Description
Discover how to make the ultimate beef and broccoli ramen stir fry. Quick, flavorful, and packed with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and chewy ramen noodles.
Ingredients
Ingredients List
Protein
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced (substitute with chicken, shrimp, or tofu if preferred).
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 medium bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional).
Ramen
- 2 packs of instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets or use them sparingly).
Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water (for thickening).
Aromatics
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated ginger
Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
Preparation Tips
Preparing the Beef
- Marination: Toss the sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch for at least 10 minutes. This technique enhances flavor while ensuring the meat stays tender.
- Slicing: Cut against the grain to shorten muscle fibers and make each bite tender.
Preparing the Broccoli
- Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 1-2 minutes to maintain its bright green color and crisp texture. Immediately transfer to ice water to halt cooking.
Preparing the Ramen
- Cook the noodles as directed on the package, but slightly undercook them since they’ll cook further in the stir fry.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Combine the beef, soy sauce, and cornstarch slurry in a bowl. Let it marinate while preparing other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Boil the ramen noodles until al dente. Drain and toss with a drizzle of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat the wok over high heat until it begins to smoke lightly. Add a tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat. Add the beef and stir-fry in batches until browned but not fully cooked. Remove from the wok and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics
Reduce the heat slightly and add more oil if needed. Sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step 5: Cook the Vegetables
Add the broccoli (and bell pepper, if using) to the wok. Stir-fry until tender but still crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Return the beef to the wok and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir well to coat the ingredients evenly. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken.
Step 7: Add the Noodles
Add the cooked noodles to the wok. Toss until the sauce evenly coats the noodles, beef, and vegetables.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
Advanced Tips and Notes
To take your beef and broccoli ramen stir fry to the next level, consider the following enhancements and adjustments:
Customize Your Protein
- Replace beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different flavor profile.
- For vegetarians, seitan or tempeh works as excellent substitutes.
Elevate the Flavor Profile
- Add spice with chili garlic sauce, Sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Drizzle a small amount of honey or brown sugar for a subtle sweetness that complements the savory sauce.
- For a tangy twist, add a splash of rice vinegar or freshly squeezed lime juice before serving.
Experiment with Vegetables
- Expand the variety of vegetables by including snap peas, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or bok choy.
- Use frozen stir-fry vegetable mixes for convenience.
Switch Up the Noodles
- Substitute ramen noodles with udon, soba, or rice noodles for a different texture.
- For a low-carb option, use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Use Fresh Ingredients
- Whenever possible, use fresh garlic, ginger, and high-quality soy sauce for the most vibrant flavors.