Savory Beef Broccoli Ramen Stir-Fry: Quick Weeknight Dinner

Craving the comforting flavors of Chinese takeout but want a healthier, homemade alternative that won’t break the bank? Look no further than this delectable Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry recipe. Perfect for those evenings when you’re torn between ordering in and cooking, this dish strikes the ideal balance of convenience and freshness. Transforming basic pantry staples into a mouthwatering meal that tastes like legitimate takeout, this recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights.

The secret to this dish lies in the succulent sirloin steak, tender broccoli florets, and chewy ramen noodles that soak up the homemade sauce beautifully. With a mix of salty, sweet, tangy, and umami flavors, this stir fry is a symphony for your taste buds. The addition of sesame oil elevates the dish with its distinctive nutty aroma, creating an authentic Asian flavor profile that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry is sure to impress with its simplicity and delicious results.

Quick Benefits

• Ideal balance of tenderness and flavor with affordable sirloin steak
• Broccoli florets for texture and vibrant color
• Ramen noodles absorb sauce without sodium overload
• Homemade sauce with depth and umami notes

Why You’ll Love This Savory Beef Broccoli Ramen Stir-Fry: Quick Weeknight Dinner Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in the same amount of time it would take for delivery to arrive, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal in a hurry.
• Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters like teenagers will enjoy this dish. The flavorful sauce, tender steak, and perfectly cooked broccoli make it a hit with the whole family.
• Budget-Friendly: Using sirloin steak provides great flavor without breaking the bank, making this a cost-effective alternative to ordering takeout.
• Healthier than Takeout: This homemade stir fry is fresher, less greasy, and allows you to control the ingredients, making it a healthier option than restaurant versions.
• Versatile: You can easily switch up the protein in this recipe by using chicken, tofu, shrimp, or even just extra veggies, making it adaptable to different dietary preferences.
• Visually Appealing: The vibrant green broccoli florets and sesame seeds make this dish visually appealing, perfect for serving to guests or for a special weeknight dinner.
• Flavorful Homemade Sauce: The homemade sauce combines pantry staples to create a flavorful blend of salty, sweet, tangy, and umami notes, elevating the dish to restaurant-quality levels.
• Meal Prep Friendly: You can save time by preparing components ahead of time, making this recipe a great option for meal prep or busy evenings when you need a quick dinner solution.
• Leftover Transformation: Leftovers can be repurposed into a delicious Asian noodle salad with added cucumber and cilantro, providing a fresh take on the dish for the next day’s lunch or dinner.
• Comforting and Satisfying: This stir fry hits the perfect balance between familiar flavors and weeknight practicality, making it a comforting and satisfying meal option that doesn’t require a lot of effort.

Ingredients for Savory Beef Broccoli Ramen Stir-Fry: Quick Weeknight Dinner

For the Sauce

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ⅓ cup beef broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

For the Stir Fry

• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• ½ cup water (for steaming broccoli)
• 1 pound sirloin steak, trimmed and sliced into 1½-inch strips (about ¼-inch thick)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for noodles)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 packages (3 ounces each) ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

How to Make Savory Beef Broccoli Ramen Stir-Fry: Quick Weeknight Dinner

Step 1: Prepare the stir-fry sauce

In a medium bowl, mix together soy sauce and cornstarch until smooth. Add beef broth, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the ramen noodles

1. Boil a medium pot of water. Add ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets) and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain, rinse with cold water, toss with 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the beef

In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season sliced steak with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes to sear, then stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes until beef is cooked through. Transfer beef to a plate and drain excess grease from the skillet.

Step 4: Cook the broccoli

In the skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, broccoli florets, and ½ cup water. Cover with a lid and steam for 2 minutes until broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. It should be fork-tender with a slight crunch.

Step 5: Combine all ingredients

Add the cooked beef, broccoli, and ramen noodles to the skillet. Stir the prepared sauce and pour it into the skillet. Toss gently with tongs until heated through and coated evenly with the sauce, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Plate the hot stir fry and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.

Storage Tips

Once the Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry is prepared, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture and flavor when reheating, it’s recommended to store the noodles, sauce, and protein separately if possible. When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the stir fry in a hot skillet on the stovetop rather than using the microwave to help restore some of the textural contrast and prevent the noodles from becoming mushy.

