Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is the ideal dish when you’re craving something quick, nutritious, and full of flavor. The tender beef and crunchy broccoli, combined with a savory sauce, create a delicious balance of textures and flavors. The sauce, made from soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey, perfectly coats the beef and vegetables, giving every bite a punch of umami. This recipe is also easily customizable—add more vegetables or spice it up to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain

  • 4 cups broccoli florets

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)

  • 1/4 cup water

  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)

  • Cooked rice, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Prepare the beef and broccoli: Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. Set aside. Cut the broccoli into florets and blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and set aside. If you prefer, you can also steam the broccoli for a slightly different texture.

  2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and cornstarch (if using). Add water and mix well until the sauce is smooth. Set aside.

  3. Cook the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

  4. Stir-fry the garlic and ginger: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

  5. Combine beef and broccoli: Return the cooked beef to the skillet, and add the broccoli. Stir well to combine.

  6. Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli, and stir until everything is evenly coated. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and everything is heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water to achieve your desired consistency.

  7. Finish and serve: Drizzle the sesame oil (if using) over the stir-fry and give it a final toss. Serve the Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry hot over cooked rice. Enjoy!

Servings and timing

  • Servings: 4

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Cook time: 15 minutes

  • Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the stir-fry for added color and flavor.

  • Spicy version: Add some red pepper flakes, chili paste, or fresh sliced chili peppers to spice things up.

  • Different proteins: Swap the beef for chicken, pork, or tofu for a different variation of this dish.

  • Gluten-free: Use tamari sauce or gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

  • Add nuts: For some added crunch, sprinkle roasted cashews or peanuts on top before serving.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat the stir-fry in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir-fry?

Yes, while flank steak is a popular choice for stir-fries due to its tenderness, you can also use sirloin, ribeye, or even skirt steak. Just be sure to slice it thinly against the grain for the best texture.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, you can mix cornstarch with water (called a cornstarch slurry) and add it to the sauce. Let it cook for a few minutes, and the sauce will thicken.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and slice the beef ahead of time. Just keep the beef and sauce stored separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Can I freeze this stir-fry?

You can freeze the cooked beef and broccoli stir-fry for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and heat it in a skillet with a little water or broth to help loosen the sauce.

How can I make the stir-fry spicier?

To add spice, you can use chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, or a sliced fresh chili pepper. Adjust the level of heat to your taste.

What is hoisin sauce, and can I substitute it?

Hoisin sauce is a sweet and savory sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with more soy sauce and a little honey or molasses, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Fresh broccoli is best for stir-fry since it retains its crisp texture. However, you can use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before using.

How do I know when the beef is cooked through?

The beef should be browned on the outside and slightly pink in the center. Stir-fry the beef for just a few minutes, as overcooking can make it tough.

Can I use a wok for this recipe?

Yes, a wok is a great tool for stir-frying since it allows for even heat distribution. If you don’t have a wok, any large skillet will work just fine.

How do I make the stir-fry more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor of the stir-fry by adding a tablespoon of sesame oil at the end for a nutty flavor or incorporating some Chinese five-spice powder for an aromatic touch.

Conclusion

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a simple, yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious and nutritious. The combination of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce makes this stir-fry irresistible. With its quick cooking time and easy-to-find ingredients, it’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, it’s versatile, allowing you to experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to suit your taste!

Print

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry 

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry 

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this healthy and satisfying meal is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a great option for busy weeknights. The combination of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey creates a delicious, Asian-inspired dish that everyone will love.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10min
  • Cook Time: 15min
  • Total Time: 25min
  • Yield: 4servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain

4 cups broccoli florets

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons oyster sauce

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)

Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

  • Prepare the beef and broccoli: Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. Set aside. Cut the broccoli into florets and blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and set aside. Alternatively, you can steam the broccoli.

  • Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and cornstarch (if using). Add water and mix 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 sliced beef in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

  • Stir-fry the garlic and ginger: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

  • Combine beef and broccoli: Return the cooked beef to the skillet, then add the broccoli. Stir to combine.

  • Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and broccoli and stir until everything is evenly coated. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water to reach the desired consistency.

  • Finish and serve: Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir-fry (if using) and toss to combine. Serve the beef and broccoli stir-fry hot over cooked rice.

Notes

  • Variations: Add more vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added color and flavor. For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or fresh chili peppers.

  • Swap Protein: You can substitute the beef with chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.

  • Storage/Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave.

  • Freezing: This stir-fry can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet or microwave.

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments