If you love the comforting warmth of ramen but crave something hearty and packed with flavor, this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Recipe is your new go-to. It combines tender strips of beef, crisp broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked ramen noodles all bathed in a rich, savory brown sauce that’s slightly sweet and just a touch spicy. This dish isn’t just a meal—it’s a hug in a bowl that’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to share with friends or family. Get ready to fall in love with this fast, flavorful fusion of Asian-inspired goodness!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key here, and thankfully, everything is easy to find and plays an important role in flavor, texture, and aroma. From the juicy beef to the bright broccoli and that luscious sauce, each component brings the dish to life.
- 1 cup beef broth: Provides a deep, meaty base for the sauce that enhances the beef flavor.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds layered richness and balances the beef broth.
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness without overpowering the dish.
- 3 tablespoons honey: A subtle sweetness that rounds out the savory notes perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter (optional): Adds creaminess and a hint of nutty depth for extra complexity.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Gives a caramelized touch that enhances the sauce’s glaze.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses bright, sharp aroma essential in stir fry.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Just enough heat to wake up your palate without overwhelming.
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a warm, peppery undertone that complements garlic and soy.
- ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional): A fragrant finishing oil that adds toasty notes.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a shiny, clingy consistency.
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt: For seasoning the beef for extra flavor punch.
- ½ teaspoon celery salt: Gives a subtle herbal, slightly salty flavor to the meat.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savory depth in the beef seasoning.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the seasoning without being overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the meat.
- ⅛ teaspoon chili powder: Provides a mild spicy kick to the beef seasoning.
- 1 ¼ lbs. strip steak (or skirt, flank, or top sirloin): Choose a flavorful cut that slices well for quick cooking.
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or olive oil): For high heat stir frying with a neutral or fruity flavor.
- ½ cup dry white wine: De-glazes the pan and adds subtle acidity to brighten the sauce.
- 5 cups broccoli florets: Crisp-tender greenery adds freshness and a pop of vibrant green color.
- 6 oz. ramen noodles (about 2 pouches): The star that soaks up all the savory sauce and ties it together.
- Garnishes like green onions, chopped peanuts, chow mein noodles, toasted sesame seeds, red pepper flakes: Optional toppings that add crunch, color, and extra layers of flavor.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Ramen Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce and Beef
The sauce is where this dish truly flavors comes alive, so start by combining the beef broth, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, peanut butter (if using), brown sugar, minced garlic, hot sauce, ground ginger, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch in a large measuring cup. Make sure the liquid ingredients are cool to keep the cornstarch from activating too early. Meanwhile, tenderize your steak by placing it under plastic wrap and pounding it flat — this step makes a huge difference, guaranteeing you get tender, melt-in-your-mouth slices. Slice the meat thinly across the grain to keep it juicy and easy to bite.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Beef
Pat your beef strips dry, then sprinkle the meat seasoning mix of garlic salt, celery salt, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder over the slices, tossing to coat evenly. Heat peanut or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef in batches so it caramelizes nicely without steaming. This step locks in flavor and ensures each bite is tender and packed with savory notes. Set the cooked beef aside to rest while you move on.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli and Build the Sauce
Pour the white wine into the still-warm pan and gently scrape up all the browned bits — this is pure flavor gold. Add the broccoli florets, tossing to coat and cooking for 3 to 4 minutes in the simmering liquid until they’re just tender but still retain a satisfying crunch. Pour in the prepared sauce and crank the heat to bring it to a rapid boil, stirring continuously as it thickens into a glossy, luscious coating that clings beautifully to every ingredient. Once thickened, reduce heat to low for the final assembly.
Step 4: Boil and Add Ramen Noodles
Boil your ramen noodles according to package instructions, setting a timer to stop just before they get too soft so they hold some bite. Drain them well, then toss the noodles into the skillet with the thickened sauce, broccoli, and rested beef. Gently toss everything together so the noodles absorb all those savory juices and the beef and broccoli get evenly coated. Now your Beef and Broccoli Ramen Recipe is nearly ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Ramen Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes can elevate your bowl to a whole new level. Sprinkling chopped green onions adds a fresh pop of brightness, while chopped peanuts bring welcome crunch and earthiness. Toasted sesame seeds introduce nutty nuances, and a few red pepper flakes offer a gentle heat. For an extra fun texture contrast, a handful of crunchy chow mein noodles on top creates an irresistible finishing touch that makes each bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides. A crisp cucumber salad lightly dressed in rice vinegar and sesame seeds keeps things fresh and cooling. Steamed or pickled dumplings are also delightful companions that add variety without stealing the spotlight. For a low-key option, a small bowl of miso soup fits perfectly before or alongside the ramen to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving company or want to jazz up weeknight dinners, present your Beef and Broccoli Ramen Recipe in individual deep bowls with garnishes artfully scattered on top. Layer the noodles first, then broccoli and beef over, finishing with the sauce drizzled like a glaze. Add a wedge of lime or a drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory pop. For casual gatherings, plating it family-style with chopsticks or forks on the side encourages everyone to jump right in and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef and Broccoli Ramen tastes wonderful the next day, as the noodles soak up even more sauce flavor. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
While the beef and broccoli keep well for refrigeration, freezing ramen noodles can affect their texture, making them soggy upon thawing. If you must freeze, store the beef and broccoli with sauce separately from the noodles. Thaw and gently reheat, adding freshly cooked noodles at serving time for optimal results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until warmed through to avoid overcooking the noodles. If you separated noodles before freezing, boil fresh noodles quickly to serve with reheated beef and broccoli.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely! While ramen noodles are traditional here, you can substitute udon, soba, or even rice noodles depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to maintain perfect texture.
