Introduction

If you love vibrant, savory meals with a perfect balance of tenderness and crunch, this Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is a must-try. Juicy slices of beef mingle with crisp-tender broccoli in a rich, garlicky sauce that’s aromatic and irresistibly flavorful. This dish is a perfect weeknight dinner or a special homemade takeout alternative. You’ll learn how to achieve restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen with simple ingredients and easy techniques.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe stands out for its texture contrast and bold flavors. The beef is seared to perfection, locking in juiciness, while the broccoli remains crisp, adding a refreshing bite. The savory soy-ginger sauce ties the dish together with a deep, umami-rich flavor that will satisfy even picky eaters. It’s quick to prepare, taking under 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings. Whether served over steaming white rice or paired with garlic noodles, this dish delivers a satisfying, aromatic experience that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Ingredients

1 lb. flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
4 cups broccoli florets, washed and trimmed
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tbsp cornstarch, divided
1/4 cup beef broth or water
1 tbsp sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
1 tsp brown sugar
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: sesame seeds for garnish

Pro Tips

Slice Beef Thinly: For maximum tenderness, freeze the beef for 15 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. This prevents toughness during cooking.
High Heat Stir-Frying: Use a wok or large skillet over high heat. This ensures the beef sears quickly, and broccoli stays crisp, creating a perfect texture contrast.
Sauce Consistency: Mix cornstarch with beef broth before adding to the pan. This ensures a glossy, thickened sauce that clings beautifully to each ingredient without becoming gummy.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Slice the beef thinly against the grain and trim broccoli into bite-sized florets. Mince garlic and grate fresh ginger. Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and 1 tbsp cornstarch with beef broth in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Beef
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat. Add beef in a single layer, searing for 1-2 minutes per side until browned but still tender. Remove beef and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry Broccoli
Add remaining oil to the pan. Toss in broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Add garlic and ginger, stirring for another 30 seconds until aromatic.

Step 4: Combine and Sauce
Return beef to the wok. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together over high heat for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Serve
Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice or your favorite noodles for a complete meal.

Variations

Chicken and Broccoli: Swap beef for thinly sliced chicken breast for a lighter variation.
Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or tempeh instead of beef and add mushrooms for extra umami.
Spicy Kick: Add 1 tsp chili flakes or a splash of Sriracha to the sauce for a spicy stir-fry twist.

Storage/Serving

Store leftover Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce. Serve over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or garlic noodles. For a low-carb option, plate over cauliflower rice or sautéed zucchini noodles. This dish also works well as a meal prep option for busy weekdays.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but cook slightly longer to reach the desired crisp-tender texture.

2. How do I prevent beef from becoming tough?
Slice thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking. High-heat, quick stir-frying is key.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and check the oyster sauce label.

4. Can this be made ahead?
Partially. Prep ingredients and sauce in advance, but cook beef and broccoli fresh for best texture.

5. What can I serve with this stir-fry?
Serve with white or brown rice, garlic noodles, or even quinoa for a wholesome meal.

Conclusion

This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe is comfort food at its finest — juicy, savory beef meets crisp, vibrant broccoli in a glossy, flavorful sauce. It’s the kind of dish that elevates a weeknight dinner into a restaurant-quality experience while remaining simple and approachable. Perfect for family meals, casual gatherings, or when you crave takeout-style flavors at home.