For longer storage, the Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry can also be frozen. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bags. Properly stored, it can be kept in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the stir fry overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it in a skillet on the stovetop until heated through. Adding a little extra sauce or a splash of water during reheating can help refresh the flavors and prevent the dish from drying out.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version of this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry, you can easily swap out the sirloin steak for cubed tofu. Press the tofu well to remove excess moisture, then brown it in the pan before following the rest of the recipe as directed. Tofu will absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully and provide a protein-rich alternative to the beef.

If you prefer a different protein option, chicken thighs or shrimp can be excellent substitutes for the sirloin steak. Thinly sliced chicken thighs cook quickly and pair well with the sauce, while shrimp should be cooked just until pink to avoid a rubbery texture. Both options provide delicious variations to the recipe while maintaining the overall flavors and balance of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving idea, try setting up a DIY Ramen Bowl Bar for a casual gathering or family dinner night. Prepare the beef and broccoli stir fry as the main dish, and then set out bowls of toppings like sliced green onions, bean sprouts, cilantro, crushed peanuts, and chili garlic sauce. Let everyone customize their own ramen bowl with their favorite toppings for a personalized dining experience.

Another creative serving suggestion is to transform leftovers into a delicious and refreshing Beef and Broccoli Ramen Salad. Simply chill the leftover stir fry, toss it with some cooked and cooled ramen noodles, and add in some extra crunchy vegetables like shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and edamame. Drizzle with a little extra sesame oil and rice vinegar for a light and flavorful salad that’s perfect for lunch or a picnic.

FAQs for Savory Beef Broccoli Ramen Stir-Fry: Quick Weeknight Dinner

Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute the sirloin steak with chicken thighs, tofu, shrimp, or any other protein of your choice. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can make this dish vegetarian by omitting the meat and using tofu as a protein substitute. Make sure to press the tofu well, cube it, and brown it before following the remaining recipe steps.

Can I make any ingredient substitutions?

Feel free to customize this recipe based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can swap out the broccoli for snow peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby bok choy. Additionally, you can adjust the seasonings in the sauce to suit your taste.

How can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can save time by preparing components in advance. Make the sauce and slice the meat the night before, storing them separately in the refrigerator. This way, when you’re ready to cook, you can simply stir fry everything together for a quick meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry recipe is a true winner for busy weeknights when you crave the flavors of takeout without the wait or the guilt. Its simple yet delicious combination of ingredients transforms basic pantry staples into a dish that will have your family and guests coming back for seconds. The balance of tender sirloin steak, fresh broccoli, and savory homemade sauce over chewy ramen noodles creates a meal that is both comforting and satisfying.

Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment with different protein options or vegetable substitutions to make this recipe your own. With a few simple preparation strategies and cooking tips, you can easily master this stir fry and enjoy a flavorful meal any day of the week. So, next time you’re in the mood for a quick and tasty dinner, give this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Savory Beef Broccoli Ramen Stir-Fry: Quick Weeknight Dinner

“Transform pantry staples into a fresher, healthier, and quicker-than-delivery Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry that tastes like legit takeout – your family will be asking for seconds!”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time15 Minutes

Total Time30 Minutes

CuisineAsian Fusion

Skill LevelEasy

Servings5 Servings

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ⅓ cup beef broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

For the Stir Fry

• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• ½ cup water (for steaming broccoli)
• 1 pound sirloin steak, trimmed and sliced into 1½-inch strips (about ¼-inch thick)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for noodles)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 packages (3 ounces each) ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the stir-fry sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together soy sauce and cornstarch until smooth. Add beef broth, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until combined. Set aside.
2. Cook the ramen noodles: 1. Boil a medium pot of water. Add ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets) and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain, rinse with cold water, toss with 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and set aside.
3. Cook the beef: In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season sliced steak with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes to sear, then stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes until beef is cooked through. Transfer beef to a plate and drain excess grease from the skillet.
4. Cook the broccoli: In the skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, broccoli florets, and ½ cup water. Cover with a lid and steam for 2 minutes until broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. It should be fork-tender with a slight crunch.
5. Combine all ingredients: Add the cooked beef, broccoli, and ramen noodles to the skillet. Stir the prepared sauce and pour it into the skillet. Toss gently with tongs until heated through and coated evenly with the sauce, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve: Plate the hot stir fry and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.