Is peanut butter necessary in the sauce?
Peanut butter is optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a slightly creamy, nutty undertone. If you have allergies or prefer a simpler sauce, you can leave it out without sacrificing the core flavors.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute for the sauce and ensure that your ramen noodles are gluten-free or swap with rice noodles. Double-check all ingredient labels to keep it completely gluten-free.
Can this dish be made vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of beef and chicken broths. You can keep most other ingredients the same, just check for any non-vegan items in sauces or garnishes.
What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe?
Strip steak, skirt steak, flank steak, or top sirloin all work wonderfully because they cook quickly and stay tender when sliced thin against the grain. Tenderizing the meat before cooking really takes this recipe to the next level.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a homemade Beef and Broccoli Ramen Recipe that satisfies both your soul and hunger in equal measure. It’s an easy, flavorful meal that blends textures and tastes beautifully, perfect for busy nights or anytime you want a comforting yet exciting bowl of goodness. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new comfort food favorite, shared again and again with those you love.
Print
Beef and Broccoli Ramen Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian American Fusion
Description
This Beef and Broccoli Ramen is a deliciously savory stir fry featuring tender strips of beef, crisp broccoli florets, and chewy ramen noodles all coated in a rich, flavorful brown sauce. Perfect for a quick family dinner, this recipe balances sweet, salty, and umami notes with a hint of heat, and provides options for garnishes to personalize your dish.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Meat Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon chili powder
Stir Fry
- 1 ¼ lbs strip steak, skirt, flank, or top sirloin
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or olive oil as substitute)
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 5 cups broccoli florets
- 6 oz ramen noodles (or 2 pouches)
Garnishes/Toppings (Optional)
- Green onions, roughly chopped
- Chopped peanuts
- Chow mein noodles
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large measuring cup with a spout, combine all sauce ingredients including beef broth, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, optional peanut butter, brown sugar, minced garlic, hot sauce, ground ginger, optional toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch. Ensure the mixture is cool to prevent premature activation of the cornstarch. Set aside.
- Prepare the Beef: Cover the steak with plastic wrap and use a meat tenderizer to pound it flat and thin to ensure tenderness. Trim off any excess fat. Slice the meat thinly against the grain and optionally pound thicker slices flat afterward.
- Boil Water for Ramen: Start boiling a pot of water for cooking ramen noodles. Do not add salt if using salted ramen pouches.
- Season the Beef: Pat the beef strips dry and toss with the meat seasoning blend consisting of garlic salt, celery salt, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder to evenly coat.
- Sear the Beef: Heat peanut or olive oil in a high-walled skillet over medium-high heat. In batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the beef strips for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside to rest.
- Deglaze the Pan: Turn off heat briefly then pour in dry white wine. Turn heat back to medium and use a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom and sides of the pan.
- Cook Broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the skillet and bring the liquid to a gentle boil. Cook for 3-4 minutes, tossing occasionally until broccoli is crisp-tender. Add a splash of oil if needed to prevent sticking.
- Add Sauce and Thicken: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and raise heat to bring it rapidly to a boil. The sauce will thicken quickly. Once the sauce reaches desired thickness, reduce heat to low.
- Return Beef to Pan: Add the rested beef back into the skillet along with any juices on the plate. Spoon sauce over the top evenly.
- Cook Ramen: Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions, timing carefully to slightly undercook for firmer texture. Drain noodles well.
- Combine Noodles and Stir Fry: Add the drained ramen noodles to the skillet and toss gently to coat noodles evenly with sauce, beef, and broccoli.
- Garnish and Serve: Add desired toppings such as chopped green onions, peanuts, chow mein noodles, toasted sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes. Optionally, drizzle honey on top before serving for added sweetness.
Notes
- Peanut butter is optional but adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- The use of dry white wine helps deglaze the pan and adds subtle acidity; can be omitted if desired.
- Thinly pounding and slicing the beef against the grain ensures tenderness and less chew.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing beef to achieve proper browning instead of steaming.
- Adjust cooking time of ramen noodles according to preference but slightly undercooking prevents mushiness after tossing in sauce.
- Optional garnishes add texture and flavor variation but are not required.
