Beef and Broccoli Ramen masterfully combines tender, savory beef, vibrant crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked ramen noodles in a single skillet, creating a wonderfully quick and undeniably delicious meal that’s perfect for any weeknight.
Ultimate Beef and Broccoli Ramen: Your Go-To Weeknight Meal
If you’re a devoted fan of the classic beef and broccoli combo, prepare to elevate your culinary experience with a delightful and modern twist! This recipe swaps traditional rice for the comforting embrace of ramen noodles, transforming a beloved dish into an exciting, quick-cooking skillet sensation. Designed for efficiency without sacrificing an ounce of flavor, this Beef and Broccoli Ramen dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the ideal solution for those hectic evenings when you crave restaurant-quality Asian fare but prefer the comfort and speed of a homemade meal.
Forget the long waits for delivery or the hassle of multiple cooking steps. Our Beef and Broccoli Ramen offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes: succulent, thinly sliced beef, vibrant, tender-crisp broccoli florets, and springy ramen noodles, all bathed in a rich, savory, and slightly sweet sauce. It’s an explosion of umami that will satisfy your cravings and impress your family, proving that incredible flavor doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Beef and Broccoli Ramen
Crafting this incredible Beef and Broccoli Ramen requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that work in harmony to build its signature flavor profile. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:
- Flank Steak: The star of our dish, flank steak is lean and flavorful. Slicing it thinly against the grain is crucial for achieving truly tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces that absorb the sauce beautifully. You can also use sirloin or skirt steak as alternatives.
- Cornstarch: This secret weapon serves a dual purpose. First, it creates a light, crispy coating on the beef when seared, adding a delightful texture. Second, it’s essential for thickening the sauce, ensuring it clings perfectly to every noodle and piece of beef and broccoli.
- Ramen Noodles: Instant ramen noodles are your ticket to a lightning-fast meal. We recommend cooking them for about 1 minute less than the package instructions suggest, as they will continue to cook and soften slightly when tossed into the hot sauce, preventing them from becoming mushy. Discard the seasoning packets, as we’re making our own superior sauce.
- Vegetable Oil: With a high smoke point, vegetable oil is ideal for searing the beef to a beautiful golden brown without burning. Other neutral oils like canola or grapeseed oil also work well.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic provides an aromatic foundation for our sauce, infusing it with robust, savory depth. While fresh is always best, good quality jarred minced garlic can be used for convenience.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This staple ingredient adds essential umami and saltiness without overpowering the dish. Using low-sodium ensures you have control over the overall salt level, allowing you to season to taste.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: A drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the end imparts a distinctive, nutty aroma and flavor, characteristic of many Asian dishes, giving our ramen an authentic touch.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar introduces a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the savory and salty elements of the sauce, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. Adjust the amount to your preference; for a less sweet taste, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to offset it.
- Ginger Paste: Fresh ginger is a powerhouse of flavor, offering a warm, zesty kick. Ginger paste is a fantastic shortcut, providing intense flavor without the need for grating. Freshly grated ginger can be used as a direct substitute.
- Beef Broth: Providing a rich, savory base for the sauce, beef broth deepens the flavor and adds a touch of saltiness. Chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted if needed.
- Oyster Sauce: This essential Asian condiment contributes a unique savory, slightly sweet, and salty depth to the sauce, adding a complex umami layer that’s hard to replicate. Don’t skip it for the authentic flavor!
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets provide a welcome pop of color, a tender-crisp texture, and a healthy dose of nutrients. Cutting them into uniform, bite-sized pieces ensures they steam evenly and quickly in the sauce.
How To Make Flavorful Beef and Broccoli Ramen: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious Beef and Broccoli Ramen is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time:
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by chopping your broccoli into even, bite-sized florets. Next, take your flank steak and slice it thinly against the grain, aiming for 1/4-inch thick strips, then cut these into 2-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the steak pieces with the cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This coating will help create a nice sear and thicken your sauce.
- Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until it’s shimmering. Add half of the cornstarch-coated beef, spreading it into a single layer. Cook undisturbed for about 1 minute to allow a good sear to form. Then, stir and continue cooking for another 40 seconds, or until the beef is lightly browned but still slightly pink in the center. Transfer the cooked beef to a clean plate. Repeat this process with the remaining beef and the second tablespoon of oil, then add the second batch to the plate.
- Craft the Sauce: Using the same skillet (no need to clean it – those browned bits add flavor!), pour in the beef broth, brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, oyster sauce, minced garlic, and ginger paste. Stir everything together, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate them into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat and cook, uncovered, for about 5-8 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens and reduces. You want enough sauce to generously coat the noodles and broccoli.
- Steam the Broccoli: Once your sauce has reached the desired consistency, evenly arrange the chopped broccoli florets directly on top of the sauce in the skillet. Avoid stirring them in initially. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and allow the broccoli to steam for 2-4 minutes, or until it’s tender-crisp and bright green.
- Cook the Ramen Noodles: While the broccoli is steaming, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Discard the seasoning packets that come with your instant ramen noodles. Add the ramen noodles to the boiling water and cook for exactly 2 minutes. Drain the noodles thoroughly and rinse them briefly with cold water for about 10 seconds to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking. Shake off any excess water and set aside.
- Combine and Serve: Remove the lid from the skillet. Add the drained ramen noodles and the seared beef back into the pan with the sauce and steamed broccoli. Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is thoroughly coated in the rich, savory sauce. Garnish generously with sesame seeds, freshly chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Beef and Broccoli Ramen!
Enhance Your Meal: What To Serve With Beef and Broccoli Ramen
While this Beef and Broccoli Ramen is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with a light side dish can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent suggestions:
- Asian Pasta Salad: A refreshing and crunchy pasta salad with a zesty sesame dressing offers a wonderful contrast to the warm ramen.
- Asian Cucumber Salad: Crisp, cool, and incredibly easy to make, this refreshing salad provides a light and tangy counterpoint to the rich flavors of the ramen.
- Edamame: Lightly steamed and salted edamame pods are a quick, healthy, and satisfying side that complements the Asian flavors perfectly.
- Thai Quinoa Salad: For a heartier side, a light and fresh quinoa salad featuring a vibrant peanut dressing adds a healthy and flavorful dimension.
- Spring Rolls or Egg Rolls: Crispy spring rolls or egg rolls make a classic and delicious appetizer to enjoy before your main course.
Creative Variations to Customize Your Beef and Broccoli Ramen
Make This Beef and Broccoli Ramen Uniquely Yours!
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations to suit your taste and pantry:
- Add a Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, incorporate some sriracha, a dash of chili oil, or a generous sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preferred spice level.
- Change the Protein: While beef is fantastic, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Swap the flank steak for thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs, succulent shrimp, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Boost the Veggies: Don’t limit yourself to just broccoli! Enhance the nutritional value and texture by adding other quick-cooking vegetables like sliced bell peppers, snow peas, snap peas, shredded carrots, or mushrooms. Add them along with the broccoli or slightly before, depending on their cooking time.
- Extra Garlic or Ginger: For an even more pungent and aromatic flavor, double the amount of minced garlic or ginger paste in the sauce. Freshly grated ginger can also be used for a brighter taste.
- Add Crunch with Nuts: For a delightful textural contrast, top your finished ramen with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, cashews, or even toasted slivered almonds.
- Garnish Galore: Beyond green onions and sesame seeds, consider adding a soft-boiled egg, a lime wedge for a fresh squeeze, or a drizzle of extra sesame oil for presentation and flavor enhancement.
Storage Tips for Leftover Beef and Broccoli Ramen
Enjoying Your Leftovers: Best Practices for Storage and Reheating
This Beef and Broccoli Ramen is truly at its peak when enjoyed fresh, right after it’s prepared. The noodles retain their ideal texture, and the flavors are at their most vibrant. However, if you find yourself with delightful leftovers, they can certainly be stored and savored later with a few considerations.
