Beef And Broccoli Rice Noodles

Name: Beef And Broccoli Rice Noodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz rice noodles; 1 lb beef (flank steak, thinly sliced); 2 cups broccoli florets; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated); Salt and pepper to taste; Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Balanced Food Studio

I recently put together this Beef and Broccoli Rice Noodles dish, and I must say, it has quickly become a favorite in our household. The tender beef pairs beautifully with the crisp broccoli and the chewy rice noodles, creating a satisfying bowl that's packed with flavor. I love how the sauce brings everything together, and the entire meal comes together in just 30 minutes, which is perfect for busy weeknights. By marinating the beef beforehand, you can enhance the flavor even more, making each bite a delight.

Created by

Skylar Jennings

Last updated on 2026-02-08T06:21:36.642Z

Cooking this Beef and Broccoli Rice Noodles dish was a delightful experience that filled my kitchen with wonderful aromas. I experimented with a marinade for the beef using soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, which transformed simple ingredients into a flavor explosion. It was exciting to watch the noodles absorb the sauce as they cooked, making each bowl more inviting.

One tip I found incredibly helpful is to add the broccoli halfway through cooking the noodles. This keeps the broccoli vibrant and crunchy, adding a delightful texture against the tender beef and noodles. Plus, it only takes a few extra minutes!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Savory beef richness balanced with fresh broccoli bite
Quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner
Chewy rice noodles that soak up the flavorful sauce

Importance of Marinating

Marinating the beef is a critical step that elevates the overall flavor of the dish. By allowing the beef to soak in a mixture of soy sauce and oyster sauce, the meat not only absorbs these robust flavors but also becomes more tender. Aim for at least a 10-minute marination, but if time permits, let it sit for up to 30 minutes. This short period allows the cornstarch to create a slight coating, enhancing the texture when stir-fried.

To better infuse the flavors, consider using a resealable plastic bag for marinating. This technique ensures thorough coating and also minimizes spillage in your fridge. It's a simple trick but makes a noticeable difference in every bite. If you're in a hurry, even a quick 5-minute marination will add some flavor, but longer is definitely better.

Broccoli: Fresh and Crisp

Using fresh broccoli florets not only adds a vibrant color to your dish but also provides a satisfying crunch. When sautéing the broccoli, aim for a cook time of about 2-3 minutes. You want it to remain vibrant green and just tender, avoiding mushiness. A stir-fry is all about quick cooking at high heat, so be sure to keep an eye on it, as overcooking can dull its color and texture.

If you don't have fresh broccoli on hand, frozen florets can serve as a decent substitute. However, if you go this route, it’s best to thaw them first and pat dry to remove excess moisture, ensuring they sauté rather than steam. Regardless of your choice, a splash of water can help create steam in the pan to assist in cooking the broccoli quickly.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

When serving Beef and Broccoli Rice Noodles, garnish with toasted sesame seeds for added texture and a nutty flavor. A drizzle of extra soy sauce or a sprinkle of sliced green onions can enhance the dish even further. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers during the stir-fry phase for a spicy kick.

For a twist, you can swap out the broccoli for other vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as bell peppers may require a bit longer in the pan. You can also make this dish gluten-free by replacing soy sauce with tamari and ensuring your rice noodles are gluten-free. This versatility allows you to personalize the dish based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make the dish:

Ingredients for Beef and Broccoli Rice Noodles

8 oz rice noodles
1 lb beef (flank steak, thinly sliced)
2 cups broccoli florets
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Make sure you have everything prepped before starting.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Beef and Broccoli Rice Noodles:

Cook the Rice Noodles

In a large pot of boiling water, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Marinate the Beef

In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and half the minced garlic. Allow it to marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

Add Broccoli

In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and sauté the broccoli for 2-3 minutes until vibrant and just tender.

Combine Everything

Return the beef to the skillet, add the rice noodles, remaining garlic, ginger, and a splash of water. Toss everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Serve and Garnish

Serve the Beef and Broccoli Rice Noodles hot, garnished with sesame seeds and extra soy sauce if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Beef and Broccoli Rice Noodles!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, let the beef marinate overnight. Be sure not to overcook the broccoli
it should remain bright green and slightly crunchy for the best texture.

Storage Tips

Leftover Beef and Broccoli Rice Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When refrigerating, it's a good idea to let them cool at room temperature to avoid excess moisture buildup, which can make the noodles soggy. When ready to eat, gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to help them regain their original texture.

If you plan to store for longer, consider freezing the dish. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, and they can last for about a month. To reheat, allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge, then follow the stovetop method for best results. This way, you can enjoy this quick meal even on busier days.

Ingredient Substitutions

If flank steak isn't available, you can easily substitute it with sirloin or ribeye, both of which work well in stir-fries due to their tenderness when sliced thinly. For a healthier option, consider using turkey or chicken breast, adjusting the cooking time slightly to prevent drying out. Vegetarian options like tofu or seitan also work beautifully, soaking up the rich flavors of the sauce if marinated similarly.

Another way to switch things up is by using different noodles. While rice noodles give a nice chewiness, egg noodles or even whole wheat noodles can create a different texture and flavor profile. Just be mindful of the cooking instructions on the package to ensure they're prepared correctly when combined with the rest of the ingredients.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other meats instead of beef?

Yes, chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be great alternatives!

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles.

→ What if I don't have oyster sauce?

You can omit it or substitute with additional soy sauce and a dash of sugar.