Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and tasty meal that brings together tender slices of beef with crisp, bright green broccoli. The dish is usually coated in a…
Tip: save now, cook later.Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and tasty meal that brings together tender slices of beef with crisp, bright green broccoli. The dish is usually coated in a flavorful sauce that’s a perfect mix of salty and a little sweet, making every bite satisfying and full of flavor. It’s one of those meals that’s both healthy and comforting without needing a lot of time to prepare.
I love making this dish when I want something wholesome and filling but don’t have hours to spend cooking. The beef cooks fast, and the broccoli keeps a nice crunch if you don’t overcook it, which I think makes a big difference. My favorite trick is to marinate the beef just for a little while before cooking—it locks in the flavor and makes the meat extra tender, which I always appreciate when I’m hungry and want dinner ready quickly.
I often serve this over simple steamed white rice or even noodles, so the sauce soaks in and you get a little bit of everything in each bite. It’s also great for leftovers, which means I can pack it for lunch the next day and still enjoy that same tasty mix of beef and broccoli. If you’re looking for a dinner that feels a bit special but comes together easily, this is one to keep in your go-to list.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak or sirloin works best for stir fry because they’re tender and cook quickly. If you can’t find these, skirt steak or even thinly sliced chuck can be good alternatives. Just slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets give a nice crunch and color. If you want, you can swap for broccolini or even green beans for a different twist. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the vegetable’s texture.
Soy Sauce: This is key for the salty umami flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want less salt. For a gluten-free option, tamari is a great substitute without changing the taste much.
Oyster Sauce: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness. If you don’t have it, hoisin sauce can stand in, but it’s sweeter, so slightly reduce any sugar in the recipe.
Brown Sugar or Honey: These balance the saltiness with a touch of sweetness. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be swapped in if you prefer natural sweeteners.
How Do I Get Tender, Flavorful Beef and Perfectly Crisp Broccoli?
Marinating the beef is key. Mixing it with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil helps tenderize and keep it juicy during cooking. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes but no longer than an hour.
For the broccoli, blanching in boiling water for just 1-2 minutes and then rinsing in cold water stops cooking early. This keeps it bright green and crisp, not mushy.
- Heat your pan on medium-high with oil; a hot pan sears the beef quickly and locks in juices.
- Cook beef slices without overcrowding to get nice sear marks and flavor.
- Add garlic and ginger early to release their aroma without burning.
- Add sauce and veggies last, stirring just enough to heat and coat everything.
Following these steps means your beef stays tender and broccoli stays fresh, with a sauce that clings nicely for a balanced taste in every bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok – perfect for quick, even cooking and tossing beef with broccoli and sauce.
- Sharp chef’s knife – helps you slice the beef thinly and the broccoli into bite-sized pieces easily.
- Cutting board – essential for prepping all your ingredients safely and efficiently.
- Mixing bowls – handy for marinating the beef and mixing the stir fry sauce ahead of time.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to get your sauce flavors just right without guessing.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – for stirring and tossing everything without scratching your pan.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef for thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs for a lighter or milder flavor that cooks just as quickly.
- Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra color, crunch, and a fresh taste that pairs well with the sauce.
- Mix in shiitake or button mushrooms to introduce a deep, earthy flavor and boost the umami profile.
- For a spicy kick, stir in chili garlic sauce or add fresh sliced chilies when cooking garlic and ginger.
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups broccoli florets, washed and dried
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (such as canola or peanut oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces (optional)
- 1 red chili pepper, sliced (optional, for heat)
Marinade:
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Stir Fry Sauce:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
To Garnish:
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, 15 minutes for marinating the beef, and around 10 minutes for cooking. So in total, expect roughly 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s a fast and flavorful meal that cooks up quickly once you start!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a medium bowl, mix the sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. This makes the beef tender and flavorful. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes while you get other things ready.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
Whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and black pepper in a small bowl. Set this savory-sweet sauce aside until it’s time to cook.
3. Blanch the Broccoli:
Boil a pot of water and add the broccoli florets. Let them cook for 1-2 minutes until they turn bright green but still feel crisp. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and keep that crunch.
4. Cook the Stir Fry:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the marinated beef, spreading it out in a single layer for a good sear. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until beef is almost cooked through.
Throw in the broccoli, chili slices if using, and green onions. Pour the prepared sauce over everything.
5. Finish and Serve:
Stir together and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat and vegetables beautifully.
Take off heat and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Stir Fry?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but thaw it completely and drain any excess water before cooking. This will help prevent the stir fry from becoming watery and keep the broccoli from getting soggy.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Substitute Chicken or Tofu for the Beef?
Absolutely! Use thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs, or firm tofu cubes. Adjust cooking times so chicken is cooked through and tofu is heated evenly without falling apart.
What’s the Best Way to Slice the Beef for Stir Fry?
The key is to slice the beef thinly and against the grain. This makes the meat more tender and easier to chew. For best results, partially freeze the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing—it makes cutting thin strips much easier.