Easy Beef and Broccoli Noodles combine tender, juicy slices of beef, crisp broccoli florets, and savory noodles all tossed in a rich, flavorful sauce. This stir-fry dish is the ultimate weeknight dinner with its simple ingredients and quick cooking time.
My favorite part about this dish is that it has carbs, veggies, and protein in one recipe! Making it the perfect dinner for those busy weeknights.
If you enjoy stir-fry, you’ll want to try my Ground Pork Stir Fry or my Chicken & Green Bean Stir Fry! Both of these recipes are quick, satisfying, and easy meals.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Better Than Takeout: Forget takeout, these beef and broccoli noodles are packed with flavor and ready in less time than delivery.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your taste. Swap in your favorite veggies, use different noodles or add fresh herbs.
- Packed with Flavor: Tender beef, crisp broccoli, and noodles are tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce.
Best Noodles for Beef & Broccoli
When it comes to beef and broccoli, the right noodles can make all the difference in your dish. Here are some of the best options:
- Lo Mein Noodles: These soft, chewy noodles are traditionally used in beef and broccoli dishes and are the best choice for this recipe. They soak up the sauce beautifully and complement the flavors perfectly.
- Rice Noodles: Thin rice noodles are another excellent choice, especially if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. They have a light texture that pairs well with the rich sauce.
- Egg Noodles: For a heartier bite, egg noodles are a great alternative. Their slightly richer flavor adds another layer of taste to the dish.
- Udon Noodles: These thick, chewy Japanese noodles offer a satisfying texture and hold up well against the beef and broccoli, making for a hearty meal.
- Soba Noodles: Made from buckwheat, soba noodles provide a nutty flavor and are a nutritious option. They work well in stir-fries and can add a unique twist to your dish.
- Ramen Noodles: They are chewy, soak up sauces, and cook super quickly. You can go for instant ramen for convenience or fresh ramen for that authentic feel.
While lo mein noodles are the best choice for this dish, feel free to use any of the other options based on your taste and dietary preferences for a delicious beef and broccoli experience!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Water: Can be swapped with chicken or vegetable broth for added flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Brown Sugar: Substitute with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
- Rice Wine Vinegar: Apple cider or white wine vinegar works as a replacement.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Be sure to use toasted sesame oil, as regular sesame oil does not have the same flavor.
- Ginger Paste: Fresh grated ginger or 1 teaspoon of ground ginger can replace the paste.
- Garlic: Use 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, but fresh is best.
- Cornstarch: Use the same amount of arrowroot as a substitute for cornstarch.
- White Pepper: Black pepper works if white is unavailable.
- Chinese Five Spice: This is optional, but a pinch of cinnamon and star anise is a good alternative.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli is recommended. To save time, opt for a bag of pre-washed and cut broccoli.
- Lo Mein Noodles: These can be found in the Asian section of most grocery stores.
- Avocado Oil: Can be replaced with vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
- Sirloin Steak: Flank steak or skirt steak can be substituted.
- Onion: The white parts of green onions can be used instead.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Noodles
Quick Overview
- Make the sauce.
- Marinate the beef.
- Blanch the broccoli.
- Cook the noodles.
- Saute the onion.
- Sear the steak.
- Add noodles, and sauce and combine.
Step by Step Instructions
Quick Tip From Bri
Blanch the broccoli before adding it to the stir-fry to ensure it’s perfectly tender, as it won’t fully cook through during the stir-frying process.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the water, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, toasted sesame oil, ginger paste, minced garlic, cornstarch, white pepper, and Chinese five spice (if using). Set aside.
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, toss the sirloin with 2-3 tablespoons of the sauce. Let this marinate while you prepare the broccoli and noodles.
- Cook the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside, adding some ice on top to stop the cooking.
Quick Tip From Bri
Make sure each piece of steak is in contact with the hot pan to ensure it cooks through evenly.
- Cook the Noodles: In the same pot, cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse well with cold water, then set aside.
- Sauté the Onion: In a large wok or large skillet over medium heat, add the avocado oil. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and slightly translucent.
- Sear the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the thinly sliced sirloin steak and sear for a few minutes until caramelized and cooked through.
- Combine: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the cooked noodles and the remaining sauce to the wok, tossing gently until the sauce thickens. Lastly, toss in the broccoli.
Recipe Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with Green Onions: Finely chop fresh green onions and sprinkle them on top just before serving for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve with Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Sprinkle them over the dish for an extra touch.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Consider adding fresh cilantro or Thai basil as a garnish to elevate the dish and introduce a fresh, aromatic element.
- Include a Side Salad:Spicy Cucumber Salad or Asian Chopped Salad add a refreshing crunch to balance out the meal.
Expert Tips
- Slice the Beef Thinly: To ensure your beef is tender and cooks quickly, slice it against the grain into thin strips. Freezing the steak for 15-20 minutes before slicing makes this easier.
- Blanch the Broccoli: Blanching the broccoli ensures it stays vibrant green and perfectly crisp-tender. Be sure not to overcook it, as it will cook further when combined with the sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook the lo mein noodles until just al dente. Overcooking them will result in mushy noodles that won’t hold up as well in the stir-fry.
Additions & Variations
- Customize the Veggies: While broccoli is the star, you can easily use other vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots to add more texture and color to the dish. Be sure to only use 6 cups so that there is enough sauce.
- Spice It Up: Add a kick by stirring in chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
- Swap the Protein: Try using chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu as a substitute for beef to mix up the flavors and suit different preferences.
- Extra Crunch: Top the finished dish with toasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, or fried shallots for a crunchy texture.
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Easy Beef and Broccoli Noodles
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 Tablespoon ginger paste
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five spice, optional
- 6 cups broccoli florets
- 8 ounces dried lo mein noodles
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 pound sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1/2 white or yellow onion, diced finely
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the water, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, toasted sesame oil, ginger paste, minced garlic, cornstarch, white pepper, and Chinese five spice (if using). Set aside.1/3 cup water, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar, 1 Tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 Tablespoon ginger paste, 8 cloves garlic, minced, 1 Tablespoon cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon white pepper, 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five spice, optional
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, toss the sirloin with 2-3 tablespoons of the sauce. Let this marinate while you prepare the broccoli and noodles.1 pound sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- Cook the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside, adding some ice on top to stop the cooking.6 cups broccoli florets
- Cook the Noodles: In the same pot, cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse well with cold water, then set aside.8 ounces dried lo mein noodles
- Sauté the Onion: In a large wok or large skillet over medium heat, add the avocado oil. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and slightly translucent.1 1/2 Tablespoons avocado oil, 1/2 white or yellow onion, diced finely
- Sear the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the thinly sliced sirloin steak and sear for a few minutes until caramelized and cooked through.
- Combine: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the cooked noodles and the remaining sauce to the wok, tossing gently until the sauce thickens. Lastly, toss in the broccoli.
Notes
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Be sure to use toasted sesame oil, as regular sesame oil does not have the same flavor.
- Chinese Five Spice: This is optional, but a pinch of cinnamon and star anise is a good alternative.
- Cooking Noodles: Cook the lo mein noodles just until al dente. Overcooking can make them mushy, causing them to break down in the stir-fry.
- Searing Beef: Ensure each steak piece is touching the hot pan to guarantee even cooking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.