Description
Beef and Broccoli Noodles
Ingredients
12 oz beef sirloin, thinly sliced
8 oz fresh or pre-cooked noodles (lo mein or yakisoba)
2 cups broccoli florets
1 medium carrot, julienned
1 small onion, sliced
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp minced ginger
Sesame seeds for garnish
Directions
Prep the Beef:
Season beef slices with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sear the beef for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
Stir-Fry Veggies:
In the same pan, add 1 tbsp sesame oil. Stir-fry broccoli, carrot, and onion for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
Cook the Noodles:
If using fresh noodles, loosen them under warm water. Add noodles to the pan with the vegetables.
Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch slurry. Pour the sauce over the noodles and veggies. Toss well.
Combine Everything:
Add the cooked beef back to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles.
Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 420 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for perfect Beef and Broccoli Noodles every time. First, ensure your beef sirloin is partially frozen for 30 minutes before slicing; this makes achieving thin, even slices much easier. For the stir-fry, have all your ingredients prepped and within arm’s reach, as the cooking process is fast. When searing the beef, avoid overcrowding the pan—cook in batches if necessary to get a proper brown crust instead of steaming the meat. As you stir-fry the vegetables, listen for a characteristic sizzle; this indicates your pan is hot enough. When adding the cornstarch slurry to the sauce, give it a quick re-stir right before pouring, as cornstarch settles quickly. The final toss should coat every noodle and piece of beef in the glossy, thickened sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stir-fry is a complete meal on its own. For a restaurant-style presentation, serve it in deep bowls with chopsticks. A light, acidic side like a quick cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar helps cut through the rich sauce. If you want to extend the meal, steamed jasmine rice is a classic accompaniment. For garnish, consider adding sliced green onions or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat alongside the sesame seeds.
How-to Summary
Thinly slice beef and sear until browned. Remove. Stir-fry broccoli, carrot, and onion until tender-crisp. Add noodles to the pan. Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, garlic, ginger, and a cornstarch slurry to create the sauce. Pour sauce over noodles and veggies, tossing to coat. Return beef to the pan and stir-fry briefly until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, flank steak or skirt steak are excellent, affordable alternatives to sirloin. Just be sure to slice them thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce? For a vegetarian version, use mushroom stir-fry sauce. Alternatively, you can use extra soy sauce with a pinch of sugar, though you’ll lose some depth of flavor.
How do I prevent my noodles from sticking together? If using fresh or pre-cooked noodles, rinse them briefly under warm water and toss with a few drops of oil to separate before adding to the wok.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? It’s best served fresh. However, you can prep the components (slice beef, mix sauce, chop veggies) and store them separately in the fridge for a quick 10-minute stir-fry later.
My sauce didn’t thicken. What went wrong? The cornstarch slurry must be mixed with cold water. If mixed with hot water or added directly to the hot pan without being slurried, it will clump and not thicken properly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding the sauce before the noodles are heated, which can lead to uneven coating and clumping.
- Overcooking the beef during the initial sear, making it tough when added back to the dish.
- Using wet vegetables. Pat your washed broccoli florets dry to ensure they sear instead of steam.
- Stir-frying on too low heat, which causes the ingredients to stew in their own liquid rather than achieving a quick, crisp cook.
- Forgetting to taste the final dish. Adjust the seasoning with a splash more soy sauce if needed before serving.
Conclusion
This Beef and Broccoli Noodles recipe is a fantastic way to create a flavorful, satisfying meal that rivals takeout in under 30 minutes. The key lies in the simple, savory sauce and the high-heat cooking technique that keeps the beef tender and the vegetables crisp. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can master this versatile stir-fry. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein, making it a reliable staple for your weekly dinner rotation. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!