Description
Beef and Broccoli Noodle Stir-Fry
Ingredients
8 oz lo mein noodles (or spaghetti)
1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup carrots, julienned
1 small onion, sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
For the Sauce:
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup water
For Garnish:
Sesame seeds
Sliced green onions
Directions
Cook the Noodles: Boil the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, black pepper, and water. Set aside.
Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Sauté garlic, ginger, onion, broccoli, and carrots for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
Combine Everything: Return the beef to the skillet, pour in the sauce, and toss to combine. Add the cooked noodles and stir everything together. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~400 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a perfect stir-fry. First, prep all ingredients before heating your pan (mise en place). Slice the beef against the grain for tenderness. Have your sauce whisked and ready. When cooking, ensure your skillet or wok is very hot before adding oil to sear the beef quickly, preventing it from steaming. Remove the beef as soon as it’s browned. For the vegetables, add the harder veggies (broccoli, carrots) first, stir-frying for 2 minutes before adding the onions, garlic, and ginger to prevent burning. The final simmer with the sauce is crucial—allow it to bubble for 1-2 full minutes so the cornstarch activates and creates a glossy, thick coating.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty stir-fry is a complete meal on its own. For a restaurant-style presentation, serve it in deep bowls. Complement it with simple sides like a light cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or crispy spring rolls. If you want to stretch the meal for a larger family, a side of steamed jasmine rice works perfectly. A drizzle of extra chili oil or sriracha is great for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
How-to Summary
In summary: Cook noodles al dente and set aside. Whisk sauce ingredients. Sear beef in hot oil until browned, then remove. Sauté vegetables until tender-crisp. Return beef to pan, add sauce and noodles, and simmer until thickened. Garnish and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely. Thinly sliced chicken breast, shrimp, or firm tofu are excellent substitutes. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Is there a substitute for oyster sauce? For a vegetarian version, use mushroom stir-fry sauce. As a flavor alternative, you can use hoisin sauce, though it will be sweeter.
My sauce didn’t thicken. What happened? The cornstarch must be fully dissolved in cold water/liquid first. Also, ensure the sauce comes to a full simmer for a minute to activate the starch.
Can I make this gluten-free? Yes. Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, a certified gluten-free oyster sauce alternative, and gluten-free noodles like rice noodles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too much at once steams the ingredients. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Overcooking the Beef: Searing quickly over high heat keeps it tender. It will cook more when added back to the sauce.
- Using Bottled Minced Garlic/Ginger: Fresh aromatics provide vastly superior flavor for this quick-cooking dish.
- Not Prepping Ahead: Stir-fries come together fast. Having everything measured and sliced is essential to avoid burning.
Conclusion
This Beef and Broccoli Noodle Stir-Fry is the ultimate quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. By mastering a simple, flavorful sauce and the high-heat stir-fry technique, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home in under 30 minutes. Its versatility with proteins and vegetables makes it a reliable recipe to keep in your regular rotation. Enjoy the delicious results of your efficient cooking!