Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Udon Noodles

This beef and broccoli stir-fry features tender strips of beef, crisp broccoli florets, and chewy udon noodles coated in a rich, savory sauce. It’s a quick, satisfying one-pan meal that brings together the bold flavors of Asian cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and satisfying thanks to the thick udon noodles.

• Quick to prepare—ideal for busy weeknights.

• Balanced with protein, vegetables, and carbs.

• Versatile and customizable with other vegetables or proteins.

• Delicious homemade stir-fry sauce with deep umami flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Udon noodles (fresh or frozen)

• Beef (flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced)

• Broccoli florets

• Garlic (minced)

• Soy sauce

• Oyster sauce

• Dark soy sauce (optional, for color and depth)

• Brown sugar

• Cornstarch

• Sesame oil

• Vegetable oil

• Water or beef broth

• Green onions (optional, for garnish)

• Red pepper flakes or chili oil (optional)

Directions

1. Cook udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a bowl, toss beef slices with a bit of soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let marinate briefly.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add beef and sear until browned. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same pan, add garlic and broccoli. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, adding a splash of water to steam the broccoli slightly.

5. Return the beef to the pan. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), brown sugar, and a little water or broth. Stir to combine.

6. Add cooked udon noodles and toss everything together until coated in sauce and heated through.

7. Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with green onions or chili flakes before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 3–4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: ~25 minutes

Variations

• Substitute beef with chicken, shrimp, tofu, or mushrooms.

• Add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas.

• Use lo mein or rice noodles if udon is unavailable.

• Spice it up with sriracha or sambal oelek.

Storage / Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat: warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth. Avoid microwave reheating, as it may dry out the noodles.

FAQs

What cut of beef works best?

Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye are ideal for stir-frying due to their tenderness when sliced thinly against the grain.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes. Thaw slightly and pat dry before adding to the pan to avoid excess water.

How do I prevent the beef from overcooking?

Cook quickly over high heat and remove from the pan once browned. It will finish cooking when tossed with the sauce.

Are udon noodles gluten-free?

Traditional udon noodles are made from wheat. Use gluten-free alternatives if needed.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes. Replace beef with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetarian oyster sauce or more soy sauce.

How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should be glossy and coat the noodles well. You can thicken it slightly with extra cornstarch if needed.

What’s the difference between light and dark soy sauce?

Light soy sauce is saltier and thinner; dark soy sauce adds color and depth. You can use just light soy if preferred.

Can I make this spicy?

Yes. Add chili oil, red pepper flakes, or sliced fresh chili to the stir-fry.

What can I serve with this dish?

It’s a complete meal on its own but pairs nicely with a light soup or a side salad.

How to keep the noodles from sticking?

Toss them with a small amount of oil after cooking, or add directly to the hot sauce to separate them.

Conclusion

This beef and broccoli stir-fry with udon noodles is a flavorful, filling dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its tender beef, crisp broccoli, and rich umami sauce, it’s sure to become a regular in your stir-fry rotation.

Print