Beef And Broccoli Rice Noodles

Name: Beef And Broccoli Rice Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces rice noodles; 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced; 2 cups broccoli florets; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Highlighted under: Fast & Simple Meals

I absolutely love whipping up Beef and Broccoli Rice Noodles for a quick weeknight meal. The combination of tender beef, vibrant broccoli, and chewy rice noodles makes for a satisfying dish that always hits the spot. I've experimented with various sauces and seasonings, but I've found that a simple mix of soy sauce and garlic brings out the best in the ingredients. Plus, it all comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when I crave something flavorful yet easy to prepare.

Created by

Piper Andrews

Last updated on 2026-02-08T05:57:36.211Z

When I first tried making Beef and Broccoli Rice Noodles at home, I was amazed at how simple it was to recreate a restaurant-style meal. I chose fresh ingredients, and the result was a beautifully balanced dish full of textures and flavors. The key is to stir-fry the beef quickly over high heat, ensuring that it remains tender, while the broccoli retains its crunch. This contrast really makes the dish sing!

After a few attempts, I discovered that allowing the flavors to meld together in the sauce for just a couple of minutes created an irresistible glaze that clung beautifully to the noodles. The secret is not to overcook the noodles; they should be perfectly tossed and heated through. Every bite transported me back to my favorite takeout spot!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Savory beef paired with crisp broccoli for a perfect bite
Quick and easy to make, ready in 30 minutes
Versatile enough to customize with your favorite sauces and vegetables

Mastering the Art of Stir-Frying

Stir-frying is a critical technique for achieving the perfect texture in Beef and Broccoli Rice Noodles. The key is to maintain high heat throughout the cooking process. Ensure your skillet or wok is preheated to a shimmering state before adding any ingredients. This not only seals in the flavors of the beef but also prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy. You want that satisfying crunch from your broccoli as it quickly cooks while retaining its vibrant color.

Another essential tip is to avoid overcrowding the pan. If your skillet is packed too tightly with beef or broccoli, they will steam instead of fry, losing that desirable caramelization. If necessary, cook in batches, removing each portion once it’s browned before adding the next. This method guarantees even cooking and flavor, enhancing the overall dish.

Ingredient Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

To streamline your weeknight dinner prep, consider making a larger batch of the beef and broccoli or pre-slicing the beef sirloin ahead of time. When storing, keep the cooked dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be mindful that reheating can soften the noodles, so to maintain their chewy texture, quickly heat the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to reintroduce moisture and prevent stickiness.

If you’re looking to freeze your leftovers, I recommend omitting the rice noodles, as they don’t freeze well. Instead, store the beef and broccoli mix separately. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then stir-fry fresh noodles as per the recipe for a quick turnaround meal that tastes freshly made.

Variations to Elevate Your Dish

While the classic combination of beef and broccoli works beautifully, feel free to get creative by swapping out proteins or adding vegetables. Chicken or tofu can easily substitute for the beef. Just ensure any protein you use is sliced thinly for quick cooking. Additionally, incorporating bell peppers, snap peas, or even carrots can enhance both the texture and visual appeal of the dish, providing a rainbow of colors on your plate.

For those looking to spice things up, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick. Alternatively, if you prefer a sweeter flavor profile, experimenting with hoisin sauce or adding a teaspoon of sugar to the soy sauce mix can create a delicious balance with the savory beef. Switching up the sauces not only keeps the meal exciting but can accommodate different taste preferences for family or guests.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious beef and broccoli dish:

Ingredients

8 ounces rice noodles
1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 green onions, sliced for garnish

With everything ready, it's time to get cooking!

Instructions

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

Prepare the Noodles

Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over high heat. Add the sliced beef, season with salt and pepper, and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes or until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

Stir-Fry the Broccoli

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.

Combine Ingredients

Return the beef to the skillet, add the minced garlic, soy sauce, and cornstarch mixed with a splash of water. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well-coated and heated through.

Toss with Noodles

Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional minute to heat through.

Serve

Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Enjoy your homemade beef and broccoli noodles!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try marinating the beef in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking.

Understanding Key Ingredients

The choice of soy sauce is crucial in Beef and Broccoli Rice Noodles, as it adds depth of flavor to the dish. Opt for a quality soy sauce for a richer umami taste, or consider low-sodium soy sauce to manage salt levels. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, tamari works excellently in place of traditional soy sauce, retaining the same savory profile while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Broccoli not only adds nutritional value but also a wonderful crunch that balances the softness of the rice noodles. When choosing broccoli, look for florets that are bright green with firm stalks. If you have a preference for a different vegetable, both bok choy and snow peas can be incorporated, providing similar nutritional benefits and a pleasing snap.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when making this dish is the noodles becoming overly sticky. To prevent this, make sure to rinse the noodles thoroughly after cooking to remove excess starch. Additionally, tossing them with a bit of oil after rinsing can help keep them separate until it’s time to combine with the sauce.

If you find that the dish is too salty after adding soy sauce, there are a couple of remedies. Consider adding a squeeze of lime juice to brighten and balance the flavors, or stir in a small amount of sugar to counteract the saltiness. Taste-test frequently as you adjust to ensure you achieve the perfect balance.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling up this Beef and Broccoli Rice Noodles recipe for a crowd is a breeze, especially since it cooks quickly. Just keep in mind to use a larger skillet or wok to prevent overcrowding, and consider cooking the beef and broccoli in batches to maintain proper heat for stir-frying. Divide the finished dish among serving platters or bowls when presenting to guests to keep the noodles moist and prevent them from clumping together.

If you're planning a larger gathering, doubling or tripling the recipe is straightforward. Just remember to adjust the soy sauce and garlic to avoid overwhelming saltiness, and make sure to include plenty of fresh garnishes like sliced green onions for a vibrant finish. This dish’s flexibility allows it to shine on any table, whether a family dinner or a festive occasion.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Chicken breast or thighs would work well as a substitute for beef.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrition.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the rice noodles do not contain gluten.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.