Beef and Broccoli Ramen Bowls
Beef and Broccoli Ramen Bowls are a delicious mix of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and slurp-worthy ramen noodles all swimming in a flavorful sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal…
Tip: save now, cook later.Beef and Broccoli Ramen Bowls are a delicious mix of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and slurp-worthy ramen noodles all swimming in a flavorful sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that feels both comforting and exciting, with that perfect balance of meaty richness and fresh veggies.
I love making this dish because it’s easy to throw together on a busy weeknight but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. I usually brown the beef first to get a nice sear, then toss in the broccoli so it stays a little crunchy. The sauce pulls everything together with some soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of ginger that makes every bite pop.
My favorite way to enjoy these bowls is with a soft-boiled egg on top and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for some extra texture. It feels like a cozy meal that’s ready in no time, and I find myself craving it again and again. Plus, it’s a great way to get some greens into dinner without feeling like you’re eating plain vegetables.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank steak: This cut is great for quick cooking and stays tender when sliced thinly against the grain. If you don’t have flank steak, skirt steak or sirloin strips will also work well.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add crunch and color. Frozen broccoli can be used but might be softer. You can also swap in bok choy or snap peas for a different veggie twist.
Ramen noodles: Instant ramen packs are convenient. Feel free to use fresh ramen noodles or other quick-cooking noodles like soba or udon if you prefer.
Sauce components: Soy sauce and oyster sauce create the savory base. For a vegetarian version, use mushroom soy sauce and a vegetarian oyster sauce substitute made from mushrooms.
Garlic and ginger: Fresh always tastes best here, but garlic and ginger powders can be quick alternatives in a pinch.
How Can I Cook Tender Beef and Keep Broccoli Crunchy?
The key is timing and temperature. Cook the beef quickly over high heat to brown it well but avoid overcooking, which can make it tough. Here’s how:
- Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- Heat the pan first and add oil to get a nice sear in 2-3 minutes.
- Remove beef as soon as it’s browned to avoid overcooking.
- Cook broccoli separately in simmering broth just until bright green and tender-crisp (usually 3-4 minutes).
- Combine everything in the sauce last to warm through without extra cooking.
This approach helps keep the beef juicy and the broccoli pleasantly crunchy for a great texture contrast.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok – perfect for searing the beef quickly and sautéing the broccoli evenly.
- Medium pot – you’ll need this to cook the ramen noodles and blanch the broccoli.
- Slotted spoon – great for removing the broccoli from the broth without losing the liquid.
- Sharp knife – makes slicing the steak thin and uniform easier and safer.
- Mixing bowl – handy for whisking together the sauce ingredients smoothly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap flank steak with thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs for a lighter or different protein option.
- Add mushrooms like shiitake or cremini for an earthy boost and extra texture.
- Stir in chili flakes or sriracha if you like a bit of heat in your ramen bowls.
- Top with shredded carrots or snap peas for a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
Beef and Broccoli Ramen Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 packs instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 4 cups beef broth or water
Sauce Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (divided)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin or rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
For Cooking and Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 soft boiled eggs (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes total. You’ll spend just a few minutes prepping ingredients and cooking the beef, broccoli, and noodles. It’s a quick, tasty meal you can enjoy any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
Whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin or rice vinegar, brown sugar or honey, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger in a small bowl. Set this flavorful sauce mixture aside for later.
2. Cook Broccoli:
Bring the beef broth or water to a simmer in a large pot or wok. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and are just tender. Use a slotted spoon to remove the broccoli and keep the broth simmering for the noodles.
3. Prepare the Ramen Noodles:
Place the ramen noodles in the simmering broth and cook them according to package instructions (usually 3-4 minutes). Drain the noodles, reserving some broth if you want a soupier dish.
4. Sear the Beef:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and cook for 2-3 minutes, browning the meat and cooking it through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
5. Combine and Heat:
In the same skillet, pour in the sauce you prepared. Let it warm and bubble for about 1 minute. Then add the cooked beef and broccoli back into the pan. Stir everything together so the sauce coats all the ingredients and heat it through for another minute.
6. Assemble Your Bowls:
Divide the cooked ramen noodles into serving bowls. Top each with the beef and broccoli mixture. If you like, add some reserved broth or a splash of soy sauce to your bowl for more liquid.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top. For a special touch, add a soft-boiled egg to each bowl. Serve your Beef and Broccoli Ramen Bowls hot and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works fine! Just thaw it completely and drain any excess water before cooking to avoid making the dish watery. You might want to reduce the cooking time slightly to keep it from becoming mushy.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen up the sauce if it’s thickened. You can also microwave in a covered container, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Can I Substitute Another Protein for Flank Steak?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced chicken breast, pork, or even tofu are great alternatives. Just adjust cooking time based on the protein to ensure it cooks through without drying out.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and swap oyster sauce for a vegetarian mushroom-based sauce. Replace the beef with extra firm tofu or mushrooms for a meaty texture that still tastes delicious.