Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry with Ramen Noodles
This mouthwatering Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry with Ramen features tender strips of beef, crisp broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked noodles that come together in a homemade savory sauce that's bursting with flavor. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, providing a satisfying and delicious meal in under 30 minutes. Make your favorite takeout right at home.
Servings 4 servings
Calories 438kcal
Ingredients
- 6-9 oz cooked noodles I used 6oz of ramen. See notes.
- 1- 1 ½ pounds flank steak See notes for substitutions.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil or olive oil, avocado oil, or butter.
- 4-6 cups broccoli florets
- 3 garlic cloves Minced
Stir Fry Sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce or liquid aminos
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar or sweetener Adjust to suit your taste.
- ½ tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ tablespoon cold water
Instructions
- Season both sides of the steak with the smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.1- 1 ½ pounds flank steak, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon onion powder, salt and pepper to taste
- Heat a skillet on medium-high heat with sesame oil. When hot, add the beef.1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Cook for 3-6 minutes, flipping halfway through until the meat is no longer pink. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
- Add additional oil to the pan if necessary. Add the broccoli and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Remove the vegetables and set aside.4-6 cups broccoli florets, 3 garlic cloves Minced
- Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar or sweetener to the pan at medium heat. Stir until the sweetener has fully dissolved.½ cup soy sauce or liquid aminos, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, ¼ cup brown sugar or sweetener
- Combine the cornstarch and cold water separately in a bowl. Make sure the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated. Then add it to the sauce ingredients and stir. Stir for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.½ tablespoon cornstarch, ½ tablespoon cold water
- Add the cooked beef, broccoli, and noodles to the pan. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is incorporated.
Notes
The amount of noodles you choose to add will vary based on preference. If you like a saucy dish, use less noodles. If you want a lot of noodles, use more. I used 6oz of noodles and dish is pretty saucy.
You can also use "stir fry steak" labeled as such in some grocery stores, sirloin steak, skirt steak, ribeye, or filet mignon.
Use ¼ cup of soy sauce if want less sauce.
You can use all-purpose flour instead of cornstarch if you wish. I find cornstarch works best here.
Cornstarch tends to settle quickly, especially if not mixed thoroughly. If you add cornstarch to hot liquid without creating a smooth slurry first, it will form lumps. Adding cornstarch directly to hot liquid can cause it to clump because the starch granules seize up when they come into contact with heat. This is why it is important to use cold water.
Do not use old, expired cornstarch. Cornstarch has a shelf life, and if it’s old or has been exposed to moisture, it will clump more easily.
You can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of rice wine vinegar. It will impact the taste.
You can use any sweetener or sugar you want to use.
Tips for Tender Beef
- Freezing for Slicing: Partially freeze the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing. This firms it up, making it easier to cut thin, uniform slices. Uniform slices will cook at an even and consistent temperature. This will prevent smaller slices from becoming overcooked and dry.
- High Heat Cooking: Stir-fry the beef on high heat to quickly sear and lock in the juices. Cook in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming instead of searing.
- Optional Marinating: Marinate the beef in the soy sauce, garlic, and rice vinegar 30 minutes to overnight in the fridge (covered).
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 438kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 20g