To store, transfer any remaining ramen to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be aware that the ramen noodles will naturally soften over time as they absorb more of the sauce, becoming less springy than when fresh. This doesn’t diminish the flavor, but the texture will change.
When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm the ramen on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You can also use a microwave, reheating in short bursts and stirring in between to ensure even heating. If the sauce has thickened too much or the noodles seem dry, you can add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid overheating, as this can make the beef tough and the noodles mushy.
More Quick & Easy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love:
If you enjoyed the simplicity and flavor of this Beef and Broccoli Ramen, be sure to explore more of our hassle-free dinner recipes designed for delicious weeknights:
- Garlic Beef and Veggie Ramen: Another fantastic ramen creation featuring succulent beef and crisp snap peas for a delightful texture.
- Mongolian Ground Beef: A quick and savory ground beef dish with an addictive stir-fry sauce that comes together in minutes.
- Egg Roll in a Bowl: All the flavors of your favorite egg roll, deconstructed and made into a satisfying meal with seasoned ground pork.
- Teriyaki Chicken Salad: A light, fresh, and flavorful salad featuring tender teriyaki chicken and a super easy 3-ingredient dressing.
- Ground Beef Ramen: A comforting and hearty ramen recipe made with savory ground beef and an abundance of fresh vegetables.
Beef and Broccoli Ramen
Equipment
- Large pan or wok
- Large pot
Ingredients
- 3/4 pound flank steak
- Steak marinade optional, see note 1
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 (3-ounce) packets instant ramen noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1-1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar not packed, see note 2
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 4 cups chopped broccoli
- Toppings as desired green onions, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Chop broccoli into even, bite-size pieces. Slice the flank steak against the grain into 1/4-inch-thick strips, then cut into 2-inch pieces. Toss the steak pieces with cornstarch in a bowl, ensuring each piece is lightly coated.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over high heat until hot and shimmering. Add half the beef, spreading it out into a single layer to allow for proper searing. Cook without stirring for about 1 minute until well seared and a crust forms. Then, stir and cook for another 40 seconds until lightly browned but still slightly pink inside. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate. Repeat this process with the remaining beef and 1 tablespoon of oil, then add to the plate.
- In the same pan (no need to clean), add the beef broth, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, minced garlic, and ginger paste. Stir thoroughly, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan to infuse them into the sauce. Cook over high heat, uncovered, until the sauce boils and thickens slightly, which typically takes about 5–8 minutes. Ensure there’s enough sauce to generously coat the noodles and broccoli. See note 3 for thickening tips.
- Once the sauce has reduced and thickened, evenly place the broccoli florets on top of the sauce without stirring them in. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and steam the broccoli for about 2–4 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness (tender-crisp is usually preferred).
- While the broccoli steams, bring a large pot of water to a boil for the ramen noodles. Discard the seasoning packets from the instant ramen. Cook the ramen noodles in the boiling water for exactly 2 minutes. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water for 10 seconds to halt the cooking process and prevent stickiness. Shake off any excess water and set them aside.
- Remove the lid from the pan. Add the drained ramen noodles and the cooked beef back into the skillet with the sauce and broccoli. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well coated in the savory sauce. Garnish generously with sesame seeds, fresh green onions, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like. Serve your delicious Beef and Broccoli Ramen immediately.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Note 2: Adjusting Sweetness: The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of brown sugar, which provides a balanced sweet and savory profile. However, sweetness is subjective. If you prefer a less sweet dish, start with 1/4 cup of brown sugar and taste the sauce before adding more. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also help to counteract the sweetness, adding a subtle warmth.
Note 3: Thickening the Sauce: If your sauce has reduced by about one-third but isn’t quite as thick as you’d like, you can easily adjust it. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of the sauce with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch until smooth. Add this slurry back into the main sauce in the skillet, stirring continuously over medium heat until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only.