Glossy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Noodles in 30 Minutes Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve the absolute best texture for your beef, ensure the wok is completely hot before adding the meat. A hot surface is crucial for achieving that beautiful, caramelized sear without overcooking the interior of the beef.

If your pan is not hot enough, the beef will release its juices and boil instead of searing, resulting in a tough texture.

If you prefer a bit of heat in your stir-fry, feel free to customize the dish by tossing in some crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili paste along with the dark savory sauce.

You can also enhance the fresh elements by tossing in some sliced green onions or bean sprouts during the final minute of cooking for an extra layer of crunch.

Variations

• Spicy Noodle Stir Fry: Add a tablespoon of chili paste or sriracha to the dark savory sauce before tossing for a fiery kick.
• Beef and Snap Pea Stir Fry: Replace the broccoli florets with crisp sugar snap peas for a sweeter flavor and extra crunch.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the noodles and broccoli will become mushy upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat in a hot skillet with a tablespoon of water to loosen the sauce, tossing constantly until hot.

Allow any leftover stir-fried noodles to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them into an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator. The noodles will absorb more of the savory sauce as they sit, making them incredibly flavorful the next day.

While stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh from the wok, you can easily prepare the individual components up to a day in advance.

Keep your pre-marinated beef, chopped broccoli, sliced carrots, and boiled noodles in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you are ready to eat, the actual cooking process takes less than ten minutes.

Serving ideas

Serve these glistening, saucy noodles hot, straight from the wok into wide, shallow bowls. This presentation showcases the vibrant colors of the broccoli and carrots against the dark, glossy noodles and seared beef.

For an authentic touch, provide chopsticks and soup spoons to make gathering the noodles and savory beef slices easy and enjoyable.

To elevate the presentation, garnish the finished dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a handful of thinly sliced green onions scattered over the top. A light drizzle of additional sauce just before serving can add a fresh burst of flavor and a beautiful extra shine to the glossy noodles.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Glossy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Noodles in 30 Minutes

Prep 10 minCook 10 minRest 3 minTotal 23 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb marinated beef (made ahead)
• 8 oz dried lo mein noodles
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup dark savory sauce (store-bought or made ahead)

Instructions

1. Cook the lo mein noodles in a large pot of boiling water according to the package directions. Drain the noodles and rinse them briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, then set them aside.
2. Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat until hot. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear without moving for 1 to 2 minutes to get a deep brown crust, then toss and stir-fry for another 1 to 2 minutes until the beef is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Transfer the beef to a plate and let it rest for at least 3 minutes.
3. In the same wok over medium-high heat, add the broccoli florets and sliced carrots. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, tossing constantly, until the broccoli is bright green and the carrots are slightly softened.
4. Return the cooked noodles and seared beef along with any accumulated juices back into the wok with the vegetables. Pour the dark savory sauce over everything and toss vigorously over high heat for 1 to 2 minutes.

Contains: soy, gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

30 g

Carbohydrates

50 g

Fat

14 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.