If you’re craving a restaurant-quality Asian dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, this Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is the perfect recipe. Tender slices of beef, crisp-tender broccoli, and a savory-sweet stir-fry sauce create a delicious and well-balanced meal that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles.
1. Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
(Servings: 4 people)
Ingredients
For the Beef and Broccoli:
- 1 lb flank steak, very thinly sliced into bite-sized strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil), divided
- 1 lb fresh broccoli, cut into about 6 cups of florets
- 2 tsp sesame seeds, optional garnish
For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (loosely packed)
- 2 tsp garlic, grated (about 3 cloves)
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 6 tbsp low sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free Tamari)
- 3 tbsp packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp corn starch
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Slice the beef: For best results, partially freeze the flank steak for about 20–30 minutes before slicing. This helps you cut thin, even strips against the grain, which makes the meat more tender.
Cut the broccoli: Rinse and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. You can also peel and slice the stems to avoid waste.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together hot water, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Next, add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until bright green and just tender-crisp. Then transfer the cooked broccoli to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Increase the heat to high and add the sliced beef in a single layer.
Cook for 2–3 minutes without stirring, allowing a nice sear to form. Stir and cook another 2–3 minutes, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Lower the heat to medium.
Give the prepared sauce a quick stir (the cornstarch may have settled at the bottom).
Pour the sauce over the beef and stir constantly for about 1–2 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken and coat the meat evenly.
Add the cooked broccoli back into the pan and toss everything together for another 1–2 minutes until heated through and coated in sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
2. Tips for Perfect Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Slice the beef thinly: The thinner the slices, the more tender your beef will be. Always slice against the grain for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Don’t overcook the broccoli: You want bright green, crisp-tender broccoli — not soggy florets. Stir-frying for about 4–5 minutes is usually perfect.
Use high heat: Stir-frying is a fast cooking method that depends on high heat to quickly sear the meat and vegetables while preserving their flavor and texture.
Mix the sauce before pouring: The cornstarch can settle, so always stir the sauce again before adding it to the pan to ensure smooth thickening.
Control the salt: Use low sodium soy sauce to prevent the dish from becoming too salty, especially since the sauce reduces slightly during cooking.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What kind of beef is best for stir-fry?
Flank steak is the most popular choice because it’s lean and flavorful. You can also use sirloin, skirt steak, or flat iron steak — just make sure to slice thinly against the grain.
Q2: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well! Just thaw it and pat it dry before stir-frying. Cook for a shorter time to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Q3: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute low sodium soy sauce with gluten-free Tamari or coconut aminos. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Q4: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the stir-fry sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Shake or stir before using.
Q5: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
4. Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 365 kcal |
| Protein | 29 g |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Sugars | 10 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 70 mg |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Potassium | 680 mg |
This Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry recipe brings together tender beef, fresh broccoli, and a rich, savory sauce that’s both simple and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week, it’s a healthy and flavorful option that takes just minutes to make.
Serve it over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy the comfort of a homemade dish that tastes better than takeout. Once you learn how to make beef and broccoli stir fry with this easy recipe, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!
