How to Make a Small Batch Homemade Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Dinner for Two!
Hi! If you’ve been following me for long you’ll already know this, but for those who are new, welcome to Far From The Farm. I’m Mona, the Brit behind the recipes, learning life and food in the States while sharing our debt-free journey and what’s on the menu in our home today!
I have been wanting to make the perfect beef and broccoli stir-fry recipe for my husband for a while. It is one of his favorite meals.
He loves ramen-style noodles, glossy stir-fry sauce, tender beef, and broccoli. What he does not love is a stir fry full of extra vegetables he would rather pick around.
So this version keeps things simple. Beef. Broccoli. Noodles. A simple sauce. That is it.
No onions. No bean sprouts. No extra vegetables getting in the way. This makes it a great stir-fry recipe for picky eaters, or for families where somebody loves takeout-style flavors but prefers a more basic, familiar ingredient list. And it’s naturally dairy-free and allergy-friendly too.
I love making this as a special little dinner with homemade ramen noodles for birthdays, Father’s Day, or a cozy night in when I want something that feels like takeout without actually ordering takeout.
If you want to make the noodles from scratch too, try my Ramen Noodles Recipe. They work beautifully with this sauce.
You can also use dry ramen noodles if that is what you have. And if noodles are not your thing, this beef and broccoli stir-fry is also delicious over fluffy steamed white rice.
For the beef I used one medium-large New York strip steak weighing about 10 oz after trimming and sliced it thinly myself.
If you do not have access to thin sliced Asian-style beef at your grocery store, a nice steak sliced carefully at home like I’m using works really well.
Using frozen broccoli cuts or florets helps keep the cost down, which matters in this current season. I do not skimp on the steak for this dish, but I do keep the rest of it budget friendly.
That means frozen broccoli, minced garlic, easy ginger, and a sauce made from ingredients many of us already keep in the kitchen.
No hoisin sauce. No oyster sauce. No other expensive specialty bottles that get used twice and then sit in the pantry for the next year.
The sauce thickens with a simple cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a little cold water). It takes less than a minute to make and gives the sauce that glossy restaurant-style finish.
This is a basic American-Asian style stir-fry sauce with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a simple cornstarch slurry that creates that glossy takeout-style finish. Toasted sesame oil adds that familiar takeout-style flavor without needing lots of specialty ingredients.
Simple. Glossy. Sweet and savory. And it goes lovely with beef!
As a military family working through baby step 2 of our debt free journey, making more meals at home has become one of the ways we stretch our grocery budget further. Stir fry recipes are brilliant for that because you can use what you have, keep portions realistic, and still make dinner feel like something special.
And just a reminder that if you’re struggling and you need help with managing your budget or starting your own debt free journey then here’s some FREE resources below you may find helpful!
living frugally and fully
free tips and resources to make the most of what you have
As always, these photos are from my real kitchen here in our sweet military base home. No staged lighting or spotless marble counters. Just real life and real food made in a small space. Proof that you can feed your family well without needing a dream kitchen or fancy tools!
So roll up your sleeves and head into the kitchen with me to make an easy quick beef and broccoli stir-fry from scratch!
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Medium bowl
- Small bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon or spatula
- Large pot for noodles
- Colander
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Ingredients
Serves 2
- 10 oz New York strip steak, fat removed and sliced thinly
- 2 tbsp cornstarch, divided
- 1/3 cup plus 1 tbsp soy sauce, divided
- 2 cups frozen broccoli cuts or florets
- 1 serving fresh homemade ramen noodles or 1 packet dry ramen noodles, seasoning packet discarded
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1/3 cup plus 2 tbsp water, divided
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp easy ginger paste (optional)
- 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step one:
Trim the fat from your New York strip steak and slice the beef as thinly as you can.
Cut across the grain so the beef stays more tender once cooked.
If the steak is difficult to slice, place it in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes first. Slightly firm beef is much easier to cut thinly.
