If you have ever craved that perfect balance of tender, savory beef combined with crisp, vibrant broccoli, then this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a timeless favorite that brings together juicy slices of marinated beef and fresh broccoli florets coated in a luscious, slightly sweet sauce that clings to every bite. This dish not only captures the essence of your favorite Asian takeout but does so with simplicity and freshness that will have you skipping delivery and craving it homemade time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each one playing a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the hearty beef to the crunchy broccoli and the fragrant ginger and garlic, every component is essential to bring this dish to life.
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain): Choosing a tender cut and slicing against the grain ensures tender bites every time.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps to coat the beef for a perfect sear and thickens the sauce as well.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds deep umami and balances savory notes throughout the dish.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Brings that classic, rich, slightly sweet charm essential in stir-fries.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A small amount of this oil adds an irresistible nutty aroma.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided): Used for stir-frying to get that high-heat sear without smoking.
- 4 cups broccoli florets: The star vegetable that adds crunch, color, and freshness.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic injects bold, aromatic flavor to elevate the dish.
- ½ teaspoon fresh ginger (grated): Adds bright, zesty warmth that balances the richness.
- For the sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: The soy sauce base keeps the sauce flavorful but not overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: More of this sauce deepens the savory notes and gives a silky finish.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to coat your beef and broccoli beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the saltiness.
- ½ cup beef broth or water: Provides the liquid foundation for the sauce with gentle beefy undertones.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by tossing your thinly sliced beef in a bowl with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and a teaspoon of sesame oil. This simple marinade works wonders, infusing the beef with flavor while tenderizing it slightly. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes — this is your moment to prep the rest of your ingredients or get your skillet heating up.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While your beef marinates, whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and beef broth. The magic of this sauce is its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors, thickened just enough to cling to every piece of beef and broccoli.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry them for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re bright green and just tender — that satisfying crunch should still be there. Once done, remove and set aside to keep them fresh and crisp for later.
Step 4: Sear the Beef
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to your hot skillet. Spread the marinated beef out in a single layer and let it sear undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes — this creates a beautiful caramelized crust. Then, stir-fry the beef for another 1 to 2 minutes until it’s browned on all sides. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for just 30 seconds until aromatic but not burnt.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet, pour in your prepared sauce, and toss everything together. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes as the sauce thickens and beautifully coats the beef and broccoli, creating that signature glossy finish that makes this beef and broccoli stir-fry recipe so irresistible.
How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or finely sliced green onions over the finished dish to add a burst of freshness and a little extra texture. A few chili flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha also jazz things up if you like your stir-fry with a hint of heat.
Side Dishes
This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is fantastic served over fluffy steamed white or brown rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. Alternatively, you can serve it over freshly cooked noodles or even cauliflower rice for a lighter take, making it adaptable to whatever you have on hand or prefer.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, serve the stir-fry in a large, beautiful wok or platter surrounded by bowls of rice and simple sides like pickled vegetables or steamed dumplings. If you want to impress at a dinner party, plating the stir-fry atop a nest of crispy fried noodles or inside lettuce cups adds a delightful twist that invites conversation and compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The beef and broccoli may release some liquid overnight, so stir well before reheating. For best texture, keep your rice or noodles separate if you plan to store them together.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For freezing, make sure it cools completely before sealing to avoid ice crystals. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stir-fry over medium heat in a skillet or wok, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid overheating and drying out the beef.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak and sirloin are ideal for their tenderness and quick cooking time, other cuts like ribeye or even skirt steak can work well if sliced thinly against the grain.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the beef for tofu, tempeh, or even mushrooms to keep that hearty texture. Just be sure to use vegetarian oyster sauce or substitute with hoisin sauce to keep the flavor balanced.
How do I keep the broccoli crisp in the stir-fry?
Cooking broccoli quickly over high heat is key to keeping it vibrant and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan, and if your broccoli is very firm, a quick steam for a minute before stir-frying helps soften it without losing crunch.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be whisked together up to a day in advance and kept in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before using so the cornstarch hasn’t settled at the bottom.
What can I add to give this recipe more heat?
Adding a pinch of chili flakes during cooking or drizzling with a little Sriracha at the table can bring your desired level of heat without overpowering the other flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both comforting and exciting at the same time. Its blend of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and bold sauce comes together so effortlessly that it quickly becomes a go-to weeknight favorite. Try it tonight, and I promise it will find a special place in your recipe rotation — ready to please everyone at your table with its vibrant flavor and satisfying texture.
Print
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
A classic Asian-inspired beef and broccoli stir-fry featuring tender marinated flank steak, crisp broccoli florets, and a savory sauce made with soy and oyster sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ cup beef broth or water
Instructions
- Marinate the beef: In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes while you prepare other ingredients to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and ½ cup beef broth or water until smooth. Set aside to use later.
- Cook the broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn bright green and become just tender but still crisp. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Cook the beef: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the skillet. Spread the marinated beef in a single layer and cook without stirring for 2 to 3 minutes to sear it, then stir-fry for another 1 to 2 minutes until the beef is browned and nearly cooked through. Add minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 30 seconds to release their aromatic flavors.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked broccoli to the pan with the beef. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and toss everything together. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli evenly.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the beef and broccoli hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of chili flakes or Sriracha to the sauce for some heat.
- This dish works well with chicken or tofu as alternatives to beef.
- If your broccoli is very firm or tough, consider steaming it for one minute before stir-frying to ensure tenderness.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness in the dish.
