Ingredients

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/3 cup beef broth

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tablespoon grated ginger

1/8 teaspoon cracked red pepper flakes

2 (3 ounce) packages ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded

1 teaspoon sesame oil

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 pound sirloin steak, trimmed of fat and sliced into 1 1/2-inch strips (about 1/4-inch thickness)

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

3 cups fresh broccoli florets

1/2 cup water

Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Make the sauce by whisking together soy sauce and cornstarch in a medium bowl until smooth. Add beef broth, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and cracked red pepper flakes; whisk until combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Cook ramen noodles until just tender, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon sesame oil and toss gently to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak strips with salt and pepper. When the skillet is hot, add steak in a single layer and let cook without stirring for about 3 minutes to brown. Stir and cook another 2 minutes until cooked through. Remove steak from skillet and drain off any excess grease.

Step 4: Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and broccoli florets to the skillet. Pour in 1/2 cup water and cover. Steam broccoli for 2 minutes until bright green and fork-tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Return steak and cooked noodles to the skillet with the broccoli.

Step 6: Stir the sauce once more, then pour it into the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything together, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats all ingredients and everything is warmed through.

Step 7: Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add sliced bell peppers or snap peas along with the broccoli.

Swap sirloin for flank steak or chicken if preferred.

Use whole wheat or gluten-free ramen noodles to suit dietary needs.

Adjust the cracked red pepper flakes to your heat preference or omit for milder flavor.

Toast sesame seeds lightly before garnishing for added nuttiness.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe without ramen noodles?

Yes, you can substitute ramen noodles with rice noodles, udon, or even cooked rice for a different texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the broccoli from becoming mushy?

Steam the broccoli just until it turns bright green and is fork-tender—about 2 minutes as instructed. Avoid overcooking by keeping an eye on it and removing the lid promptly.