteins or extra veggies!
I’d love to hear how this turned out for you! Let me know in the comments if you made any tweaks, and if you snap a photo, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram. Happy cooking!
Print
Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A quick and easy 30-minute stir fry featuring tender beef, fresh broccoli, and ramen noodles, all tossed in a rich, savory, and slightly sweet sauce.
Ingredients
- Beef: 1 lb sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- Broccoli: 2 cups fresh florets (or frozen, thawed)
- Noodles: 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp (divided)
- Water: ½ cup (for steaming broccoli)
- Sesame seeds: for garnish
For the Sauce:
- Soy sauce: ⅓ cup (low-sodium)
- Beef broth: ¼ cup
- Hoisin sauce: 2 tbsp
- Honey: 1 tbsp
- Rice vinegar: 1 tbsp
- Sesame oil: 1 tsp
- Cornstarch: 1 tbsp
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1 tsp, grated
- Red pepper flakes: ½ tsp (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce and cornstarch. Stir in remaining sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Cook the Ramen: Boil noodles for 2–3 minutes, drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with sesame oil.
- Sear the Beef: Heat oil in a skillet, cook beef for 2–3 minutes per side, then remove.
- Steam the Broccoli: In the same pan, add broccoli, pour in water, cover, and steam for 2 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Add beef, noodles, and sauce to the skillet. Toss over medium heat until well coated.
- Serve Immediately: Garnish with sesame seeds and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra spice: Add sriracha or extra chili flakes.
- For a vegetarian option: Swap beef for tofu and use veggie broth.
- For gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles instead of ramen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired