Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry

This beef and broccoli ramen stir fry is a quick and satisfying meal that combines tender beef, crisp broccoli, and springy noodles tossed in a savory-sweet sauce. I love how fast it comes together, and it always tastes like a takeout favorite made right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s full of flavor but doesn’t take hours to make. The sauce is perfectly balanced with salty, sweet, and tangy notes, and the ramen noodles soak up all that goodness. I also enjoy how easy it is to adjust—sometimes I add extra veggies or make it spicier depending on what I’m craving.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

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

Directions

1. I start by whisking together the soy sauce, cornstarch, beef broth, honey, hoisin, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
2. I cook the ramen noodles in boiling water for about 2 minutes, just until tender. I drain them and toss with 1 teaspoon sesame oil to keep them from sticking.
3. In a large skillet or wok, I heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. I season the steak strips with salt and pepper, then cook them in batches for about 2 minutes per side until browned but not overcooked. I set the steak aside.
4. I add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, toss in the broccoli florets, and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
5. I pour in 1/2 cup water, cover, and let the broccoli steam for 2–3 minutes until just tender.
6. I return the beef to the pan, add the sauce, and stir until it thickens slightly.
7. Finally, I toss in the cooked ramen noodles and mix everything together until coated in the sauce. I sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It usually takes me about 10 minutes to prep, 15 minutes to cook, so I can have dinner ready in around 25 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the beef for chicken, shrimp, or even tofu when I want something lighter. I also like to add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to sneak in more veggies. If I’m craving more heat, I add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth or water so the noodles don’t dry out. Microwaving works too, but I stir halfway through to keep the sauce even.

FAQs

Can I use instant ramen for this recipe?

Yes, I use regular instant ramen and just discard the seasoning packets since the homemade sauce has all the flavor.

What cut of beef works best?

I like sirloin steak, but flank steak or ribeye also work well as long as they’re sliced thin.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I usually prep the sauce and slice the beef ahead, then cook everything fresh so the noodles don’t get soggy.

How do I keep the beef tender?

I slice it thin against the grain and avoid overcooking—it only needs a quick sear.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, I sometimes use frozen broccoli, but I reduce the steaming time since it cooks faster.

Is there a substitute for hoisin sauce?

If I don’t have hoisin, I use a mix of extra soy sauce and a little more honey for sweetness.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, I swap in tamari for the soy sauce and use gluten-free ramen or rice noodles.

How do I make it spicier?

I add more red pepper flakes, chili paste, or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, I just use a larger skillet or wok so everything has room to cook evenly.

What can I serve with this?

I usually enjoy it on its own, but sometimes I pair it with egg rolls or a light cucumber salad.

Conclusion

This beef and broccoli ramen stir fry is one of my go-to weeknight meals. I love how quickly it comes together and how customizable it is depending on what I have on hand. The savory sauce, tender beef, and slurpy noodles always hit the spot, making it a dish I never get tired of.

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