Garlic Ginger Beef and Broccoli Noodles is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that packs a punch with its bold flavors. Tender strips of beef are cooked with fresh broccoli and tossed in a garlicky, gingery sauce, all served over soft, comforting noodles. The mix of savory beef, crisp broccoli, and the zing from garlic and ginger makes every bite satisfying and full of character.
I love making this dish when I want something quick but still feel like I’m eating something special. The garlic and ginger give it a fresh, bright taste that wakes up the whole meal, and the beef stays nice and tender, soaking up all those flavors. I usually use whatever noodles I have on hand, and it still turns out great every time.
This is my go-to dinner for busy weeknights because it comes together fast and feels like a treat without a lot of fuss. I like to serve it with a sprinkle of green onions or a little drizzle of soy sauce on top. It’s a crowd-pleaser, too—everyone I’ve shared it with keeps asking for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Sirloin or flank steak works best as they’re tender and cook quickly. If you want something leaner, try thinly sliced chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add crunch and color but feel free to swap with snap peas, bok choy, or green beans for variety.
Noodles: Lo mein or egg noodles are traditional and soak up sauce well. In a pinch, spaghetti or rice noodles work fine too.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh is key here for bright, bold flavors. If fresh ginger isn’t handy, ground ginger can work but use less—start with 1/4 teaspoon.
Sauce Ingredients: Soy sauce forms the salty base. Oyster and hoisin sauce add depth but they’re optional—just boost soy sauce and a little sugar if skipping them.
How Do You Get Tender Beef Without Overcooking?
Thin slices and quick cooking are the secrets! Here’s what I do:
- Freeze the beef for about 30 minutes to make slicing thin strips easier.
- Cut against the grain to keep meat tender.
- Cook beef in a hot pan with oil, only 2-3 minutes per side to brown without drying out.
- Remove beef early, then add back at the end to avoid overcooking while stir-frying other stuff.
This method keeps your beef juicy and tender, a great contrast to crisp broccoli and noodles.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok – I love it because it heats evenly and lets you toss everything quickly.
- Pot for boiling noodles – a roomy pot makes cooking pasta or egg noodles easy and mess-free.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – handy for removing cooked beef and broccoli without breaking them apart.
- Measuring spoons and cups – helps keeps the ingredients just right for the sauce and stir-fry.
- Stirring spoon or spatula – ideal for mixing everything and keeping it from sticking to the pan.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for different protein options, making it more versatile.
- Add a splash of hoisin or oyster sauce for a richer, sweeter flavor or to make it more authentic.
- Mix in sliced bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch and color.
- Top with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for added texture and nuttiness.
How to Make Garlic Ginger Beef and Broccoli Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Broccoli:
- 8 oz beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce and Noodles:
- 8 oz noodles (lo mein, spaghetti, or egg noodles)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or mirin
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes or chili paste (optional, for heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20-25 minutes total: 10 minutes to prep and cook the noodles and broccoli, plus 10-15 minutes to cook the beef and stir-fry everything together. It’s a quick and satisfying meal any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Boil a pot of salted water and cook your noodles following the package directions until al dente. Drain them well and set aside so they’re ready to toss later.
2. Prepare the Broccoli:
Bring another pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 1-2 minutes until they turn bright green and get a little tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef slices in one layer and cook until browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes each side. Remove beef from the skillet and keep it on a plate.
4. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking just until fragrant — about 30 seconds to a minute. Be careful not to burn them.
5. Stir-fry the Broccoli:
Add your blanched broccoli to the skillet and stir-fry for 2 minutes, mixing it well with the garlic and ginger.
6. Combine Beef and Sauce:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), hoisin sauce (if using), rice vinegar, and beef broth. Stir everything together to combine.
7. Thicken the Sauce:
Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir, then pour it into the skillet. Stir constantly as the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients beautifully.
8. Toss in the Noodles:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Drizzle sesame oil over everything and toss it well to coat noodles, beef, and broccoli evenly with the sauce. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for heat.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top if you like, then serve your delicious garlic ginger beef and broccoli noodles hot and ready to enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the skillet to avoid making the dish soggy.
What Can I Substitute for Beef?
Chicken, shrimp, or tofu are excellent substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—chicken and shrimp cook fairly quickly, while tofu should be pressed and pan-fried until golden.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the beef and sauce ahead and keep refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, then toss with freshly cooked noodles for best texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep everything moist.