If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together in a flash, this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Tender, thinly sliced flank steak sizzling with bright green broccoli, all coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that packs so much umami you’ll want to dive right in. It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes—meaty, crunchy, garlicky, and ginger-tinged—with a luscious sauce that brings everything to life in just about 25 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or impressing friends with a homemade Asian-inspired dish, this recipe nails it every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe are wonderfully simple but absolutely essential to getting that classic, rich flavor and balanced texture. From fresh garlic and ginger that awaken your senses to the perfect combination of sauces and a touch of brown sugar bringing subtle sweetness, every component plays a key role.
- Flank steak (1 pound): Thinly sliced against the grain for tender, juicy beef bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Broccoli florets (3 cups): Fresh and crisp, they add a vibrant green color and satisfying crunch with every forkful.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, divided): For stir-frying—use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for the best results.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds that irresistible aromatic kick that’s essential in stir-fries.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Provides warmth and a little spicy zing.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/3 cup): A salty, savory backbone without overwhelming sodium levels.
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Delivers rich umami depth that turns simple ingredients into pure magic.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances savory elements with a gentle sweetness.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Ensures the sauce thickens to a luscious coat on beef and broccoli.
- Water (1/2 cup): Helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Adds that unmistakable nutty aroma and flavor punch at the end.
- Black pepper (to taste): For a subtle heat that enhances the overall flavor.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil in a small bowl until you get a smooth mixture. This sauce is the heart of the dish, delivering that signature glossy coating with the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Warm one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced flank steak in a single layer, letting it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes so it gets a nice sear, then stir and cook another minute until beef is just browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside to keep those juices locked in.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet and toss in the broccoli florets. Stir-fry them for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a brilliant green and become slightly tender—this keeps their crunch intact, which really uplifts the texture contrast with the tender beef.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Throw in the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step releases all those mouthwatering aromas that make your kitchen smell incredible and the dish irresistibly flavorful.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked beef to the pan, then pour over the prepared sauce. Stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes as the sauce thickens and coats every piece of beef and broccoli perfectly. Season with black pepper to taste, and before you know it, dinner is ready to serve!
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions adds an inviting crunch and a pop of fresh color that elevates the dish’s presentation and flavor. Don’t skip these little touches—they really make a difference!
Side Dishes
Serve this stir-fry over steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the mouthwatering sauce, or try it with noodles for a comforting meal. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice pairs wonderfully, letting you enjoy the full flavor without extra carbs.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider plating your Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe in lettuce cups or serving it alongside a fresh Asian-inspired salad with a zingy ginger dressing. It’s a playful way to enjoy familiar flavors in new formats that impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The beef remains tender and the broccoli still tastes fresh, making it an excellent meal prep option.
Freezing
This stir-fry can be frozen, but for best texture, freeze the beef and sauce separate from the broccoli if possible. Use airtight containers or freezer bags and consume within one month for the best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to avoid drying out the beef. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir-fry?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin, just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe?
Yes! Substitute the beef with firm tofu or seitan, and use vegetable oyster sauce or mushroom sauce to keep that savory richness in the sauce.
How do I prevent the broccoli from getting soggy?
Cook the broccoli on high heat quickly to retain its crunch and vibrant color. Avoid overcooking and stir-fry just until it’s bright green and slightly tender.
What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce with a small amount of mushroom seasoning can provide a similar depth of flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free soy sauce and verify that your oyster sauce is gluten-free or swap it with a certified gluten-free alternative to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
Once you make this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved classic. Quick, flavorful, and downright satisfying, it’s a dish that turns everyday ingredients into a memorable meal. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find it becoming a staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stirfrying
- Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful Chinese-inspired main course featuring tender flank steak and crisp broccoli florets coated in a savory oyster and soy sauce glaze. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines garlic, ginger, and a hint of brown sugar to create a perfectly balanced dish that’s delicious served over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 cups broccoli florets
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Black pepper to taste
Cooking Aromatics and Oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until just browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the broccoli: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn bright green and are slightly tender.
- Add aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan with the broccoli. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Combine beef and sauce: Return the cooked beef to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir constantly. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and broccoli.
- Season and serve: Season with black pepper to taste. Serve the stir-fry hot over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
Notes
- For more tender beef, marinate the flank steak in 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your preferred sweetness or saltiness.
- This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or a low-carb cauliflower rice alternative.
