Garlic Ginger Beef and Broccoli Noodles is a delicious dish that brings together tender strips of beef, crisp broccoli, and noodles all tossed in a flavorful garlic and ginger sauce. The combination of these ingredients creates a meal that’s hearty, fresh, and packed with a nice bit of zing from the ginger and garlic.
I love making this dish because it’s quick to prepare, and the sauce comes together easily with simple pantry staples. I always find that the ginger and garlic give it such a great punch of flavor without being too spicy or overwhelming. It’s one of those meals where you can feel good about eating something balanced and satisfying.
My favorite way to serve these noodles is straight from the pan, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a little fresh green onion for extra color and crunch. It’s a perfect one-pan meal for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting dinner that doesn’t take all day to make. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I like using sirloin or flank steak for tenderness and quick cooking. If you want a leaner option, try thinly sliced chicken or tofu instead—they soak up sauce nicely.
Noodles: Spaghetti works fine, but udon or lo mein noodles give a more authentic texture. Rice noodles are a good gluten-free substitute.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add crunch and color. You can swap in snap peas or green beans for variety.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh is best for that punchy flavor. If you’re in a rush, store-bought minced versions work too, but use slightly less to avoid overpowering the dish.
Sauces: Soy sauce is essential, but oyster and hoisin sauces add depth. For vegetarians, skip oyster sauce or use mushroom soy sauce. Rice vinegar balances the flavors with a little tang.
How Can I Get Tender Beef and Crisp Broccoli Without Overcooking?
Cooking the beef and broccoli perfectly can be tricky. Here’s how I handle it:
- Slice beef thinly: Thinner slices cook quickly and stay tender.
- Cook broccoli first: Stir-fry it briefly until bright green and crisp-tender, then remove it before cooking the beef.
- High heat is key: Use medium-high heat for quick cooking and to get a nice sear on the beef.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: This helps everything brown instead of steaming.
- Add garlic and ginger last: They can burn easily, so add them after beef is cooked.
- Toss everything together at the end: This reheats the broccoli and blends the flavors without overcooking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok – I recommend a wok for even heat and easy tossing of ingredients.
- Pot for noodles – a large pot makes cooking pasta or noodles quick and simple.
- Measuring spoons and cups – helps you keep everything balanced, especially the sauces.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing beef, garlic, ginger, and chopping broccoli.
- Whisk or fork – to mix the sauce ingredients smoothly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chicken or tofu instead of beef for a different protein option that cooks quickly.
- Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for extra veggies and flavor.
- Swap soy sauce with coconut aminos for a lower-sodium, soy-free version.
- Finish with a drizzle of chili oil or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
Garlic Ginger Beef and Broccoli Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef and Vegetables:
- 8 oz (225 g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
For The Noodles and Sauce:
- 8 oz (225 g) noodles (spaghetti, udon, or lo mein noodles)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp brown sugar or honey
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the noodles, beef, and broccoli, and another 5-10 minutes mixing and tossing everything together with the sauce. It’s a quick and tasty weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Stir-Fry the Broccoli:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Beef:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Season the thinly sliced beef lightly with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan. Stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the beef and set it aside.
4. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Return the cooked beef and broccoli to the skillet, then add the cooked noodles.
6. Make and Add the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Pour this sauce over the beef, broccoli, and noodles.
7. Toss and Heat Through:
Toss everything together well to coat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through and nicely combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or salt if needed.
8. Serve:
Serve your Garlic Ginger Beef and Broccoli Noodles hot, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your flavorful and easy meal!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just thaw it completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture before stir-frying. This helps prevent the noodles from getting soggy.
Can I Substitute Chicken or Tofu for the Beef?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced chicken breast or firm tofu works great. Cook them similarly—just adjust cooking times: chicken takes about 5-7 minutes, tofu needs a bit longer to get crispy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the noodles seem dry.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use gluten-free noodles and substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Be sure to check that any additional sauces like oyster or hoisin are gluten-free or omitted.