Nothing beats the sizzle and aroma of a good stir fry, especially when you combine tender beef, crunchy broccoli, and slurp-worthy noodles. This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe hits all the right notes with its rich, savory sauce and quick cook time—perfect for a satisfying dinner that feels special but comes together fast.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe more times than I can count, and honestly, it never gets old. What’s so special? The sauce brings a depth of flavor you don’t get with your average stir fry, and the ramen noodles give it that comfort-food vibe without the usual heaviness.
- Quick and Easy: You’ll have dinner ready in about 35 minutes, which is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed Sauce: Combining beef and chicken broths with hints of garlic, ginger, and a touch of peanut butter makes the sauce silky and rich.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can swap out the steak cuts, toss in extra veggies, or dial up the heat easily.
- Textural Delight: Crunchy broccoli and tender seared beef paired with springy ramen noodles make every bite satisfying.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient here plays a role in making this stir fry taste irresistible. From the umami-rich broths to the simple yet essential aromatics, the ingredients balance comfort and complexity. When you shop, look for high-quality beef and fresh broccoli – it really shines in the final dish.
- Beef broth: Adds deep, savory umami to the sauce, enhancing the beef’s flavor.
- Chicken broth: Lightens the broth mix and adds subtle sweetness for balance.
- Soy sauce (low sodium): Essential for that salty, savory backbone without overpowering the dish.
- Honey: Brings a touch of natural sweetness that brightens the sauce and balances salt.
- Peanut butter (smooth, optional): Adds richness and a creamy texture, plus a hint of nuttiness – I love it, but it’s still delicious without!
- Brown sugar: Boosts caramelized notes and helps thicken the sauce alongside cornstarch.
- Garlic (minced): Classic flavor kick that pairs perfectly with the beef and broccoli.
- Hot sauce: Enhances the overall flavor complexity without making it spicy unless you want it that way.
- Ground ginger: Adds warmth and a little zing, brightening the sauce’s profile.
- Sesame oil (toasted, optional): A tiny drizzle that gives a nutty aroma—totally worth it if you have some on hand.
- Cornstarch: The secret thickener that makes the sauce glossy and cling to every strand of noodle and floret of broccoli.
- Beef seasoning spices (garlic salt, celery salt, onion powder, salt, pepper, chili powder): A simple blend that boosts the meat’s flavor for a tender, savory bite.
- Strip steak (or flank, skirt, top sirloin): Thinly sliced to cook quickly and stay juicy.
- Peanut oil (or olive oil): High smoke point oils perfect for a fast, hot sear.
- Dry white wine: Helps deglaze the pan and add subtle acidity; can be swapped for more broth if needed.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh is best for that snap and vibrant green color, but frozen works in a pinch.
- Ramen noodles (about 6 oz or 2 pouches): Quick-cooking and fun to slurp, ramen brings that nostalgic twist to your stir fry.
- Garnishes: Green onions, chopped peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, chow mein noodles, and red pepper flakes add extra layers of flavor and crunch.
Make It Your Way
I love how adaptable this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe is. You can turn up or down the heat, swap veggies based on what’s fresh, or make it a bit lighter or heartier depending on your mood. Play around and find your favorite combo; it’s surprisingly forgiving!
- Variation: One time I tossed in baby spinach and bamboo shoots for a crunchy, green boost – it added an awesome fresh twist!
- Dietary Modification: Want it vegetarian? Replace beef with firm tofu and use vegetable broth, and you’re all set.
- Spice Level: I usually keep it mild, but you can add chili flakes or extra hot sauce for a fiery punch.
- Noodle Swap: Ramen is my go-to, but you can use soba or udon noodles too, just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce and Beef
I always start by whisking together the sauce ingredients—beef broth, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, peanut butter (if using), brown sugar, garlic, hot sauce, ginger, sesame oil, and cornstarch—in a large measuring cup. It’s important the sauce is cool so the cornstarch doesn’t clump early. I set it aside while getting the steak ready.
Then I take the strip steak, place it on a cutting board covered with saran wrap, and gently pound it thin with a meat tenderizer. Trust me, this step makes a huge difference in tenderness. After that, I slice the meat thinly against the grain to keep it juicy.
Finally, I pat the meat dry and toss it with the seasoning mix (garlic salt, celery salt, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder) so every bite is packed with flavor before it hits the pan.
Step 2: Sear the Beef and Deglaze
Heat your peanut or olive oil in a high-walled skillet over medium-high heat until almost smoking, then add the beef in batches. I cook each batch for about 3-4 minutes without overcrowding so the meat sears nicely instead of steaming. Once browned, I set the beef aside on a plate to rest.
With the pan still hot, I turn off the heat, pour in the white wine, and turn the heat back to medium. Using a silicone spatula, I scrape the bottom of the pan to lift all those glorious browned bits—this is where the magic flavor builds.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli and Thicken the Sauce
Next, I toss in the broccoli florets and gently boil them in the deglazed wine mixture for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally so they cook evenly but stay crisp-tender. If it looks dry, a splash of oil helps keep things moving and glossy.
Then, I pour in the prepared sauce, crank the heat to bring it to a rapid boil, and watch it quickly thicken to a luscious glaze that coats everything beautifully. Once thickened, I lower the heat to prevent scorching.
Step 4: Add Beef, Noodles, and Toss Everything Together
At this point, I add the rested beef back into the skillet along with any juices from the plate. I spoon some of the glossy sauce over the top, then toss in the freshly boiled ramen noodles (don’t forget to set a timer and undercook them slightly if you prefer a firmer texture!).
I give everything a good toss to make sure the sauce fully coats all the ingredients, then add any garnishes I’m feeling—green onions, chopped peanuts, or toasted sesame seeds are my favorites.
