If you’re a fan of easy stir fry recipes like Chicken Stir Fry and Shrimp Fried Rice, you’re in for a treat. Our Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry takes stir fry to a new level by incorporating delicious ramen noodles, transforming it into a complete meal that’s reminiscent of our Rice Noodle Stir Fry.
The Birth of Ramen Noodle Stir Fry
It may sound humorous now, but back in 2020, we stocked up on ramen noodles out of concerns about food shortages, a sentiment many families could relate to. While we didn’t typically use ramen, our stockpile led us to explore creative and delectable ways to make use of it. So, you could say that the challenging year of 2020 gifted us with the creation of this Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry recipe.
Ramen Stir Fry became a home run in our household. My son couldn’t get enough of it and even declared it to be tastier than his beloved Panda Express. I prepared it twice in a single week, and he devoured every last bite. P.S. It reheats beautifully the next day.
Ingredients for Ramen Stir Fry
- Beef – We opted for 1 lb of flank steak, but top sirloin makes for a great substitute. Thinly sliced boneless pork loin chops can also be used.
- Broccoli – A generous pound of broccoli makes this a well-rounded meal (see vegetable substitution options below).
- Dill and Chives – These are optional garnishes but come highly recommended.
- Stir Fry Sauce – Grated fresh ginger and garlic combined with brown sugar, water, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and black pepper. The cornstarch is the key to the sauce’s perfect thickness and sauciness.
Selecting the Best Ramen Noodles for Stir Fry
- Instant Ramen Soup Packets – It’s most convenient to use two standard 3.5 oz packages of instant ramen noodles (any brand). Discard the seasoning packets and cook the noodles in water according to the package instructions.
- Organic Ramen Noodles – We found organic ramen noodles at our local grocery store, and they worked well. However, they tend to become a bit mushy upon reheating.
- Cup Noodles – In a pinch, you can make it work with 4 cup noodles. Rinse off the seasonings in water, then boil in water for 2-3 minutes or until tender.
How to Prepare Ramen Stir Fry
- Cook Ramen Noodles – Boil them in water for 3 minutes or as per the package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process.
- Make Stir Fry Sauce – Combine all the stir fry sauce ingredients in a large measuring cup and stir to dissolve the sugar. Using warm water will expedite the dissolution process.
- Cook Broccoli – Steam the broccoli with 2 Tbsp of water, covered with a lid, for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it reaches a crisp-tender texture. Then, transfer the broccoli to a separate plate.
- Sear Beef – Cook the beef in a single layer for 2 minutes per side, stirring once. It’s advisable to use a large skillet to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Add Sauce – Once the sauce is incorporated, simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors of the garlic and ginger to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Combine and Serve – Reintroduce the broccoli and cooked ramen to the pan, and serve, garnished with sesame seeds and chives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute broccoli?
Feel free to get creative and replace the broccoli with snap peas or chopped asparagus.
Can I make this in a wok?
Certainly! You can use a large, heavy skillet or a wok for this stir fry. You’ll still need to cook the ramen separately.
Can I use dried ginger?
While fresh ginger provides the best flavor, you can substitute 1/4 tsp of ground ginger for 1 tsp of grated fresh ginger in a pinch.
