Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish made with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory homemade sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this takeout-style meal is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – Ready in 30 minutes or less.
- Healthier than takeout – Uses fresh ingredients with no added MSG.
- Customizable – Adjust the sauce and add your favorite veggies.
- One-pan meal – Fewer dishes, less cleanup!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Stir Fry:
- Flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced)
- Broccoli florets
- Garlic (minced)
- Ginger (grated)
- Vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
For the Sauce:
- Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- Oyster sauce
- Brown sugar (or honey)
- Cornstarch (to thicken)
- Beef broth (or water)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the beef – Slice steak thinly against the grain and toss with a tablespoon of soy sauce and cornstarch. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Make the sauce – In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and beef broth. Set aside.
- Cook the beef – Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear beef for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the pan.
- Stir-fry broccoli – Add more oil if needed, then stir-fry broccoli, garlic, and ginger for about 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Combine & simmer – Return beef to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir well. Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve – Garnish with sesame seeds and serve over rice or noodles.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version – Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes.
- Vegetarian option – Swap beef for tofu or mushrooms.
- Low-carb option – Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Extra veggies – Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
What’s the best cut of beef for stir-fry?
Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak work best. Slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check labels on the oyster sauce.
How do I make my beef extra tender?
Marinate in soy sauce and cornstarch for 10 minutes before cooking.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Blanch it first or add directly to the pan, cooking a few minutes longer.
What should I serve with beef and broccoli?
It pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the sauce and beef in advance, then cook fresh for best texture.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Cornstarch naturally thickens the sauce when simmered. Add a little extra if needed.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Substitute sliced chicken breast and adjust the cook time accordingly.
How do I prevent the beef from being chewy?
Cook quickly over high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just cook the beef in batches to avoid steaming.
Conclusion
Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a simple, delicious meal that’s better than takeout. With tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a rich, savory sauce, this dish is perfect for any night of the week. Try it today and enjoy a homemade classic!
PrintEasy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish made with tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory homemade sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this takeout-style meal is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Beef & Marinade:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lime juice)
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for spice)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup water
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice or noodles
- Sesame seeds & green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, mix sliced beef, soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper.
- Let sit for at least 10 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
2. Make the Stir-Fry Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sriracha.
- Mix cornstarch with water, then stir into the sauce.
3. Cook the Broccoli:
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add broccoli and 1/2 cup water, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Cook the Beef:
- Add 1 tbsp oil to the same pan.
- Stir-fry beef in a single layer for 1-2 minutes per side until browned.
5. Combine Everything:
- Add garlic and ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the stir-fry sauce and bring to a simmer.
- Return broccoli to the pan and toss everything together until the sauce thickens.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
✔ Tender Beef Tip: Slice against the grain for the best texture.
✔ Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
✔ Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
✔ Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.