Sometimes, right before serving, I drizzle a little honey over the top for a subtle sweet finish that’s irresistible.
Top Tip
From my experience cooking this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe, a few tricks make all the difference. These tips will help ensure your dish comes out perfectly tender, flavorful, and with that irresistible saucy finish every time.
- Meat Prep Matters: Pounding the steak thin before slicing helps it cook quickly and stay tender—don't skip this step!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the beef in batches to avoid steaming; this builds that beautiful caramelized crust.
- Watch Your Sauce Thickness: Bring the sauce to a rapid boil to activate the cornstarch fully, but reduce heat immediately after to prevent it from breaking down.
- Timer on Noodles: Set a timer when boiling ramen and undercook slightly for perfect texture—you’ll finish cooking them in the skillet.
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a fresh, nutty finish. For extra crunch, I love sprinkling roughly chopped peanuts or crushed chow mein noodles. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is perfect.
Side Dishes
This stir fry stands tall on its own, but I often serve it with a side of steamed jasmine rice or simple miso soup for a cozy meal. A crisp cucumber salad or pickled veggies also cut through the richness nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like to serve this stir fry family-style in a large, shallow bowl so everyone can grab their favorite noodles and beef with chopsticks. Garnishing last minute with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil adds an elegant touch and a boost of brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days. The key is to keep the sauce separate from the noodles if possible, but if not, gently tossing it before reheating helps keep flavors bright and texture intact.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this stir fry a couple of times with decent results. It’s best to freeze the sauce and beef separately from cooked noodles to prevent sogginess. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding freshly cooked noodles if you want extra chewiness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water as needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for best texture, especially with the noodles. Toss gently to combine before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! While fresh broccoli lends the best texture and color, frozen broccoli works well too—just thaw and pat it dry before cooking to avoid sogginess.
Not at all! Peanut butter adds a creamy nuttiness but the recipe is delicious without it. I sometimes skip it when cooking for friends with allergies or prefer a lighter sauce.
I recommend strip steak, flank, skirt, or top sirloin since these cuts are flavorful and tender when sliced thin against the grain. Avoid tougher cuts unless you plan to marinate them well.
Absolutely! Swap the beef with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth in place of beef and chicken broths. Double-check soy sauce and hot sauce brands if you need fully vegan options.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation because it checks every box: quick, comforting, and bursting with flavor. I truly think you’ll enjoy making it as much as eating it—it’s like a warm hug from the kitchen. So grab your skillet, and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight meal!
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Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
A flavorful Beef and Broccoli Ramen recipe combining tender strip steak, fresh broccoli florets, and Ramen noodles in a savory, slightly sweet sauce with hints of garlic, peanut butter, and sesame oil. Quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Meat Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon chili powder
Stir Fry
- 1 ¼ lbs strip steak (or skirt, flank, or top sirloin)
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (can substitute olive oil)
- ½ cup dry white wine (Pinot Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc; can substitute chicken broth)
- 5 cups broccoli florets (fresh preferred, frozen thawed and patted dry can be used)
- 6 oz Ramen noodles (about 2 pouches)
Garnishes/Toppings (Optional)
- Green onions, roughly chopped
- Peanuts
- Chow mein noodles
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a large measuring cup with a spout, ensuring the liquids are not warm to prevent activating the cornstarch. Set aside in a cool place until ready to use.
- Tenderize and Slice Meat: Cover the strip steak with saran wrap and pound it thin using a meat tenderizer to enhance tenderness. Trim any large fat areas. Slice the meat into thin strips against the grain for better texture.
- Boil Water for Ramen: Bring a separate pot of water to a boil to cook the ramen noodles later. No need to add salt as seasoning packets provide sufficient saltiness.
- Season Meat: Pat the meat completely dry and evenly sprinkle with the meat seasoning mixture. Toss to coat all strips.
- Sear Meat: Heat peanut or olive oil over medium-high heat in a high-walled skillet. Sear the meat strips in batches for 3-4 minutes, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming. Remove and let the meat rest.
- Deglaze Pan: Turn off heat, add white wine to the pan, then return heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to scrape up browned bits from bottom and sides of skillet.
- Cook Broccoli: Add broccoli florets and bring the liquid to a gentle boil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, tossing occasionally and adding a splash of oil if needed to prevent sticking.
- Add Sauce and Thicken: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, increase heat to rapid boil until sauce thickens quickly. Once thickened, reduce heat to low.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked beef along with any accumulated juices to the skillet. Spoon sauce on top and stir gently to combine.
- Cook Ramen: Boil ramen noodles according to package instructions, slightly undercooking for firmer texture if preferred. Drain noodles thoroughly.
- Finish Dish: Add drained ramen noodles to skillet with beef and broccoli. Toss to coat noodles evenly in sauce. Top with desired garnishes such as green onions, peanuts, chow mein noodles, toasted sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes. Optionally drizzle honey before serving.
Notes
- Use any variety of ramen noodles and save seasoning packets for other recipes like Ramen Noodle Salad.
- Peanut butter adds flavor but can be skipped without compromising taste.
- Using both beef and chicken broth gives deeper flavor, but all beef broth works too.
- If avoiding alcohol, substitute white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth.
- Fresh broccoli is preferred but thawed and patted dry frozen broccoli can be used.
- Use low sodium soy sauce and broth to control salt content; adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Hot sauce is for flavor enhancement without spiciness; Frank’s Hot Sauce recommended.
- Optional vegetable additions include spinach, kale, celery, cauliflower, cabbage, baby corn, green beans, water chestnuts, bok choy, bamboo shoots.
- Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid overcooking noodles when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
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