Beef and broccoli stir fry is a classic dish that delivers a perfect balance of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce that ties everything together. This easy, homemade version brings all the flavors of your favorite takeout right to your kitchen in under 30 minutes.
Stir fry recipes are a lifesaver for busy weeknights because they’re quick to make and loaded with healthy ingredients. This dish uses thinly sliced beef, which cooks quickly, and fresh broccoli that stays vibrant and slightly crunchy. The sauce, a perfect blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness, coats every bite, making this dish irresistible.
One of the biggest advantages of making beef and broccoli at home is that you can control the ingredients and adjust the flavors to your liking. Whether you prefer a little more garlic, a dash of heat from red pepper flakes, or a touch of sweetness from honey, this recipe is easily customizable.
Another reason this dish is so popular is that it’s a complete meal in one pan. You get protein, fiber, and vitamins from the beef and broccoli, and when served over steamed rice or noodles, it’s both satisfying and wholesome.
If you’re a fan of meal prepping, beef and broccoli stir fry is an excellent choice. It reheats well, making it perfect for packing into lunch containers or enjoying as leftovers. The flavors deepen after sitting overnight, giving you an even more flavorful meal the next day.
This dish is also a great way to introduce more vegetables into your diet. Broccoli is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, making it a nutrient-packed addition to any meal. Plus, the quick cooking method helps preserve its vibrant color and crunchy texture.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a healthier alternative to takeout, or a dish that the whole family will love, this Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a winner. It’s simple, flavorful, and comes together in just one pan, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to satisfy your cravings. So, get ready to ditch the takeout and enjoy a homemade version that’s even better!
Servings
Serves 4 people
Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Place the thinly sliced beef in a bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until evenly coated. This helps create a tender texture and helps the sauce stick.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
- Cook 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 tender but still crisp. Remove the broccoli and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the sliced beef in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove excess oil if necessary.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef and stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli and stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Simmer and Thicken: Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli. Add sesame oil and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy hot.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Flank steak or sirloin works best for stir fry. Slice it against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Marinate for More Flavor: For even more flavor, marinate the beef in a tablespoon of soy sauce and ginger for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic elevate the flavor of the dish, but you can substitute with ground versions if needed.
- Add Extra Veggies: For variety, add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the stir fry.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Summary
This Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknights. With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory homemade sauce, it’s a healthier and tastier alternative to takeout. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is simple to make and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water slurry
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Place the thinly sliced beef in a bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until evenly coated. This helps create a tender texture and helps the sauce stick.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
- Cook 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 tender but still crisp. Remove the broccoli and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the sliced beef in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove excess oil if necessary.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef and stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the beef and broccoli and stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Simmer and Thicken: Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli. Add sesame oil and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles. Enjoy hot.
Notes
- Choose the Right Cut: Flank steak or sirloin works best for stir fry. Slice it against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Marinate for More Flavor: For even more flavor, marinate the beef in a tablespoon of soy sauce and ginger for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic elevate the flavor of the dish, but you can substitute with ground versions if needed.
- Add Extra Veggies: For variety, add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the stir fry.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.