Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

I first made this beef and broccoli stir fry on a rainy weeknight when I was craving something warm and savory and fast. I didn’t want to wait for takeout so I looked at what I had in the fridge and saw a bundle of broccoli and a small steak and that’s how it began. With a little soy sauce and garlic and sesame oil the whole thing came together in under 30 minutes and tasted way better than anything I could’ve ordered.

Since then this recipe has become one of my go-to weeknight dinners because it’s satisfying and fresh and packed with flavor. I love that I can tweak it depending on what veggies or cuts of meat I have on hand and it always turns out amazing. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crew this dish brings restaurant quality taste right to your table.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Flank steak – Thinly sliced and super tender when cooked quickly
• Broccoli florets – Adds freshness and crunch and soaks up the flavorful sauce
• Soy sauce – Gives the dish its savory base and umami depth
• Garlic – Brings bold and aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef
• Ginger – Adds warmth and a little zing
• Cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce and gives the beef a silky texture
• Brown sugar – Balances the saltiness and adds a hint of sweetness
• Sesame oil – Gives the dish a rich and nutty finish
• Green onions – For a pop of freshness at the end
• Sesame seeds – Optional but great for garnish and a little crunch

Tools You’ll Need

• Sharp knife – I use this to thinly slice the beef for quick cooking
• Cutting board – Keeps things clean and organized while prepping
• Mixing bowls – For marinating the beef and mixing the sauce
• Wok or large skillet – Ideal for high heat and fast stir-frying
• Tongs or spatula – Makes it easy to toss the ingredients evenly in the pan

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by slicing the flank steak thinly across the grain so it stays tender and cooks quickly.

Step 2:

In a bowl, I toss the sliced beef with soy sauce and a little cornstarch and set it aside to marinate for about 10 minutes.

Step 3:

While the beef is marinating, I whisk together the stir fry sauce using soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a splash of water.

Step 4:

In a hot wok or large skillet, I add a bit of oil and sear the beef in batches for about 1-2 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through, then I remove it and set it aside.

Step 5:

I then toss the broccoli florets into the same pan and stir-fry for a few minutes until bright green and just tender.

Step 6:

Next, I return the beef to the pan and pour in the sauce, stirring everything together so it’s evenly coated and simmering.

Step 7:

Once the sauce thickens slightly, I drizzle in a little sesame oil and sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top before serving.

Tips

If you want to make this even easier, I recommend prepping the beef and sauce ahead of time so it’s ready to toss in the pan at dinner. I also love switching in snow peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms if I need to use up veggies in the fridge. And if you like heat, a little sriracha or red pepper flakes go a long way!

Ways to Serve

I love serving this over a bowl of steamed jasmine or brown rice

It’s also great with cauliflower rice or noodles for a low-carb option

Add an egg roll or miso soup on the side to round out the meal

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef for Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry?

Yes, you can use skirt steak, sirloin, or even ribeye. Just slice it thinly for best results.

Can I make Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry ahead of time?

You can prep all the components ahead and stir-fry fresh before serving. It reheats well too!

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers and reheat in a skillet for a quick meal.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

Arrowroot or tapioca starch are great substitutes and work similarly for thickening the sauce.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry a try! It’s quick and full of flavor and one of those meals that never disappoints. I’d love to hear what twists you add to make it your own.

Happy Cooking!

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