Do Share Recipe

Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe | Easy Weeknight Meal

I just made this recipe—and I couldn’t wait to share how delicious it turned out! When I first tossed together the tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and saucy ramen noodles in one pan, the aroma alone had me diving in. It’s a dish that feels simple yet indulgent, and perfect for a weeknight win.

I served it up, watched smiles all around, and promised I’d definitely make it again. If you love flavorful meat dishes, you can also check out this steak marinade tenderizing recipe for another way to make your beef incredibly juicy and tender. Let’s jump right in and I’ll walk you through everything you need for the Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry Recipe.

Ingredients

Here’s what I used (and why each ingredient works so well):

6 oz (two 3 oz packages) instant ramen noodles – discard the seasoning packets. The ramen brings the fun, chewy texture and makes the dish a one-pan meal.
1 lb flank steak (or top sirloin), thinly sliced – flank steak is lean, tender, and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
1 lb broccoli (cut into about 6 cups of florets) – fresh broccoli has the best crunch and color; frozen can turn mushy and dilute the sauce.
2 Tbsp olive oil (divided) – for searing the broccoli and the beef, giving that nice caramelization.
2 Tbsp sesame oil – gives a rich, nutty, authentic stir-fry flavor.
6 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce – the salty, savory base of the sauce.
1/2 cup warm water – helps dissolve the sugar and makes the sauce a good pourable consistency.
3 Tbsp light brown sugar (packed) – sweetness balances the soy and gives that classic take-out flavor.
1½ Tbsp cornstarch – thickens the sauce so it clings to everything.
1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated – fresh ginger adds vibrant flavor over ground.
3 cloves garlic (about 2 tsp grated) – fresh garlic adds aromatic depth and punch.
¼ tsp black pepper – just enough to add a little seasoning and warmth.
2 tsp sesame seeds (optional garnish) – adds visual contrast and crunch.
2 Tbsp chopped chives (optional garnish) – bright, fresh finish for presentation.

Note: Serves 4 people as a main course.

Variations

Want to switch things up or tailor this to dietary needs? Here are some ideas:

For dairy-free: This recipe is already dairy-free, so no substitutions needed.
For lower sugar: Swap the brown sugar for honey or a sugar-free sweetener, adjusting to taste.
For gluten-free: Use gluten-free ramen noodles or rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
For extra veggies: Add snap peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or thinly sliced carrots for more color and nutrition.
For different protein: Instead of beef, try thinly sliced pork loin or chicken breast for a lighter twist.

You can also enjoy similar bold, umami-packed dishes like this steak marinade for grilling recipe if you love smoky, grilled flavors with tender meat.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long each part takes:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large skillet or wok — for cooking everything in one pan and getting a nice sear.
Medium saucepan — to boil the ramen noodles before adding them to the stir-fry.
Mixing bowl or measuring cup — for whisking together the sauce ingredients.
Spatula or tongs — for tossing and combining the noodles, beef, and broccoli evenly.

How to Make Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry

It’s quick and easy to make, and everything comes together beautifully in one pan.

Prepare the noodles

Start by boiling the ramen noodles in a pot of water for about 3 minutes or according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Make the stir-fry sauce

In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the grated ginger, garlic, soy sauce, warm water, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.

Cook the broccoli

Heat half the oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli and a splash of water, cover, and steam for about 4 minutes until crisp-tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Sear the beef

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the remaining oil. Add the thinly sliced beef in a single layer and cook about 2 minutes per side until just browned and cooked through.

Combine everything

Give your sauce a quick stir, then pour it into the pan with the beef. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens. Return the broccoli and add the drained ramen noodles. Toss everything together until the noodles are coated in the sauce and everything is heated through. Thin the sauce with a splash of water if needed.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

When I made this, I found a few things that really helped:

I freeze the steak for about 30 minutes before slicing—it makes thin, even slices that cook fast and stay tender.
I make sure my skillet is really hot before adding the beef to get a nice sear and prevent the meat from steaming.
I never overcrowd the pan; too much at once can make the broccoli soggy and the sauce watery.
I rinse the cooked ramen under cold water so it doesn’t keep cooking and get mushy when added to the stir-fry.
I always taste the sauce before mixing everything—adjusting soy or sugar can make the flavor perfectly balanced.

How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry

This dish already shines on its own, but there are some fun ways to serve it up. Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style meal, or transfer it to a large platter for presentation.

Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped chives for color and freshness. For a little extra heat, sprinkle on red chili flakes or drizzle with sriracha. You can even serve it with a wedge of lime on the side for a bright, zesty contrast.

Nutritional Information

Here are the key nutrition facts per serving:

Calories: ~572 kcal
Protein: ~34 g
Carbohydrates: ~49 g
Fat: ~27 g

This makes it a balanced, filling meal with a great mix of protein and carbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage

Once cooled to room temperature, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 1–2 days.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind the broccoli and noodles may soften once reheated. Freeze in individual portions for convenience.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave until hot, stirring halfway through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons this recipe has become one of my favorites:

It’s quick and easy: From prep to plate in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
It’s a one-pan meal: Noodles, beef, and broccoli all in one skillet means minimal cleanup.
It’s customizable: You can swap proteins, change the noodles, or add extra veggies easily.
It’s packed with flavor: The sauce hits that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty with ginger and garlic for depth.
It’s family-friendly: Everyone loves it—from kids to adults, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

I hope you give this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry a try soon—it’s become one of my go-to dinners when I want something comforting yet simple. The flavors are bold, the textures are satisfying, and it always gets rave reviews. Let me know how it turns out when you make it!

Ben Carraoli