If you’re craving a dinner that feels both comforting and exciting, this Simple Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender slices of beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked ramen noodles all tossed in a savory sauce, it’s a vibrant dish that comes together quickly and satisfies like no other. Whether you want a weeknight meal that feels special or just love noodles with a hearty twist, this stir fry delivers all the deliciousness with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part of this Simple Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe is how the ingredients are simple yet essential to creating a well-balanced flavor and texture profile. Each one plays its role—from the juicy beef adding richness, to the fresh broccoli’s crunch and color, and the garlic-ginger duo bringing that irresistible aroma.
- Beef (flank steak or sirloin), 1 pound: Thinly sliced against the grain for tenderness and quick cooking.
- Broccoli florets, 2 cups: Fresh and vibrant for a crisp bite and lovely green color.
- Ramen noodles, 2 packs (without seasoning): Cooked just right to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Garlic, 4 cloves minced: Adds a punch of aromatic flavor that wakes up every bite.
- Ginger, 1 tablespoon minced: Provides a subtle zing that complements the beef and veggies.
- Soy sauce, 1/4 cup: The salty, umami backbone of the stir fry sauce.
- Sesame oil, 2 tablespoons: Adds a nutty richness and depth to the overall flavor.
- Brown sugar, 1 tablespoon: Balances the savory notes with a hint of sweetness.
- Green onions, 2 stalks sliced: For garnish that adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons: Perfect for stir-frying all the ingredients without overpowering flavors.
How to Make Simple Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by slicing the beef thinly against the grain—that’s the secret to keeping every bite tender and juicy. Wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets so they cook evenly. Mince your garlic and ginger to release their fragrant oils during cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok until shimmering. Lay the beef slices in a single layer and let them sear untouched for about 2 minutes, developing a nice caramelized crust. Then stir and cook for another couple of minutes until just cooked through, before removing the beef to a plate. This step locks in flavor while keeping the beef tender.
Step 3: Stir-Fry Aromatics and Broccoli
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring continuously for about 30 seconds so they don’t burn but become wonderfully fragrant. Then add the broccoli, stir-frying for 3 to 4 minutes until it’s a lively green and just barely tender, maintaining that satisfying snap.
Step 4: Cook the Ramen Noodles
While your skillet magic is happening, boil the ramen noodles separately according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain them well to avoid sogginess. These noodles are the perfect canvas to soak up all that flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the beef to the skillet with the broccoli. Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar, stirring gently to marry all the flavors into a glossy, irresistible sauce. Finally, fold in the drained ramen noodles, tossing carefully so every strand is coated without breaking up.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Taste your stir fry and adjust seasoning if needed — a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of sugar can make a difference here. Top off with sliced green onions for that fresh, bright finish before serving it hot straight from the wok.
How to Serve Simple Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sliced green onions on top brings a fresh crunch and vibrant green color that truly elevates this dish. For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil for a subtle heat and nuttiness.
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad to keep things refreshing. Pickled vegetables can also add a tangy contrast that balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Simple Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe in individual bowls topped with a sunny-side-up egg for extra protein and creaminess. Or try wrapping the stir fry in lettuce leaves for a low-carb finger food option that’s as tasty as it is fun to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, pop them into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a great option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
Because of the fresh broccoli and noodles, freezing this stir fry isn’t recommended—it can affect the texture once thawed. Instead, focus on enjoying it fresh or refrigerating for short-term storage.
Reheating
When reheating, do it gently to preserve the texture of the beef and broccoli. Use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to revive the sauce and keep the noodles moist without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ramen noodles are perfect here, you can substitute with soba, udon, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just adjust cook times accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Simple Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe?
Yes! Swap the beef for tofu or your favorite plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth or mushroom-based soy sauce to keep that rich umami flavor.
How do I make the beef more tender?
Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking. Marinating it briefly in a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil before cooking can also help boost tenderness and flavor.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure your ramen noodles are gluten-free to enjoy this dish safely without sacrificing taste.
What can I add to make this recipe spicier?
Try adding chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh sliced chilies when you toss the stir fry together. A drizzle of chili oil right before serving also brings a nice kick.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something satisfying yet easy to whip up. It brings together a perfect balance of flavors and textures that everyone will crave. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Simple Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Simple Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry is a delicious and easy-to-make dish combining tender slices of beef, fresh broccoli florets, and quick-cooking ramen noodles. Infused with savory soy sauce, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, this stir fry packs flavor in every bite. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it comes together quickly in a skillet for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced for garnish
Seasonings and Oils
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
Noodles
- 2 packs ramen noodles (without seasoning packets)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Begin by slicing the beef thinly against the grain into bite-sized pieces to ensure tenderness and quick cooking.
- Prep the broccoli: Wash the broccoli florets under cold water and chop them into manageable, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Heat the skillet: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering, ready for stir-frying.
- Sear the beef: Add the sliced beef to the skillet in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for about 2 minutes, then stir and cook the other side for another 2 minutes until browned but still tender.
- Remove the beef: Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot skillet, stirring continuously for about 30 seconds until fragrant and aromatic.
- Cook the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Cook ramen noodles: While the broccoli cooks, boil the ramen noodles in a separate pot according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Combine beef and sauce: Return the beef to the skillet with the broccoli, then pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and sprinkle the brown sugar. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Add noodles: Toss the cooked ramen noodles into the skillet and gently mix with the beef and broccoli, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and heated through.
- Adjust seasoning and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then garnish the stir fry with sliced green onions for added freshness and color.
- Serve: Serve the Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry hot and enjoy a flavorful, quick, and nourishing meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
- To add more heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle chili oil when adding the sauce.
- Flank steak is preferred for its tenderness, but sirloin works well too.
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli to keep its vibrant color and crunch.
- If you want a vegetarian alternative, substitute beef with firm tofu or mushrooms and adjust cooking time accordingly.
