Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry

I can vividly remember the tender aromas wafting through my childhood home on a chilly evening, as my mother would stir up something magical in her well-loved cast iron skillet. Those evenings, filled with laughter and the comforting hum of family chatter, are what inspired my Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry. It’s a dish that encapsulates the nostalgia of home-cooked meals, with each bite offering a hug in the form of flavor.

This recipe is special because it brings together the savory richness of beef with the crisp freshness of broccoli, all nestled in the warm embrace of ramen noodles. It’s a hearty dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for bringing the family together around the dinner table. The magic lies in its simplicity, making it a go-to meal for both bustling weeknights and leisurely weekends. Plus, the joy of creating something so delightful from a handful of humble ingredients is truly unmatched. As you stir the sauce, watch it thicken and transform, you’ll feel a part of a culinary tradition passed down through generations.

And the best part? It’s easy peasy, just like all the recipes that have found a home in Paisley Hart’s kitchen. So, let’s dive into why this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry is a dish you’ll want to make over and over again.

Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table

This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry is not just another meal; it’s a delightful culinary experience that deserves a place in your regular rotation. Here’s why it should be on your table:

1. Flavorful Fusion: The combination of savory beef and vibrant broccoli tossed in a tangy, sweet sauce creates a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and comforting. The sauce, with its perfect blend of soy, hoisin, and honey, offers a balance of umami, sweetness, and a hint of spice from the cracked red pepper flakes.
2. Quick and Convenient: With a total cook time of just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste or quality. The preparation is straightforward, allowing you to focus on enjoying the process rather than getting bogged down by complicated steps.
3. Family Favorite: The familiar taste of ramen nods to childhood favorites, making it a meal that even picky eaters will love. Ramen noodles are universally loved for their chewy texture, and they soak up the sauce beautifully, making each bite deliciously savory.
4. Versatile and Adaptable: Whether you’re catering to a crowd or cooking for two, this recipe scales beautifully and allows for modifications like adding additional veggies or proteins. Consider throwing in some bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and nutrients, or swap the beef for chicken or tofu for a different take.
5. Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein from the beef and vitamins from the broccoli, this dish is as nourishing as it is delicious. It’s a balanced meal that provides energy and sustenance, perfect for fueling your day or recovering after a long one.

Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

To whip up this delightful dish, you won’t need much—just a few trusty kitchen tools, much like the ones my grandma used when teaching me the joy of homemade snacks:

• Medium Bowl: For mixing the sauce ingredients until smooth and lump-free. Using a clear bowl can help you see if any cornstarch remains unincorporated.
• Whisk: Essential for blending the sauce ingredients seamlessly. A small whisk ensures the cornstarch dissolves properly, preventing any clumps in your sauce.
• Medium Pot: To cook the ramen noodles to perfection. A pot with a strainer lid can make draining the noodles quick and mess-free.
• Large Nonstick Skillet: Perfect for browning the beef and steaming the broccoli. Nonstick ensures easy cleanup and prevents the sauce from sticking and burning.
• Tongs: Useful for tossing everything together in the skillet to ensure even coating. They give you control over mixing without breaking the noodles.

How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/3 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon cracked red pepper flakes

For the Stir Fry

• 2 (3 ounce) packages ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 pound sirloin steak, trimmed of fat and sliced into 1 1/2-inch strips (about 1/4-inch thickness)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup water
• Sesame seeds, garnish

Instructions

1. Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and cornstarch until combined and no lumps remain. Add in the beef broth, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, cracked red pepper; whisk to incorporate everything. Set aside.
2. Cook the noodles: Bring a medium pot of water to boil; cook ramen until just tender, 2-3 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop them from cooking longer. Drizzle with the 1 teaspoon sesame oil to prevent sticking.
3. Brown the beef: In a large nonstick skillet warm 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is glistening hot, season steak with the salt and pepper and add to the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes, without moving, to allow them to brown well on one side. Then stir and continue to cook for 2 more minutes, until cooked through. Remove the steak from skillet and drain off any accumulated grease.
4. Steam the broccoli: Add the other tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, along with the broccoli. Add 1/2 cup of water to the skillet and cover. Steam broccoli for 2 minutes. (Broccoli should be bright green and fork-tender, but not mushy.)
5. Combine and finish: Transfer the steak back to the skillet, along with cooked noodles. Give the sauce a stir and pour into the skillet; using tongs, mix together the ingredients as the sauce cooks. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is coated and warmed through.
6. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds.

Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: Asian • Preparation Time: 10 minutes • Cooking Time: 15 minutes • Total Time: 25 minutes • Calories: 450 • Servings: 4

Note: Feel free to adjust the level of cracked red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.

Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients

This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry not only promises delightful flavors but also comes with some surprising benefits:

• Beef: A great source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc, which support energy levels and immune function. Choosing lean cuts like sirloin helps keep the dish heart-healthy while providing robust flavor.
• Broccoli: Rich in vitamins C and K, folate, and fiber, offering a powerful antioxidant boost and supporting digestive health. Its natural crunch adds texture contrast to the tender noodles.
• Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to aid digestion, adding a zesty warmth to the dish. Its spicy, aromatic notes complement the savory elements of the stir fry.
• Garlic: A natural immune booster with antibacterial properties that also enhances flavor depth. It acts as a flavor base, infusing the dish with a savory aroma as it cooks.

Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish

This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry is versatile and pairs beautifully with various beverages and sides, making it perfect for any occasion:

• Jasmine Rice: Complements the savory flavors and adds a fragrant touch to the meal. Its slightly sticky texture makes it ideal for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Green Tea: A soothing drink that balances the dish’s rich flavors with its subtle, earthy notes. Its light, refreshing quality makes it a perfect palate cleanser.
• Egg Rolls: Add a crispy, flavorful side that works well with the savory stir fry. The crunchy exterior and savory filling provide a delightful contrast to the tender noodles.
• Cucumber Salad: Offers a refreshing crunch and lightness to round out the meal. Sliced cucumbers tossed in a light vinaigrette can add a cooling element to the meal.

Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way

Leftovers of this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry can be just as delightful as the first bite. Here’s how to store and enjoy them:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Use containers with tight-fitting lids to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to loosen the sauce. This helps refresh the flavors and ensures the noodles remain moist.
• Creative Twist: Use leftovers as a filling for lettuce wraps for a light and refreshing lunch the next day. The crisp, cool lettuce contrasts beautifully with the warm, savory filling.

As you embrace the simplicity and warmth of homemade meals like this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry, may each bite transport you back to cherished moments of comfort and togetherness. Here’s to creating new memories around your table, where the heart of the home truly beats.

Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry

A quick and delicious stir fry combining tender beef, fresh broccoli, and ramen noodles in a savory sauce.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/3 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon cracked red pepper flakes

For the Stir Fry

• 2 (3 ounce) packages ramen noodles seasoning packets discarded
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
• 1 pound sirloin steak trimmed of fat and sliced into 1 1/2-inch strips (about 1/4-inch thickness)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup water
• Sesame seeds garnish

Equipment

• Nonstick Skillet
• Medium Pot

Method

 

1. Make the sauce: in a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and cornstarch until combined and no lumps remain. Add in the beef broth, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, cracked red pepper; whisk to incorporate everything. Set aside.
2. Bring a medium pot of water to boil; cook ramen until just tender, 2-3 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop them from cooking longer. Drizzle with the 1 teaspoon sesame oil to prevent sticking.
3. In a large nonstick skillet warm 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is glistening hot, season steak with the salt and pepper and add to the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes, without moving, to allow them to brown well on one side. Then stir and continue to cook for 2 more minutes, until cooked through. Remove the steak from skillet and drain off any accumulated grease.
4. Add the other tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, along with the broccoli. Add 1/2 cup of water to the skillet and cover. Steam broccoli for 2 minutes. (Broccoli should be bright green and fork tender, but not mushy.)
5. Transfer the steak back to the skillet, along with cooked noodles.
6. Give the sauce a stir and pour into the skillet; using tongs, mix together the ingredients as the sauce cooks. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is coated and warmed through.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds.

Notes

This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. You can substitute the beef with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.