Weeknight • Beef

Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Skip takeout and make this delicious, quick beef and broccoli stir-fry with tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce.

Prep
15 min
Cook
10 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

When that craving for Chinese takeout hits, this Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is here to save the day! It's incredibly simple, comes together faster than delivery, and tastes absolutely fantastic. Tender beef and vibrant broccoli are coated in a rich, savory sauce, making it a perfect quick and healthy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

For the Beef

  • 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda (tenderizes beef)

For the Sauce

  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, but adds depth)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

For the Stir-Fry

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • Cooked rice, for serving
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Marinate the beef: In a medium bowl, combine thinly sliced beef, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Toss to coat and let sit for at least 15 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.

  2. Step 2

    Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, 1/4 cup soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.

  3. Step 3

    Blanch the broccoli: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 1-2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Drain immediately and set aside.

  4. Step 4

    Cook the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add half of the marinated beef in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes until browned. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cooked through. Remove beef from skillet and set aside. Repeat with remaining beef and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.

  5. Step 5

    Sauté aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet (if needed). Add minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  6. Step 6

    Combine and thicken: Return the cooked beef and blanched broccoli to the skillet. Give the prepared sauce a quick whisk (cornstarch settles!) and pour it over the beef and broccoli. Stir constantly and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything. Don't overcook, or the sauce can become too thick.

  7. Step 7

    Serve immediately over cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!

Tips

  • Slicing the beef thinly and against the grain is key for tender results. Partially freezing the beef for 20-30 minutes makes it easier to slice.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef; cook in batches if necessary to ensure it browns instead of steams.
  • Add a handful of snow peas or sliced bell peppers for extra veggies and color.

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