Step two:
Add the sliced beef to a bowl with 1 tbsp cornstarch. Mix until the beef is evenly coated.
Then into same bowl add 1 tbsp soy sauce and mix thoroughly again.
Set aside while you prepare the sauce and noodles.
This quick coating helps the beef brown nicely and gives the finished sauce something to cling to.
Step three:
In a small bowl or measuring jug, combine:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup water
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp easy ginger paste (if using)
- 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (also optional)
Stir until combined and set aside.
Step four:
In a separate small bowl, combine:
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Stir until smooth.
This simple slurry is what thickens the sauce and gives it that glossy takeout-style finish.
Step five:
Cook the noodles according to what you are using.
For fresh homemade ramen noodles, parboil for about 60 seconds.
For dry ramen noodles, cook until just tender but not mushy (see packet).
Drain, cool with cold water and set aside.
Top Tip: If you’re cooking them ahead of time I like to keep them in the cold water until needed as it prevents them sticking together without the use of oils etc.
Step six:
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the toasted sesame oil and swirl to coat the pan.
Once hot, add the beef in a single layer.
Cook quickly until browned, turning as needed.
Step seven:
Add the frozen broccoli to the same skillet.
Cook until heated through, bright green, and as tender as you like it.
If needed, add a small splash of water to help the broccoli steam.
Step eight:
Pour in the sauce mixture and stir everything together. Bring the sauce to a gentle bubble.
Step nine:
Give the slurry another quick stir, then pour it into the skillet.
Stir continuously as the sauce thickens.
Within a minute or two it should become glossy and coat the beef and broccoli nicely.
Step ten:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are coated in the sauce.
Step eleven:
Cook for another minute while tossing gently so the noodles absorb some of the sauce.
Step twelve:
Serve immediately while hot, spooning any extra sauce from the pan over the top.
Notes and Troubleshooting
Notes:
- New York strip steak works beautifully for this recipe when sliced very thinly across the grain.
- Frozen broccoli cuts or florets help keep costs down and work just as well as fresh broccoli here.
- Fresh homemade ramen noodles are my favorite option, but a packet of dry ramen noodles works perfectly too.
- Discard the dry ramen seasoning packet and use the homemade stir-fry sauce instead.
- The cornstarch slurry is what gives the sauce its glossy takeout-style finish.
- Steamed white rice works just as well as noodles if that is what you have on hand.
Troubleshooting:
My beef is chewy.
The beef was likely sliced too thickly or cooked too long. Slice as thinly as possible across the grain and cook quickly over medium-high heat.
My sauce never thickened.
Make sure the slurry was stirred before adding it to the pan. The sauce also needs to be bubbling gently for the cornstarch to activate.
My sauce became lumpy.
The cornstarch was probably added without being fully dissolved in the water first. Always whisk the slurry until smooth before adding it.
My broccoli is releasing lots of water.
Frozen broccoli naturally releases moisture. Allow some of that liquid to cook off before adding the sauce.
My noodles absorbed all the sauce.
Noodles can soak up sauce very quickly. Add a splash of water when reheating leftovers if needed.
My beef and broccoli seems dry.
Add an extra splash of water and stir for a minute or two before serving.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until piping hot.
- Add a splash of water while reheating if the noodles have absorbed some of the sauce.
- This recipe is at its best when freshly made.
- Freezing is not recommended because the broccoli and noodles can become soft after thawing.
- If meal prepping, store the noodles separately from the beef and broccoli when possible.
Serving Ideas
- Fresh homemade ramen noodles
- Dry ramen noodles
- Fluffy steamed white rice
- Microwave rice for a quick shortcut
- Extra steamed broccoli
- Soft boiled eggs
- Chili flakes or chili crisp
- Sliced green onions
- A small bowl of broth alongside the noodles
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
- Small batch recipe with very little waste
- Easy to double for a larger family meal
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- No hoisin sauce or oyster sauce required
- Budget friendly thanks to frozen broccoli
- Works with homemade or store-bought ramen noodles
- Great option for picky eaters
- Simple enough for a weeknight dinner
- Delicious over noodles or rice
FAQ
Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Double all ingredients and follow the same cooking method.
