Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a classic and simple dish that brings together tender slices of beef and crisp broccoli florets all coated in a flavorful, slightly sweet soy sauce. The combination of juicy meat and crunchy vegetables makes it a satisfying meal that’s quick to whip up any day of the week.
I love making this stir fry because it feels like I’m getting a tasty, homemade takeout right at my own kitchen table. One little trick I use is to marinate the beef briefly in a mix of soy sauce and garlic before cooking—it really helps the flavors soak in and keeps the meat extra juicy. Plus, stir frying everything fast over high heat means the broccoli stays bright and crunchy, which I always enjoy.
This dish is great to serve with a side of plain white rice or noodles to soak up all the delicious sauce. I like to keep some fresh ginger and sesame seeds nearby to sprinkle on top for an extra boost of flavor. Whenever I make Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry, it feels like a quick, healthy dinner that the whole family can enjoy together, especially when I’m in the mood for comfort without a lot of fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak or sirloin works best because they’re tender and cook quickly. If you prefer, try skirt steak or even thinly sliced chicken for a leaner option.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets bring crunch and color. Frozen can be used, but fresh is best for texture. Don’t forget to cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce: These give the sauce its salty and savory depth. Low-sodium soy sauce is a great choice to keep salt in check. If you’re vegetarian, use mushroom sauce instead of oyster sauce.
Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce, giving it a nice glossy finish. You can substitute with arrowroot powder if you need a gluten-free option.
Sesame Oil: Adds that lovely nutty aroma at the end. Use it sparingly as a finishing touch to keep its flavor bright.
How Can I Cook Beef and Broccoli Without Getting Soggy Veggies?
The key is cooking quickly over high heat and handling ingredients in stages:
- First, slice the beef thin against the grain. This keeps it tender and allows quick cooking.
- Stir-fry beef separately until just browned. Removing it early prevents overcooking.
- Cook garlic and ginger briefly to release aroma but avoid burning.
- Stir-fry broccoli until crisp-tender, usually 3-4 minutes, so it stays bright green and crunchy.
- Return beef to the pan, add sauce, and cook just until the sauce thickens. This step lets flavors blend without sogginess.
Using a hot pan and working fast keeps textures right and flavors fresh. Enjoy your perfectly cooked stir fry!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Wok or large sauté pan – I like it because it heats evenly and gives plenty of space to stir-fry quickly without crowding.
- Sharp chef’s knife – makes slicing the beef thin and precise, which helps it cook fast and stay tender.
- Cutting board – needed for prepping the beef and broccoli safely and easily.
- Mixing bowl – perfect for whisking together the sauce ingredients smoothly before adding to the pan.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – helps stir the ingredients without scratching your pan.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap beef for chicken breast or thighs for a lighter or different taste; chicken cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce well.
- Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas to boost crunch and color; they cook fast and add a sweet note.
- Use shiitake or button mushrooms for an earthy flavor and meaty texture; great if you want more umami.
- Stir in a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes for some heat when you want a spicier kick.
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry takes about 10 minutes of prep plus 10 minutes of cooking, so around 20 minutes total. It’s a quick and easy dish, perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
Whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, cornstarch, brown sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and stir-fry it for 2 to 3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through. Take the beef out of the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
4. Cook the Broccoli:
Add the broccoli florets to the pan and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, until they turn bright green and are crisp-tender.
5. Combine and Finish:
Return the beef to the pan with the broccoli. Pour the sauce mixture over everything. Stir well and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and broccoli nicely.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Take the pan off the heat. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top if using. Serve your delicious stir fry immediately over warm cooked white rice.
Enjoy your fresh and tasty Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry with tender beef, crunchy broccoli, and a savory sauce that makes every bite satisfying!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Stir Fry?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available. Just thaw it completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture so the stir fry doesn’t become soggy. Cook it a little less time since frozen broccoli is often softer.
How Do I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Swap regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free or substitute it with a mushroom stir-fry sauce for a similar umami flavor.
Can I Prepare the Beef in Advance?
Absolutely! You can slice and marinate the beef up to a day ahead in the fridge, using a bit of soy sauce and cornstarch to keep it tender. Just stir-fry it fresh when ready to cook.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover stir fry in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
