Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beef and broccoli stir fry is a timeless classic that combines tender slices of beef with crisp, vibrant broccoli, all tossed in a savory sauce. It is quick to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and much healthier than takeout. What makes this recipe especially appealing is its balance: the beef provides rich umami depth, while the broccoli adds freshness and crunch. I once tried this with flank steak and another time with sirloin, and both worked beautifully—the key is slicing the beef thinly against the grain. The sauce, made with soy, garlic, and a touch of sweetness, coats every bite perfectly. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option that the whole family will enjoy. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles, and you have a complete, satisfying meal with minimal effort.
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Stir Fry Beef and Broccoli – A Quick and Flavorful Takeout Classic
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A classic Chinese-American stir fry made with tender beef strips, crisp broccoli, and a savory garlic soy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add beef slices and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add broccoli florets and 2–3 tablespoons water. Cover and steam for 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return beef to the skillet. Pour in sauce mixture and toss everything together until well coated and sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, marinate beef in 1 teaspoon baking soda and water for 20 minutes before cooking, then rinse well.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- You can add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for more variety.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Beef – Flank steak or sirloin are excellent choices, as they stay tender when sliced thinly and cooked quickly.
Broccoli – Fresh broccoli florets provide a crisp texture and bright color, balancing the richness of the beef.
Soy sauce – The backbone of the stir fry sauce, delivering salty umami depth. Low-sodium soy sauce works well too.
Oyster sauce – Adds a glossy finish and complex savory flavor that ties the sauce together.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic brings bold aromatic flavor to the stir fry.
Ginger – A touch of fresh ginger adds warmth and complements both the beef and broccoli.
Brown sugar – Balances the savory elements with just a hint of sweetness.
Cornstarch – Used both for marinating the beef to keep it tender and for thickening the sauce.
Beef broth – Adds richness to the sauce while helping it coat the ingredients smoothly.
Sesame oil – Provides a nutty finish that enhances the stir fry.
Vegetable oil – Ideal for high-heat cooking, ensuring the beef sears properly.
Directions
Begin by slicing the beef thinly against the grain and tossing it in a light marinade of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a touch of sesame oil. Let it rest for 15 minutes while you prepare the broccoli and sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Stir fry the marinated beef in batches, cooking just until browned, then remove from the pan. Add the broccoli florets with a splash of water, steaming them briefly until crisp-tender. Return the beef to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and broccoli evenly.
Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil before serving. Pair with steamed rice, jasmine rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time takes about 15 minutes, and cooking takes 10 minutes, making it a 25-minute dinner from start to finish.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high power, as the beef can become tough.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy kick – Add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or Sriracha to the sauce for heat.
Different protein – Swap beef with chicken, pork, or even tofu for variety.
Low-carb version – Serve over cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
Extra vegetables – Carrots, snow peas, or baby corn make excellent additions.
Gluten-free option – Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Sweeter sauce – Add a spoonful of honey for a more pronounced sweet-savory balance.
Noodle stir fry – Toss the beef and broccoli with lo mein noodles instead of rice.
Cashew crunch – Stir in roasted cashews or almonds for texture.
FAQs
What cut of beef works best?
Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak all work well when sliced thinly against the grain.
How do I keep the beef tender?
Marinate with cornstarch and cook quickly over high heat to prevent toughness.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used, but add it straight from the freezer to avoid sogginess.
Is oyster sauce necessary?
It adds depth, but you can substitute hoisin sauce or extra soy sauce if needed.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The sauce can be prepared in advance, but cook the beef fresh for best results.
Can I double the sauce?
Yes, making extra sauce is great if you like more to soak into rice or noodles.
What oil is best for stir frying?
Neutral oils like vegetable, peanut, or canola are best for high heat cooking.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh works just as well.
How do I thicken the sauce more?
Mix a little extra cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce while cooking.
What can I serve with beef and broccoli?
Steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles make excellent pairings.
Conclusion
Stir fry beef and broccoli is the perfect recipe when you want bold flavors and a quick meal. With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a glossy sauce that ties everything together, this dish captures the essence of classic takeout while being easy to recreate at home. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—you can adjust the flavors, add vegetables, or switch up the protein to make it your own. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is the kind of dinner you will want to make again and again whenever the craving strikes.
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