What cut of beef works best?
New York strip steak works wonderfully, but sirloin, flank steak, skirt steak, or pre-sliced stir-fry beef can also be used.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Frozen broccoli cuts or florets work very well and help keep the recipe budget friendly.
Do I need hoisin sauce or oyster sauce?
No. This recipe uses a simple homemade sauce made from pantry staples.
Can I use dry ramen noodles?
Yes. Use one packet and discard the seasoning packet.
Can I use homemade ramen noodles?
Absolutely. Homemade ramen noodles are my favorite option for this recipe.
Can I serve this over rice?
Yes. Steamed white rice works beautifully.
Can I leave out the ginger?
Yes. The sauce is still delicious without it.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of jarred minced garlic?
Yes. About 3 cloves of fresh garlic is roughly equivalent to 1 tbsp jarred minced garlic.
Easy From Scratch Quick Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Trim the fat from the New York strip steak and slice thinly across the grain. If needed, place the steak in the freezer for 15-20 minutes first to make slicing easier.
- Add the sliced beef to a bowl with 1 tbsp cornstarch. Mix until the beef is evenly coated.Then into same bowl add 1 tbsp soy sauce and mix thoroughly again.Set the coated beef aside.
- In a small bowl or measuring jug, combine 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup water, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger paste and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tbsp cornstarch and remaining 2 tbsp water until smooth to create a slurry.
- Cook the noodles according to what you are using.For fresh homemade ramen noodles, boil for about 60 seconds.For dry ramen noodles, cook until just tender but not mushy (see packet).Drain, cool with cold water and set aside.Top Tip: If you're cooking them ahead of time I like to keep them in the cold water until needed as it prevents them sticking together without the use of oils etc.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the toasted sesame oil and swirl to coat the pan.
- Add the beef in a single layer and cook until browned.
- Add the frozen broccoli into the same skillet.Cook until heated through, bright green, and as tender as you like it.If needed, add a small splash of water to help the broccoli steam.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a gentle bubble.
- Stir the slurry again and pour it into the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Add the cooked noodles and toss until coated in the sauce.
- Cook for another minute while tossing gently so the noodles absorb some of the sauce.
- Serve immediately, spooning extra sauce from the pan over the top.
Notes
- New York strip steak works beautifully when sliced very thinly across the grain.
- Frozen broccoli cuts or florets help keep this recipe budget friendly.
- Homemade ramen noodles are my favorite option, but dry ramen noodles work perfectly too.
- Discard the seasoning packet if using dry ramen noodles.
- The cornstarch slurry gives the sauce its glossy takeout-style finish.
- Steamed white rice can be used instead of noodles.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until piping hot.
- Add a splash of water while reheating if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Best enjoyed fresh.
- Freezing is not recommended.
- If meal prepping, store the noodles separately from the beef and broccoli when possible.
Related Recipes
- From Scratch Homemade Ramen Noodles Recipe
- More Dinner Recipes
- All the Stir-Fry Recipes
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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The Takeaway
This easy beef and broccoli stir-fry is simple, cozy, and just special enough to feel like a treat.
It keeps the ingredient list short for picky eaters, uses frozen broccoli to help with the budget, and gives you that glossy sweet and savory sauce without needing lots of expensive specialty bottles.
Serve it with homemade ramen noodles for a birthday or Father’s Day dinner. Serve it with dry ramen noodles on a busy weeknight. Serve it over fluffy white rice when that is what you have.
Either way, it is a lovely little homemade takeout-style dinner that feels far more special than the effort involved!
What to Try Next?!
Share & Rate This Recipe!
If this beef and broccoli stir-fry earns a place at your dinner table, tap the stars on the recipe card and leave a quick comment below. I love hearing how these recipes work in real kitchens like ours!
Last update on 2026-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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