If you’ve been craving a dish that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and a touch of spice, let me introduce you to a personal favorite: the Beef and Broccoli Ramen Noodles Recipe. This recipe takes the classic flavors of beef and broccoli stir-fry and elevates them with the satisfying chew of ramen noodles, all wrapped up in a luscious, homemade sauce. It’s a fantastic meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to pull together, offering a cozy bowl that will delight your taste buds and become a go-to in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the foundation of a standout Beef and Broccoli Ramen Noodles Recipe. Each one brings something essential to the table, whether it’s bold flavor, texture contrast, or color that makes the dish pop. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Flank steak or skirt steak, 1 pound: This cut is ideal because it’s flavorful and tender when sliced thin against the grain.
- Low sodium soy sauce, 8 tablespoons total: Controls the saltiness and layers in that signature umami goodness without overpowering the dish.
- Rice wine vinegar, 3 tablespoons: Adds a subtle acidity that brightens the flavors and balances richness.
- Ramen noodles, 3 packets (discard seasoning): Perfect for soaking up the sauce and delivering that delightful, slurp-worthy texture.
- Oil, 2 tablespoons (divided): A mix of cooking oils helps with searing the beef and sautéing the broccoli to perfection.
- Broccoli, 3 cups: Provides a satisfying crunch and vibrant green color, making the dish more wholesome and fresh.
- Garlic, 4 cloves minced: Infuses savory depth and warmth into the sauce.
- Brown sugar, 1 tablespoon: Offers a touch of sweetness to balance out the salty and tangy notes.
- Ginger, 1 tablespoon minced: Adds a fragrant, zesty kick that lifts the entire dish.
- Sesame oil, 2 teaspoons: Just a hint goes a long way to impart that distinctive nutty aroma.
- Cornstarch, 2 tablespoons: Thickens the sauce beautifully for a glossy, clingy finish.
- Low sodium beef broth, 3/4 cup: Deepens the savory flavor and creates the perfect sauce base.
- Hoisin sauce, 6 tablespoons: Introduces subtle sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- Optional Sriracha, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon: For those who love a little heat to spice things up.
- Sesame seeds: Adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal when sprinkled on top.
- Chives: Freshens each bite with a mild oniony aroma and brings a pop of color.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Ramen Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by combining your steak with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar in a large ziplock bag or bowl. Let it marinate for at least one hour, or even better, overnight in the fridge. This step makes the beef tender and infused with bright, savory flavors, setting the stage for the whole dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Mix together the remaining sauce ingredients: beef broth, 6 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, minced ginger, minced garlic, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and if you like some heat, a touch of Sriracha. Whisk this thoroughly in a medium bowl and set it aside. This sauce is the flavor powerhouse that will marry the noodles, beef, and broccoli perfectly.
Step 3: Cook the Ramen Noodles
Cook ramen noodles according to the package instructions but remember to discard the seasoning packets—they’re not needed here. Once cooked, drain and set aside so they’re ready to be tossed in with the sauce later.
Step 4: Sauté the Broccoli
Add 1 tablespoon of oil to your pan over medium heat. Sauté the broccoli until just tender but still crisp and vibrantly green. This step ensures your broccoli keeps that perfect texture, avoiding overcooking and mushiness. Remove it from the pan and set it aside for now.
Step 5: Cook the Beef
Now, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in the same pan until hot. Add the marinated beef, cooking it on both sides until it reaches your preferred doneness — medium rare is fantastic for tenderness and flavor. Remove the beef from heat, slice it thinly against the grain, then return the slices to the pan.
Step 6: Combine Broccoli, Sauce, and Beef
Add the broccoli back to the pan along with your pre-mixed sauce and minced garlic. Stir everything together, letting it simmer and thicken for about 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce should cling to every morsel, creating a glossy, flavorful coating.
Step 7: Toss in the Noodles
Finally, mix in the cooked ramen noodles, tossing gently to coat them fully with the sauce, beef, and broccoli. This is the moment everything comes together into that irresistibly comforting bowl. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped chives to finish off, and you’re ready to dig in!
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Ramen Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference. Sprinkling sesame seeds brings crunch and a nutty aroma, while fresh chives add a mild onion flavor and a burst of green color. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of extra Sriracha or a few chili flakes can add an exciting kick.
Side Dishes
Since the Beef and Broccoli Ramen Noodles Recipe is a complete meal on its own, you might want to keep sides light and complementary. A simple cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or even a small bowl of miso soup creates a lovely balance without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or special occasions, serve this dish in individual bowls garnished with microgreens or thinly sliced red chili for a splash of color. You can also pair it with toasted nori strips or crumble some fried shallots on top for an extra textural surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Beef and Broccoli Ramen Noodles in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Store the noodles and sauce together to keep all the flavors melded, but keep in mind the noodles might absorb some sauce and become thicker.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Cool everything completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, it’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge for even reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir often to prevent sticking and keep noodles tender. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I substitute the flank steak with another cut of beef?
Absolutely! Sirloin or skirt steak also work well for this recipe. The key is to choose a cut that cooks quickly and remains tender when sliced thinly against the grain.
What if I don’t have hoisin sauce? Can I leave it out?
Hoisin adds a unique sweetness and depth, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with a mix of soy sauce and a little honey or brown sugar to maintain that balance.
Is it okay to use fresh ramen noodles instead of instant?
Definitely! Fresh ramen noodles will give a slightly different texture, often chewier and more springy, which many people love in this dish.
How spicy is this dish with the optional Sriracha?
The amount of Sriracha is totally adjustable. Start with a small amount if you prefer mild heat, and add more to taste, so you can control the spiciness perfectly for your palate.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap out the beef for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Keep the rest of the ingredients the same to maintain that flavor-packed experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting and satisfying about this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Noodles Recipe. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something to impress friends without the fuss, this recipe delivers big on flavor and heartwarming appeal. Give it a try and watch it fast become a cherished favorite in your culinary lineup.
Print
Beef and Broccoli Ramen Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Noodles recipe features tender marinated flank steak sautéed with crisp broccoli and flavorful garlic-ginger sauce, served over perfectly cooked ramen noodles. The dish is a delicious fusion of savory, slightly sweet, and tangy flavors with a hint of sesame and optional spiciness, making it a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak or skirt steak
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
Sauce
- 6 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 6 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (reserve some for cooking step)
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 3/4 cup low sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Optional: 1/2-1 teaspoon Sriracha
Main Ingredients
- 3 packets ramen noodles only (discard seasoning packets)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons oil (divided)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a large ziplock bag or a bowl with a lid, combine flank steak, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together low sodium soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, beef broth, cornstarch, and optional Sriracha. Set aside for later use.
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare the ramen noodles according to package instructions, typically boiling until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add broccoli florets and sauté until tender but still crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Remove broccoli from pan and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan and increase heat to medium-high. When hot, add the marinated steak and sauté each side until your desired doneness, recommended medium rare for optimal tenderness. Remove from heat, thinly slice, and place back into the pan.
- Combine and Simmer: Return broccoli to the pan with beef. Pour in the prepared sauce along with the remaining minced garlic. Stir well and simmer for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
- Toss Noodles and Serve: Add the cooked ramen noodles into the pan and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly with the sauce and ingredients. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped chives. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, marinate the steak overnight to maximize flavor and tenderness.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of Sriracha to taste.
- Use low sodium soy sauce and beef broth to control salt levels.
- Adjust broccoli quantity based on preference or substitute with other vegetables like snap peas or bok choy.
- The dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and ramen noodles.
