Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry offers a unique twist on the traditional Chinese takeout favorite. The combination of ramen noodles and a flavorful beef broth-based sauce gives it a hearty and comforting texture. The quick cooking time makes it an ideal weeknight dinner option, while the balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors keeps it exciting. Plus, with tender sirloin steak and fresh broccoli, this meal is as nutritious as it is delicious.

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, for garnish

Directions

1. Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce and cornstarch until smooth. Add the beef broth, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until fully combined and set aside.

2. Cook the ramen: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Cook ramen for 2-3 minutes, until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking.

3. Cook the steak: In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the steak with salt and pepper and add it to the skillet. Cook for 3 minutes without stirring, allowing it to brown on one side. Stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the steak is cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and drain any excess grease.

4. Steam the broccoli: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the broccoli and 1/2 cup of water. Cover and steam the broccoli for 2 minutes, or until bright green and tender but still crisp.

5. Combine the ingredients: Return the steak to the skillet, along with the cooked ramen. Stir the sauce again and pour it over the steak, broccoli, and noodles. Use tongs to toss everything together, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is well-coated and heated through.

6. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 5

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the sirloin steak for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.

• Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for an extra spicy flavor.

• Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for more color and crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or beef broth to keep the noodles from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, you can use regular soy sauce, but keep in mind that it will make the sauce saltier, so adjust the amount of soy sauce accordingly.

2. Can I substitute the sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use vegetable or olive oil, but it will change the flavor profile of the dish slightly. Sesame oil adds a unique nutty flavor.

3. How do I prevent the ramen from getting too soggy?

Rinse the cooked ramen noodles under cold water immediately after draining to stop them from cooking further, and toss them with sesame oil to prevent sticking.

4. Can I use a different cut of beef?

While sirloin is great for stir-fry, you can substitute with flank steak, ribeye, or skirt steak, all of which will work well with this recipe.

5. How do I know when the broccoli is done cooking?

Broccoli should be bright green and fork-tender but still have a slight crunch. Avoid overcooking, as it can become mushy.

6. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but it may take a bit longer to cook, and it can release more water during the steaming process.

7. Is it okay to make this recipe ahead of time?

While this dish is best served immediately, you can prepare the sauce and chop the ingredients in advance to save time when cooking.

8. Can I make this recipe without hoisin sauce?

If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute with a mixture of equal parts soy sauce and honey, along with a dash of Chinese five-spice powder.

9. What can I serve this dish with?

Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a side of steamed dumplings or a simple cucumber salad.

10. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free ramen noodles and replace the soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Conclusion

Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry is a fantastic, quick, and easy dish that’s full of flavor. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Chinese stir fry or looking for a new way to enjoy ramen, this recipe is sure to satisfy. With a savory sauce, tender beef, and crisp broccoli, it’s the perfect meal to make for busy nights or whenever you’re craving something delicious and filling.

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