Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Noodles
Description:
This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Noodles recipe combines tender flank steak, vibrant broccoli, and chewy udon noodles in a savory, flavorful stir-fry. With the umami-rich combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, this dish is an easy and satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight or when you’re craving a hearty yet healthy dish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 head of broccoli, chopped into florets
- 8 oz. udon noodles
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Udon Noodles:
Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside. - Prepare the Stir-Fry:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. - Cook the Beef:
Add the thinly sliced flank steak to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. - Add the Broccoli & Sauces:
Add the chopped broccoli to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until it’s tender-crisp. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, and toss everything together. - Combine the Noodles:
Add the cooked udon noodles to the skillet, tossing gently to combine the noodles with the beef and broccoli mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. - Season & Serve:
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious stir-fry noodles!
Storage & Reheating Tips:
- Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, consume within 24 hours for optimal flavor and texture. - Reheating:
To reheat, place the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to help loosen the noodles. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Serving Tips & Variations:
- Serving Tips:
Serve this stir-fry noodle dish with a side of pickled ginger or steamed rice to round out the meal. Garnish with chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture. - Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the flank steak with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option.
- Add Heat: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or some sliced fresh chilies for a spicy kick.
- Extra Veggies: Boost the veggie content by adding carrots, bell peppers, or snow peas to the stir-fry.
- Different Noodles: Swap udon noodles for soba noodles or rice noodles for a different texture.
- Sauce Adjustments: Use hoisin sauce or tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) as a variation for the sauce.
20 FAQs:
- Can I use another type of meat instead of flank steak?
Yes, you can substitute flank steak with chicken breast, beef sirloin, or even shrimp for a different protein. - Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well—just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the stir-fry. - How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, fresh chilies, or a bit of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat. - Can I use a different type of noodles?
Yes, you can use rice noodles, soba noodles, or even spaghetti as a substitute for udon noodles. - Can I use gluten-free soy sauce?
Absolutely! Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative to soy sauce. - Can I prepare the stir-fry ahead of time?
While the stir-fry is best fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time (slice the beef, chop the broccoli) and store them separately in the fridge. - How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap the beef for tofu, tempeh, or even more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. - Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this stir-fry is great for meal prep. Store it in individual portions and refrigerate for up to 2 days. - Can I use a non-stick pan instead of a wok?
Yes, a large non-stick skillet works just as well for stir-frying. - Can I add a sweet component to the sauce?
Yes, a drizzle of honey or a splash of hoisin sauce would add a sweet element to the dish. - What other vegetables go well in this dish?
Carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, and baby corn are all great additions. - Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s not ideal to freeze this dish, as the noodles may lose texture upon thawing, but it’s possible if you don’t mind slight texture changes. - What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
You can substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a bit of sugar for sweetness. - How can I make this dish less salty?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the seasoning gradually as you cook. - Can I make this without sesame oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use vegetable oil or olive oil, though sesame oil adds a distinct flavor. - Can I use pre-cooked noodles?
Yes, pre-cooked noodles (like the ones found in the refrigerated section) can be used, just be sure to warm them up thoroughly before combining with the stir-fry. - Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and gluten-free noodles (such as rice noodles or soba noodles) to make it gluten-free. - How do I make sure the beef stays tender?
Slice the beef thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking it. High heat and a quick cooking time help maintain tenderness. - Can I add eggs to the stir-fry?
Yes, you can scramble an egg into the stir-fry after cooking the beef for extra protein and flavor. - How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Stir the noodles into the sauce immediately after draining, and make sure the noodles are well coated in the sauce.
20 Best Tips to Make This Recipe:
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Use a wok or a large skillet to ensure enough room for stir-frying without overcrowding.
- Cook the broccoli until it’s tender-crisp to preserve its color and texture.
- Use high heat when stir-frying to get a nice sear on the beef without overcooking.
- Add the noodles to the skillet while they’re still warm for better absorption of the sauce.
- If your soy sauce is too salty, dilute it with a bit of water or low-sodium broth.
- Cook the garlic until fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
- Don’t overcook the noodles—tender is best!
- For extra flavor, toast the sesame oil in the pan before adding the beef.
- Make sure the broccoli isn’t overcooked to avoid it becoming mushy.
- Don’t skip the oyster sauce; it adds a unique, savory depth to the dish.
- If the stir-fry looks dry, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or green onions for a finishing touch.
- Use fresh, high-quality flank steak for the best flavor and texture.
- If using pre-cooked noodles, make sure to rinse them in cold water to stop the cooking process before using them.
- Stir-fry quickly—beef can toughen up if cooked for too long.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables like bok choy, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Let the stir-fry sit for a minute or two after cooking to let the flavors meld.
- If you like your noodles saucy, double the amount of sauce ingredients for a richer flavor.
- Keep the ingredients ready to go (mise en place) to ensure a smooth cooking process.
