If you’re craving a dish that brings together tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and the cozy comfort of noodles, you’re in for a treat with this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Noodles Recipe. It’s a delicious fusion that elevates traditional flavors with the ease and soulfulness of ramen, making weeknight dinners feel special without the fuss. The perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a hint of spice transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal that I can’t wait for you to try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Noodles Recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in delivering bold flavors and delightful textures. From the marinated steak tenderizing overnight to the crisp broccoli adding freshness, every element comes together with purpose and simplicity.
- 1 pound flank steak or skirt steak: Choose a cut that cooks quickly and stays tender for the star protein of the dish.
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce: Adds deep umami flavor without overwhelming saltiness; helps marinade and sauce alike.
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar: Brings brightness and balance to the marinade and sauce with a subtle tang.
- 3 packets ramen noodles (discard seasoning packet): Provides that comforting, chewy texture that carries all the flavors perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons oil (divided): For sautéing — a neutral oil works best to get a nice sear on the beef and cook the broccoli.
- 3 cups broccoli: Adds a pop of vibrant green color and a satisfying crunch, making the dish feel fresh and healthy.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the savory elements with gentle sweetness for a perfectly rounded sauce.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced: Delivers a subtle zing that elevates the overall flavor.
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil: Offers a fragrant, nutty finish that’s signature to Asian-inspired dishes.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, giving it a silky, clingy texture that coats the noodles beautifully.
- 3/4 cup low sodium beef broth: Adds richness and depth, enhancing the beef flavor without overpowering.
- 6 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce: Further umami boost for the sauce that ties everything together.
- 6 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Introduces a sweet-savory complexity with just a hint of tang.
- Optional 1/2-1 teaspoon Sriracha: A little heat for those who want a spirited kick.
- Sesame seeds: For toasting on top and adding a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
- Chives: Fresh garnish to brighten and add a subtle oniony bite.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Ramen Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by mixing the steak with one tablespoon of soy sauce and one tablespoon of rice wine vinegar. Seal it in a large zipper bag or bowl covered with a lid and let it hang out in the fridge for at least an hour, or better yet, overnight. The marinade works wonders, tenderizing the beef and infusing it with tangy umami goodness that’s hard to resist.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the beef is marinating, combine the remaining sauce ingredients — soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, beef broth, and cornstarch — in a medium bowl. Whisk them together until smooth and set aside. This sauce will be the secret magic that elevates the whole dish with its rich, glossy finish.
Step 3: Cook the Ramen Noodles
Follow the package instructions to cook the ramen noodles, but toss that seasoning packet — you won’t need it. Once cooked, drain and set the noodles aside so they’re ready to soak up all those amazing flavors later.
Step 4: Sauté the Broccoli
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the broccoli. Cook until it’s tender but still has a bit of crispness—this slight crunch adds nice texture contrast to the silky noodles and tender beef. Once done, remove it from the pan and set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Beef
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan and heat it up. Now it’s time to sear your marinated steak. Sauté each side until it reaches your preferred level of doneness — medium rare keeps it juicy and flavorful. Remove from heat, slice thinly across the grain, and return the beef slices to the pan.
Step 6: Combine and Simmer
Throw the broccoli back into the pan with the beef. Pour in the prepared sauce and add the minced garlic. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer for a minute or two until the sauce thickens nicely, coating every bite with luscious flavor.
Step 7: Toss in the Noodles
Finally, add the cooked ramen noodles to the pan. Toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the glossy sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and some fresh chives, then dive in while it’s hot and satisfying.
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Ramen Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch that enhances every mouthful. Fresh chives bring a mild onion note and a splash of green that makes the bowl feel vibrant and inviting. For an extra pop of heat, drizzle just a bit of Sriracha on top — it wakes up all the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Beef and Broccoli Ramen Noodles Recipe with light sides like steamed edamame or a crisp cucumber salad brings additional freshness and texture to the meal. A bowl of miso soup or pickled vegetables also complements the richness of the dish and keeps the overall plate balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve this dish in individual ramen bowls topped with a soft boiled egg or a sprinkling of crushed peanuts for added depth. You can also serve it family-style in a large, shallow dish to encourage sharing and conversation around the table — it’s a cozy meal made for bonding.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Noodles Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve the noodles’ texture, consider storing the cooked noodles separately from the beef and sauce if you plan to eat leftovers later.
Freezing
While you can freeze the beef and broccoli mixture, the noodles may become mushy upon thawing. For best results, freeze the components separately and reheat the beef and broccoli sauce first, then add freshly cooked noodles when ready to serve.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water to remind the noodles and sauce to stay moist. Avoid microwave reheating for long periods to keep the beef tender and noodles from becoming gummy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Flank or skirt steak works best because they cook quickly and stay tender, but you can substitute sirloin or even ribeye if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times to avoid overcooking.
What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
If hoisin sauce is not available, you can use a combination of soy sauce and a small amount of honey or molasses to mimic its sweet-savory flavor. It won’t be exactly the same but still delicious!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the beef for firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add mushrooms or extra broccoli for more umami and texture.
Is it necessary to marinate the beef overnight?
Marinating overnight is ideal for maximum flavor and tenderness, but if you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will improve the taste. Just try to give it some rest to soak up those delicious marinade notes.
Can I prepare this dish without the ramen noodles?
Yes! While ramen noodles give the dish its signature charm, you can substitute with udon, soba, or even whole wheat spaghetti in a pinch. Just cook according to their package instructions.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of Beef and Broccoli Ramen Noodles Recipe that’s both hearty and comforting yet fresh and vibrant. This recipe brings a simple but powerful mix of flavors together in a way that feels special, even on the busiest nights. I wholeheartedly encourage you to make it soon—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner that everyone will rave about.
Print
Beef and Broccoli Ramen Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A flavorful and quick Beef and Broccoli Ramen Noodles recipe featuring marinated skirt or flank steak, tender broccoli, and a savory homemade sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish combines the umami richness of soy and hoisin sauce with the comfort of ramen noodles.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak or skirt steak
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
Sauce
- 6 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 6 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3/4 cup low sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (used separately in cooking)
- Optional: 1/2-1 teaspoon Sriracha
Other Ingredients
- 3 packets ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons oil (divided)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a large Ziploc bag or bowl with a lid, combine the flank or skirt steak with 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce and 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar. Seal and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together 6 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar, 6 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, minced ginger, minced garlic (reserve some for later), beef broth, cornstarch, and optional Sriracha until well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the Ramen Noodles: Prepare the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, omitting the seasoning packets. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add broccoli florets and sauté until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Remove broccoli from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the pan and increase heat to medium-high. Add the marinated beef and sear until desired doneness, about 2-3 minutes per side for medium rare. Remove from heat and thinly slice the beef, then return the slices to the pan.
- Combine Ingredients and Simmer: Add the sautéed broccoli back into the pan with the beef. Pour in the prepared sauce and add the reserved minced garlic. Stir everything together and simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
- Toss in Noodles and Serve: Add the cooked ramen noodles to the pan and toss to fully coat with the sauce and ingredients. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped chives. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the beef overnight if possible.
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha to suit your preferred spice level or omit it entirely.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch by 1 teaspoon.
- Use low sodium soy sauce and beef broth to control the salt content.
