There’s something magical about bringing your favorite takeout to life in your own kitchen, and this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry lets you do just that! Sweet, savory, and brimming with tender steak and crisp broccoli, this dish delivers restaurant-level flavors in only 30 minutes. The combination of juicy beef, punchy ginger-garlic, and a glossy, umami-packed sauce will have everyone at your table reaching for seconds. You won’t believe how easy it is to master this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry — it’s about to become your new go-to for busy weeknights and cozy dinners alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of well-chosen ingredients, Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry packs a delicious punch. Each item in the lineup has its own role, from creating a tender, flavorful beef to giving that iconic glossy sauce and crisp-tender veggie crunch. Here’s exactly what you need and why you’ll love each piece!
- Flank steak: Sliced thin against the grain, it stays juicy and soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- Broccoli florets: Adds color, crunch, and a fresh, nutritious bite that balances the dish.
- Vegetable oil: The neutral oil allows all the bold flavors to shine and cooks everything evenly.
- Garlic: Brings a classic pungent kick, waking up the whole dish with aromatics.
- Fresh ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle spice that brightens each bite.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Forms the base of the stir-fry sauce, giving saltiness and deep umami.
- Oyster sauce: Contributes a distinct richness and sweet-savory depth, making the sauce unforgettable.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce until it coats every piece of beef and broccoli just right.
- Brown sugar: Introduces delicate sweetness to balance out all the salty, savory notes.
- Beef broth or water: Loosens the sauce and keeps things moist without diluting flavor.
- Sesame oil: A drizzle of this at the end offers nutty aroma and finish.
- Cooked white rice: The perfect bed to soak up extra sauce and complete your meal.
- Sesame seeds and green onions: Optional, but they make the final dish pop with added crunch and color!
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Step 1: Mix Up the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, beef broth, and sesame oil. This simple mixture is your secret weapon for Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry — it thickens up to a glossy glaze that coats every bite and infuses the entire dish with sweet-savory complexity. Have this ready up front so the stir-frying goes lightning fast!
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add all those beautiful broccoli florets, and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn a vibrant green and are just crisp-tender. This method cooks the broccoli fast, so it keeps color and crunch. Scoop them out and set aside so you can focus on getting the beef just right.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil, then arrange your sliced steak in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes without stirring to get that irresistible caramelized crust before flipping and cooking another 2 minutes. You want the beef browned and just cooked through. This technique locks in flavor and keeps things tender.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Sprinkle the garlic and ginger right into the pan with the beef, and stir-fry everything together for about 30 seconds. This quick blast in the hot pan releases their fragrance, layering in those tempting aromas that define a great Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the broccoli to the pan with the beef. Give your sauce another quick stir, then pour it all over. Toss everything to coat. Stir-fry for 1 to 2 more minutes until the sauce is bubbling and thickened and every piece of beef and broccoli is slick with savory glaze. You’re ready to plate up and enjoy!
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Garnishes
Finish your Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of thin-sliced green onions. These simple garnishes add both crunch and a fresh pop of color, making your dinner look (and taste!) just like it came from your favorite restaurant.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong serving this over a big scoop of steaming white rice — it soaks up every bit of sauce perfectly. For a lighter twist, try cauliflower rice, brown rice, or even noodles. Add a simple cucumber salad or edamame on the side for a refreshing, balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this dish into something special for guests by serving individual portions in small bowls, or spoon Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held experience. For lunch, tuck leftovers into a wrap with extra greens or pile it into a bento box for workday envy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Pack it into an airtight container as soon as it cools. The flavors meld and get even better, making tomorrow’s lunch a delicious treat.
Freezing
You can freeze this stir-fry for future quick meals! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers. It’ll stay tasty for up to two months. Just remember, the texture of the broccoli can change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
Reheating
To reheat, use the stovetop over medium heat for the best results, adding a splash of water or beef broth if the sauce has thickened up too much. The microwave works in a pinch — just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep everything moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir-fry?
Absolutely! While flank steak is classic for Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry because it cooks up super tender, skirt steak or sirloin make great alternatives. Just be sure to slice whichever cut you use thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten free?
Yes! Swap the regular soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, and check that your oyster sauce is gluten free. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten free, making this an easy dish to adapt for everyone.
How can I add more veggies to this stir-fry?
Feel free to toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrition. Just cut them into thin strips and stir-fry along with the broccoli so everything cooks up crisp and vibrant.
Can I prepare Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry ahead of time?
You can! Slice the steak, chop the veggies, and whisk together the sauce a few hours ahead. Store each component separately in the fridge, then stir-fry everything fresh for a speedy dinner when you’re ready.
What’s the best way to get tender beef?
The secret is slicing your beef super thin against the grain and quickly stirring it over high heat without overcooking. For even more tenderness, you can marinate the beef in a little of the sauce for 15 to 30 minutes before cooking.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to bring Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry to your own dinner table. There’s something so rewarding about mastering this classic — simple, nourishing, and truly delicious every single time. Give it a try soon, and don’t forget to share your masterpiece with family and friends!
Print
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry recipe that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender beef slices and crisp broccoli are coated in a savory sauce, served over rice, and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Cooked white rice for serving
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, beef broth, and sesame oil. Set aside.
- Stir-Fry: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. Remove from skillet. Add remaining oil, then cook sliced beef for 2–3 minutes without stirring, then stir and cook for another 2 minutes until browned. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 30 seconds. Return broccoli to the pan, pour in the sauce, toss to coat. Stir-fry for 1–2 more minutes until sauce thickens slightly and heated through.
- Serve: Serve over rice, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice.
- You can also use skirt steak or sirloin if flank steak isn’t available.
- Marinate the beef in the sauce for 15–30 minutes for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (without rice)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
