If you love the savory punch of beef and the satisfying crunch of fresh veggies in your noodles, you are going to adore this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Recipe. It brilliantly combines tender slices of steak with bright green broccoli florets tossed in a rich, glossy sauce that clings to every strand of perfectly cooked ramen. This dish is nothing short of a weeknight miracle—quick to prepare, full of flavor, and utterly comforting, making it a new favorite to add to your dinner lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the chewy ramen noodles to the vibrant broccoli, and the savory sauce designed to tie the whole dish together seamlessly.
- Ramen noodles: The chewy base that soaks up all the flavors perfectly; discard the seasoning packets for a cleaner sauce taste.
- Flank steak or sirloin: Thinly sliced against the grain for tender, flavorful beef that cooks quickly.
- Broccoli florets: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color, balancing the richness of the beef.
- Vegetable oil: Used for sautéing to give the ingredients a nice sear without overpowering flavors.
- Garlic and fresh ginger: Small amounts but essential for an aromatic, slightly spicy kick.
- Soy sauce: Forms the savory backbone of the sauce, offering saltiness and depth.
- Beef broth: Adds richness and amplifies the beefy flavor in the dish.
- Brown sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the salty and savory elements.
- Hoisin sauce: Contributes a complex sweetness and slight tang that’s utterly addictive.
- Sesame oil: Just a splash adds a toasty nutty aroma that makes the sauce sing.
- Cornstarch slurry: The magic thickener that transforms the sauce into a luscious coating for the noodles and veggies.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Ramen Recipe
Step 1: Cook the noodles
Start by boiling the ramen noodles according to the package directions, but skip the seasoning packets to keep the flavors fresh and customizable. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside to be added back in later.
Step 2: Cook the broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok. Add your broccoli florets and sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they’re crisp yet tender — this keeps them bright green and full of texture. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the beef
Use the remaining tablespoon of oil to sear the thin slices of flank steak or sirloin. It’s best to work in batches so the beef cooks evenly, browning nicely on each side in about 1 to 2 minutes. If the pan accumulates too much liquid, drain it to keep the beef from stewing.
Step 4: Add aromatics
Now stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Cook for just 30 seconds until you can smell that fragrant aroma filling your kitchen—this step awakens the dish and deepens the flavor profile.
Step 5: Add the sauce
Whisk together your soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl, then pour it into the pan. Bring everything to a simmer and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Watch as the sauce thickens beautifully in 1 to 2 minutes, becoming glossy and irresistible.
Step 6: Combine everything
Return the cooked broccoli and noodles to the pan, tossing all the ingredients together so every bite is coated with that rich, flavorful sauce. Heat through just a moment more to marry the flavors perfectly.
Step 7: Serve
To finish, garnish your Beef and Broccoli Ramen Recipe with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions for a little extra crunch and color. Now it’s ready to enjoy straight from the pan.
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Ramen Recipe
Garnishes
The simplest garnishes elevate this dish beautifully. Try toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nuttiness or sliced green onions for a fresh, slightly sharp contrast. For a little zing, a few red pepper flakes work wonders, too.
Side Dishes
This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Recipe is a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with crisp cucumber salad or a light Asian-inspired slaw adds a refreshing crunch. If you want more vegetative balance, steamed edamame or pickled vegetables make perfect companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your bowl into a feast for the eyes by arranging the broccoli and beef slices artfully on top of the noodles rather than mixing everything together. Drizzle with extra sesame oil just before serving for a gourmet touch and an enticing aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Beef and Broccoli Ramen Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a delicious next-day lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
While the broccoli’s texture may soften upon freezing, you can freeze the beef and sauce mixture separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before recombining with freshly cooked noodles and broccoli.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of water or broth if it looks dry. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the best texture for your noodles and beef.
FAQs
Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ramen noodles are ideal, you can substitute with udon, soba, or even thin spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. The key is to cook them just right so they soak up the sauce without getting mushy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the beef for tofu or mushrooms, and substitute beef broth with vegetable broth. The sauce remains deliciously the same, giving you a satisfying meat-free alternative.
How can I make the beef more tender?
Freezing the beef for about 20 minutes before slicing helps with super thin cuts that cook quickly and stay tender. Also, make sure to slice against the grain to avoid toughness.
Can I add more vegetables to this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so everything stays crisp and vibrant.
What can I do if I want it spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce or top your finished dish with sriracha or chili oil. The heat addition creates a perfect balance with the savory-sweet flavors of the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser that brings together simple ingredients with bold, irresistible flavors. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or treating friends, it’s a comforting bowl of goodness guaranteed to delight. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to ramen recipe that turns every meal into a special occasion.
Print
Beef and Broccoli Ramen Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Description
This Beef and Broccoli Ramen recipe combines tender, thinly sliced beef with crisp-tender broccoli and flavorful ramen noodles in a savory soy-based sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying stir-fry perfect for a weeknight dinner, featuring a harmonious blend of garlic, ginger, and hoisin sauce for an authentic Asian-inspired taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
Sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
Instructions
- Cook noodles: Boil ramen noodles according to package directions without the seasoning packets. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until crisp-tender. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set aside.
- Cook beef: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Spread the thinly sliced beef in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary) and sear each side for 1 to 2 minutes until browned. If excess liquid accumulates, remove it from the pan to ensure proper browning.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger into the pan with the beef. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Pour this sauce mixture into the pan and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry made from cornstarch and water, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Return the sautéed broccoli and cooked ramen noodles to the pan with the beef and sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly until the noodles and broccoli are coated with the sauce and heated through.
- Serve: Plate the beef and broccoli ramen and garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions, if desired, for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Freeze the beef for 20 minutes before slicing to achieve thinner, more uniform slices.
- Add red pepper flakes during cooking for a spicy kick.
- Substitute ground beef for steak as a more affordable alternative.
- Drizzle extra sesame oil over the finished dish for bolder flavor.
