Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a classic dish that's quick to make and packed with flavor. Tender slices of beef cooked perfectly with crisp broccoli florets in a delicious…
By Emily
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Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a classic dish that’s quick to make and packed with flavor. Tender slices of beef cooked perfectly with crisp broccoli florets in a delicious soy-based sauce make this meal both satisfying and fresh. The mix of textures—from the juicy beef to the crunchy veggies—keeps every bite interesting and tasty.
I love how easy this stir fry is to pull together on a busy night. I usually marinate the beef a little before cooking to make it extra juicy and flavorful. Plus, the sauce comes together in just a few minutes, so you get a homemade meal without hours in the kitchen. It’s one of my go-to weeknight dinners because it never fails to please everyone at the table.
My favorite way to enjoy this beef and broccoli stir fry is with a side of steamed rice or even noodles to soak up the tasty sauce. It’s a great way to add some color and fresh veggies to your dinner, and it feels like a restaurant-quality dish without any fuss. If you like a little heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes makes it even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Sirloin or flank steak works best because they’re tender and cook quickly. Always slice thinly against the grain to keep the beef tender. If you need a budget-friendly option, skirt or round steak also work well.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best for that perfect crunch. You can substitute with broccolini or even snap peas if you want a twist. Just adjust cooking time to keep veggies crisp.
Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce: These add the umami flavor the dish is known for. If you want gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For oyster sauce, mushroom stir-fry sauce is a good vegetarian alternative.
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the sauce and creates a nice glossy finish. You can use arrowroot powder as a substitute if preferred.
How Do You Get Tender Beef and Crispy Broccoli in Stir Fry?
Balancing tender beef and crisp broccoli is all about timing and heat.
- Slice the beef thin: This makes it cook fast and stay tender.
- Marinate briefly: The soy sauce and cornstarch mix helps protect the beef and tenderize it during cooking.
- Cook broccoli first: Stir-fry broccoli just until bright green and slightly tender, then remove it from the pan to avoid overcooking.
- High heat for beef: Sear the beef quickly on high heat without stirring for a minute. This locks in juices.
- Add aromatics last: Garlic and ginger go in after the beef has started cooking for the best flavor without burning.
- Bring it all together: Return broccoli and add sauce at the end, cooking just until the sauce thickens, coating everything beautifully.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok – great for high-heat cooking and tossing ingredients quickly.
- Sharp knife – helps you slice beef thinly and evenly for tender pieces.
- Cutting board – big enough to safely prep beef and broccoli separately.
- Mixing bowls – handy for marinating beef and whisking the sauce ingredients.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – perfect for stirring without scratching your pan.
- Measuring spoons and cups – useful for getting the sauce ratios just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef for chicken breast or thighs for a leaner or more affordable protein option.
- Add sliced shiitake mushrooms for extra earthiness and texture.
- Include some red bell peppers or snap peas for a pop of color and crunch.
- Stir in a little chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes if you like a spicy kick.
How to Make Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
For the Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, for a total of roughly 20 minutes. It’s a quick and tasty dish perfect for busy evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a medium bowl, mix soy sauce, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. Add the thinly sliced beef and toss well to coat. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to soak up the flavors.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water or beef broth, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Set this mixture aside to use later.
3. Stir-Fry the Broccoli:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and just start to become tender. Remove the broccoli to a plate and keep aside.
4. Cook the Beef:
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the skillet. Spread the marinated beef out in a single layer and let it sear without stirring for about 1 minute. Then, stir-fry the beef for another 2-3 minutes until it’s mostly cooked through.
5. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until you can smell their wonderful aroma.
6. Combine and Finish Cooking:
Return the broccoli to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli nicely.
7. Serve:
Take the pan off the heat. Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top as garnish. Serve your beef and broccoli stir fry hot over steamed white rice, with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over for a fresh burst of flavor.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Stir Fry?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before cooking to avoid a soggy stir fry. Stir-fry it a little less time since it’s already partially cooked.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover beef and broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Substitute the Beef With Another Protein?
Absolutely! Chicken, pork, or firm tofu work well as alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time—chicken and pork take a bit longer, and tofu should be pressed and pan-fried until crispy before adding sauce.
What’s the Best Way to Prevent Beef from Becoming Tough?
Slice the beef thinly against the grain and marinate it briefly with soy sauce and cornstarch. Cook over high heat quickly without overcrowding the pan to keep it tender and juicy.
